Dear James and dear friends at St Matthew's and in
the Diocese of Tasmania...
Thank you for informing me of the death of Lyn
Plunkett. From your account, it sounds as though
her passing was swift and may have been a 'severe
mercy.' What a terrible shock for her family, for
the parish and Diocese and for you. I weep with you
all and would have liked to be with you at this
time of darkness. This is indeed a very sad day and
life and the world will be the lesser without
Lyn.
Lyn was a truly remarkable and saintly
Christian woman.
Without her vision and unshakable commitment,
it's hard to imagine that St Matthew's would have
been able to journey so readily through the last 7
years or so and embrace Enabler Supported Ministry
as it did. Her positive attitude, gentle enthusiasm
and quiet confidence in God and where God was
leading the church shone through, especially in
those difficult and heady days of early
development. She had an amazing ability to
encourage and draw others along on the journey, to
bring calm in the midst of storm and to instill
confidence in God. Her faith and trust in God and
passion for the reign of God was contagious.
Her calling to serve as a priest was
unmistakable. She was a wonderful and preceptive
listener, to God and to people. She had a great
capacity to gather the community and share the love
of God and her joy in God. Her close personal
relationship with Jesus was transparent. She
radiated his love and compassion. She was a one
off, a special gift from God to her family, to the
church, to the Diocese and to the wider community
of New Norfolk.
She leaves a fantastic legacy of faith, hope,
peace and love behind her.
In many ways, I think that the successful
establishment of Enabler Supported Ministry is an
important and fitting 'living memorial' of her
vision and drive to see the Anglican church in New
Norfolk firmly re-founded and sustainable for the
long term.
Her life story will continue to be an
inspiration to all who were close to her - her
family, colleagues and fellow members of the Body
of Christ - and to all who become disciples of
Christ and join the church in the future.
Her death will leave an aching void in the
hearts of all who are left behind. But, I feel
sure, it will also serve to increase everyone's
resolve to continue and complete the work that God
was doing in and through her. She will certainly
have a special place in my heart and will remain an
inspiration and encouragement to me in my
ministry.
Yours in the peace and love of Christ,
Alister
Palmer
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