 It is coming up to five years since Linda and Gordon Chapman left Ashtead in February 2004 when Linda went to take up the post of non-stipendiary minister in a team of 2 clergy and 2 readers near Market Drayton in North Shropshire in the Diocese of Lichfield. We were given the chance to catch up with their news when they recently passed through Ashtead.
If one were seeking to describe what ‘shining for God’ meant, one could easily do worse than refer to the faces of Linda and Gordon, as they described their commitment to their work in the church in Shropshire. While Linda takes her part in organising twenty six services a month, and involving herself in pastoral visits, Gordon has undergone a three year training course to become a Reader. As he points out, with a twinkle in his eye, he will shortly be authorised to officiate at his first funeral.
When asked how they were enjoying their life in the North, they beamed with pleasure and referred especially to the friendliness and personal contact they have with all members of the community. They feel very accepted, and made special mention of the friendly waves they receive from folk, as they drive past. They also stressed the strong community sense and mutual support, especially notable, Linda and Gordon tell us, at funerals, when the whole of the farming community, irrespective of religious affiliation, show their loving solidarity.
 Since Linda works for a Benefice of six country churches, much of her work is peripatetic, and wherever she goes, she is wholly committed to manifesting God’s non-judgemental love to all. Although the churches in the area have various attendances, some being quite small, she feels that they would be growing more, if it were not that there is, perhaps as in many places, an increasing lack of Biblical education. With her characteristic fervour, she would also love to bring a more lively and spontaneous mood into her churches, but is aware that many of the older congregations have a natural inclination for traditional services. But, as she says, it is important to affirm the congregations where they are, before encouraging them to take what many regard as radical steps forward.
 Linda and Gordon’s two sons continue their Christian journey. Robin, married to Hetty with three children, Oscar, Dominic and Micah, holds the post of deputy head in Eyemouth High School, just over the Scottish border near Berwick-on-Tweed. Hetty is a ‘community artist’ who within her company, “ Think Make Grow”, coordinates artists and obtains fundraising for exhibitions. Andrew, married to Rachel, is presently carrying on the tradition of the Chapman family as Youth Pastor at Christchurch, Fulham.
Linda and Gordon have fond memories of their time in St. Giles’ and St. George's, and particularly of the 10 o’clock service at St. Giles. Gordon says that some of their most treasured memories are centred on Ashtead Common, where they spent a great deal of time. Nowadays, leisure time sees them playing bowls on a fine domed green.
Linda will be remembered by many in our churches for her authorship of dramatic presentations in St. George's, her leadership in home groups, and as a Reader. Gordon co-ordinated all our children’s work in the 1970’s and 80’s and was churchwarden for 8 years. They would be delighted to receive news of their friends, especially anyone finding themselves in their vicinity.
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