It was a sad day for the Anglican congregation at Nossa Senhora da Luz on June 17, as their Minister Father Haynes Hubbard and his family signed off after five years of service.
During this time a Church at war with itself has been transformed into an outward looking, inward rejoicing group of worshipful folk from a variety of countries.
Not just on Sundays but whenever the need arose to call on God for his grace and guidance.
Father Haines was ably supported by Lay Readers, Eckard Floether and Bob Kelly, together with a whole host of volunteers from the western Algarve.
Equally we give thanks for Father Bob Bates and his team at Palhagueira and Almancil.
The troubles that beset us were addressed with courage and determination and the body of the Church has become a united entity again.
Popular groups, the Sunday Rainbow Club for younger children and Study Groups for seniors in search of better understanding of their faith became a regular and important part of our lives.
While a search is made for Father Haynes’ replacement we are blessed to have Father Bob from the east.
Also Father John in Praia da Luz to lead us forward, who is a friend and well loved Minister who, for some years, has been there when called upon in good times or bad, and for whom we offer our grateful thanks.
The Hubbard family leaves for Canada with our prayers and best of good wishes.
Margeret Brown
