Reverend Jane

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25th  1.00 pm.

Revd. Jane's funeral is Covid restricted and only the 30 people invited are allowed in Church.

She will travel from the Rectory to St Nicholas followed by her family on foot.

After the service she will travel to be buried with her husband in Lincolnshire.

The company in charge of videoing the service have visited Church

and seem confident of being able to do a live stream on zoom. It will also be viewable later on line.

The Zoom Meeting details are:

https://zoom.us/j/97147887329?pwd=MVduVmJYUW9KQlpYL2Z3T0poKzFsQT09

Meeting ID: 971 4788 7329 Passcode: 562753

REVEREND JANE MARGARET HOLMES 1957 -2021 RIP    

"Growing up on a farm in North Lincolnshire - I am a rural girl. 

After a personal tragedy in my family I turned to God and I found him ready and waiting to wrap me in his arms. 

Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you ( Matt.7:7)

After many years of soul searching I followed my calling, left behind a career in finance and banking, and trained for ministry. 

Ordained in 2007 I came to Gayton in January 2011 and I have to say I find my work here an absolute privilege. 

Great people, great place and a great team!  

I am passionate about teaching and sharing the love God has for us with all ages for I know His love is just as relevant for all people today, as it was yesterday, and will be tomorrow."

This is how Revd. Jane described herself ....what it does not tell you was just how dedicated she was to the Church here and the village.

She cared about the building (and her vision of what it could be is almost complete) but she cared much more about the people here –

those with Faith, those with other faiths and those with no faith.

She was concerned about all aspects of village life and met so many people through her work.

She never conducted a wedding without sharing in the joy of the bride and groom, she never led a funeral without feeling the sadness of the bereaved.

But she was happiest with children and loved baptisms, Messy Church and her work in our schools.

She was no stern faced cleric but was full of fun and laughter and game for anything –

even climbing the tower at Grimston and bell ringing, with Messy Church at the beach and dancing and singing in Church.               

             She was with us for almost exactly ten years but for the last two and a half years she has been terribly unwell.

In August last year she was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.

   We prayed for a return to good health and then we prayed for a graceful end.

Jane died on February 8^th. with her brother and sister with her and is now at peace.

Jane will always hold a very special place in our hearts and we all hold happy memories of of her.

(You may add your special memories and share photo's of her here by emailing ggmbenefice@gmail.com.)

Memories of Jane.

Steve Williamson

1 Corinthians 13. 13. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." Amen. Steve

Eleanor and Craig Morrison :

Jane became my friend over many years of being our village Priest, and even after we moved, we kept in touch and visited regularly.  She married Craig and I, baptised William and Samuel and took Hannah, Daniel and Craig through confirmation with the Bishop, well after we had moved.  I have so many amazing memories with Jane. From trips to the beach with the children, where she let Hannah and her school friend Hattie take the microphone on the coach, through to her coming to the kid’s parties (she said it was ‘an education’ being in our house packed to the rafters with sugar filled children).  Jane supported me through some tough times, and I’d like to think I also did the same for her occasionally.  She never used her position to set herself apart and has been a massive inspiration to me in life and work. Her sermons were so moving I would well up every time.  She included the children in everything, to the point where William knows St Nicholas Church as ‘dancing church!’ She was the only Vicar I know to grace the pages of Hello! Magazine, when Kate and William attended a wedding in our village.  Of course, she didn’t see it until I gave her a copy! Jane was tough; she took on some challenging situations and finally took on pancreatic cancer, which sadly ended her life.  I last saw her at home in the Autumn, and she was very poorly, but her faith shone out of her like a lighthouse.  I used to say; ‘I know nothing about the Bible, Jane,’ and she would say, ‘you know about love.’  Rest in peace Rev. Jane, love Eleanor, Craig, Daniel, Hannah, William and Samuel. 

Alistair Beales :

I’m so very sorry to hear of Jane's death. Jane had become such an integral part of this community that it is hard to imagine a church service without her. So many of our girl’s school services were lit up by Jane’s enthusiasm and her way of getting the Christian message across in a way that the children not only grasped but positively embraced.

I will miss her greatly and have fond memories of Harvest Festivals and Remembrance Day services when she was brave enough to ask me to read a lesson. I attach a photograph that sums up my memories of Revd. Jane.

Rest in peace. Alistair

Linda Adams :

Thank you for letting me know that Reverend Jane has very sadly died.

I didn’t really know her, but I know that she has been so unwell for some time. 

Three years ago Revd. Jane christened my grandson Archie and the service was delightful, bright and full of love. I know that Archie’s Mummy and Daddy have very happy memories of meeting Jane.  Linda

Marie’s memories:   Archie’s Christening 17th February 2018
We first met Revend Jane when she welcomed us into her home with open arms and a very big smile to discuss our sons upcoming Christening in 2018.We were there a good couple of hours as we talked, made decisions and laughed, we even had a sing song and sang to Archie one of his chosen songs, 'this little light of mine'. Jane was simply full of happiness.

Another chosen song was 'Hes got the whole world in his hands' and Revd. Jane changed the words to say 'Archie has the whole world in his hands' unbeknown to us, which was such a thoughtful and personal gesture which she even had printed in the booklets which we are able to treasure, a truly kind and caring thing to do. 

Jane was such a lovely lady, with a very big heart, full of happiness and she had an infectious smile that made you smile back, a really amazing person who will be sorely missed.  With love,  Marie and Jamie.

Sarah Dennis :

I am so sorry to hear the very sad news. Revd. Jane was a lovely lady and my thoughts are with her family.

She Christened both of my boys, Joseph and Noah. I have attached some pictures. They just show how lovely she was.

With deepest sympathy , Sarah Dennis

The Venerable Ian Bentley, Archdeacon of Lynn

I have known Jane for almost her whole time in the Diocese, although only as Archdeacon for these last two and a half years. She had a real passion for the gospel – a desire to get the good news of Jesus Christ out there. Her sense of fun and her love of life always shone through. She loved her ministry. When I spoke to her over these last months she would get enthused about all that was happening locally and in the wider church. He mind and spirit were strong although her body was failing. Attention to detail, a self-confessed control freak! She liked to do all things well and to the glory of the God she loved. In her illness, her personal faith shone through. She knew where she was going. She will be much missed locally and in our diocese.

Alison Steward, PA to the Archdeacon of Lynn

I am so sorry to hear of Jane’s passing, whilst knowing that she is now at rest and completely out of pain.

I wouldn’t be able to hazard a guess at how many conversations I had with Jane over the years but it was always a great pleasure to speak to her.  Jane was a thoroughly capable lady, always positive, with an assuring “can do” approach.  I shall miss our conversations so much.

Rest in Peace dear Jane; and my heartfelt condolences to the family and to all in the GGM Benefice. Alison

Revd Judith Pollard

I have a vivid memory of skipping down the aisle at St, Mary's, Great Massingham holding hands with Jane at the end  of our joint licensing service by  Bishop Jonathan. There was tangible energy and excitement in us and the congregation and a feeling of hope as we embarked upon our shared adventure of ministry in a new benefice of ten amazing churches. It is a memory I shall always cherish. Reverend Judith

Revd. Sue and Richard Martin

It is with enormous sadness that we are  sending  condolences to Jane’s family at this time. She had been unwell for so long , battling through pain, diagnosis, and pills galore whilst remaining strong and faithful in ministry throughout.

My memories of Jane began at her service of installation at St Nicholas Church, Gayton ten years ago. It was evident she was very committed to her ministry in the parishes with an endearing love for the people she met and those searching for God in their lives.

Throughout her time here, she has blessed us all in ensuring the life of all our churches, can thrive in each individual  way, whether big or small. Jane’s work in schools has been an enormous joy and many families have a greater understanding of Jesus because of Jane.

Jane was full of love for everyone, Her deep and abiding faith was boundless, her friendship everlasting and she had a real sense of fun.

We send our love to Paul and Liz and all the family. Sue and Richard

Bill Lewis, Churchwarden, East Walton

East Walton owes a true debt of gratitude to Jane . When we enter our now lovely Church, we must all think of the legacy she has left. Jane successfully instigated and managed grant funding for us to preserve our building for decades to come. She magically managed to gain funding for the windows that had leaked for years and are now good for another 100. And we still have our wonderful stove that we all enjoy during carol services.
Our Living History Festival during the summer of 2019 was mainly organised by Jane who was unwell then but battled on introducing the village to a whole new group of friends who supported our event.. And as for the archaeological dig in the farm garden assisted by Gayton School. What a genius triumph..Thank you, Jane, you will be missed.Bill and Rachel

Jane Butler - Messy Church Coordinator

We note with sadness the death of the Revd. Jane just last week. We are very sorry for your loss in the parishes and wider community she served. We will be praying, particularly for Jane’s family, ahead of her funeral next week. God Bless, Jane

Ridley Hall, Cambridge ( Where Jane did her Training for Ministry)

We're incredibly sad to hear that Revd Jane Holmes, who trained for ministry at Ridley in 2005-7, has died. She brought God's love to so many through her ministry, and will be deeply missed by those in the villages she served.

Jan Willson

This was a team meeting .  We had good team meetings – we worked hard, chatted lots, laughed a good deal, and shared lovely times.  But this rug was quite special.  Jane had to complete a project as part of a sabbatical so she collected bits of her parents’ clothes and made the rug.  So, there we were, all down on our hands and knees looking at the different bits of material – and looking like we were praying in the round.  I just had to take a photo.  Reminds me of fun times – never forgotten.  Janx

Rosemarie Bowers

My earliest recollection of working with Jane was when she was Vicar of the Gayton Group. I tentatively offered to help with Messy Church, held at the Jubilee Hall in Gayton. I was so excited to be a small part of such a great outreach and Jane was a ‘breath of fresh air’! Annual Coach Outings to the Beach were hilarious and legendary! Jane had such a natural rapport with children and young adults.
Over the years I have served as a very small cog in the wheels of the Ministry Team and that has been a real privilege. Thank you Jane for counting me worthy - may you rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy and love goes to Paul, Liz and all the family. Rosemarie 

Lucy and Jeremy Brown 

It is so terribly sad, she will be missed massively , we can take comfort from the fact that she suffers no more- bless her . May she rest in peace-  Lucy and Jerry.

Lisa Barnett

I remember Jane well, and with great fondness! Praying for all who mourn her. Lisa

Margaret Bowes

I send my condolences to Jane’s family. She had a wonderful aura about her, with  happiness and fun but gentle sympathetic words when needed. Now resting at peace with our Lord, which transcends all our understanding. Margaret

The Hardy Family

Reverend Jane at the Christening of William Hardy in 2013 at Gayton Thorpe Church. Happy Memories.

Chrissy Shale.

One of my favourite memories of her was at one of the earliest Zoom services and she spoke of being in hospital and receiving unwelcome news, and how in the end it strengthened her faith in God. Chrissy

Judith Gough 

I am very sorry to hear of Jane's death but know that she will be at peace and free from pain, which she has borne for the last 3 years. Jane always did her absolute best for her flock ...a very brave lady. I remember going with her on a parish walk about 18 months ago and was surprised at how well she coped ..making the best of the afternoon and managing a cheerful smile on what was quite a taxing walk even for the supposedly fit participants eg me ! My deepest sympathy to her family. Judith

Rachel Greenhalgh Executive Head at Gayton C of  E Primary School

Jane and her family are very much in our thoughts and prayers at the moment.  We have informed our school community and we will say a prayer together for her during collective worship tomorrow.  It was one that she wrote for us.   Such sad news.

She had been such a vibrant and strong part of our community.  I met Jane when I was interviewed for Headship at Gayton back in 2011.  The interviews took place partly in her home, and right from the start she was so kind and welcoming.  Over the years we became good friends, and she was a wonderful advocate for our lovely school.  She has a real gift for working with the children and put such energy and thought into her time with them. Last term she wrote this prayer for us to share with our families and children.  I thought I would share it with you.

A Prayer for Revd Jane

Lord God,

We pray for Revd Jane. 

Please be close to her and touch her with your love

so that she may know you are with her and your comforting arms are around her. 

Bring her to you so that she will have the peace and the joy of being in your presence always. 

Amen

Rachael 

Joanne Edwards 

I am a Teacher at Gayton Primary Academy. My family and I are deeply saddened by the news of Revd. Jane's passing. She was a wonderful, warm lady who always went above and beyond for all. My class absolutely loved her collective worship meetings, particularly the time she performed a rap!

Our whole school community will miss her. 

Personally, we were lucky enough to have her involved in our wedding and the Baptism of both our children. Memories we will treasure. Our thoughts are with her family at this time. Jo

Jennie Wildsmith-Garton Head teacher at Holly Meadows Primary School Pott Row

I am so very sorry to hear this news. We have many fond memories or Rev Jane at Holly Meadows School; the children will certainly remember her warmth, kindness and her wonderful sense of fun.  She has been very much in my thoughts and prayers recently.

Please pass on our sincere condolences to her family. With much love. Jennie

Tony Leigh

I have known Jane for many years. We were both governors for Gayton school. In 2013 she conducted my wedding ceremony at Gayton church, and in 2016 she conducted the funeral for my mum at Mintlyn crematorium.
She was always a very passionate and committed Governor and will be sorely missed.
As Chair of Governors for Gayton and Middleton primary schools and on behalf of the governing body, and also personally, I would like to pass on our condolences to the family. Tony

Paul Dunning Diocesan Education Team 

Jane was a wonderful person to work with and totally supportive of the schools on her patch. Whether she was serving formally as a governor or supporting the school community pastorally she always demonstrated the love and care of Jesus through her relational approach. She was so good with people and was loved and valued by her schools. She was always approachable and was open to change and new ideas if it brought benefit for the children and community. Her commitment and effective servant leadership was an example to us all. A true disciple of Jesus who walked the talk. We will miss her immensely. Paul Dunning

Lynda, Chris and Richard Newell