Last Thursday a thanksgiving service attended by around 150 people was held at AMC for a dearly loved and
greatly respected member, Cynthia Mary Lucas who died 24th April aged 88 years. Rev. Rob Cotton
presided over a service drawn up by Cynthia herself with her usual precise organisation, attention to
detail and consideration for all involved. Prayers of thanks for Cynthia’s exemplary life and the
promise of eternal life for all were followed by a reading of AA Milne’s Little boy kneels at the foot
of the bed. Rev. Michael Parrott read from Matthew 6 – trust in the Lord. We heard a favourite
poem, Softly along the road of evening (Walter de la Mare) and Cynthia’s offspring movingly
shared their memories and indebtedness.
Rev Rob celebrated Cynthia’s devotion to family and pupils, her appetite for adventure, her
honesty and Yorkshire grit, love of nature and literature. He reminded us that Jesus also
experienced grief while on earth. As with the prodigal son our Father loves us and longs to embrace
us.
A photo tribute accompanied the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. Prayers of
thanksgiving and commendation followed and we sang Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising.
Donations can be given via www.ashleymethodist.co.uk/donate for the North Staffs Macular
Society, Action for Children and Ashley Methodist Church.