A couple who’ve been mainstays of the Church of England in Douglas town centre are going to leave the island.
Having ministered on the island for just over six years Reverend Canon Ian Brady Incumbent of St Thomas’ church Douglas, and Canon Evangelist to the Cathedral and Reverend Lynda Brady chaplain to Hospice Isle of Man and Associate Minister of St Thomas’ church, Douglas, are going to take up new positions in Cambridgeshire.
Ian will be in charge of six churches and Lynda will be assistant minister in the Diocese of Ely.
Ian said: ‘During our six years of ministry in the parish of St Thomas’ we have had the pleasure of working with some very fine and dedicated people in the church and in the town centre community.
‘The church family has risen to the challenges of coming out of its comfort zone to engage with people with such things as The Easter Car Wash, The Christmas Sheep Trail, Allsorts and Allsorts service at St Thomas’ School.
‘We have also had success with various initiatives in the town centre of Douglas with the starting of such programmes as The Douglas Town Centre Project, Street Angels and Tea with Reverend B.
‘As Canon Evangelist to the Cathedral we had a very successful Ecumenical Holy Week outreach across the island with ‘Cross Across the Island’ where during the seven days of Holy week a life size wooden cross was taken around the island. over 2,000 palm crosses were distributed and most of the island’s historical sites visited.
‘I have also had the great pleasure of being chair of governors to St Thomas’ school, Chaplain to the Gaiety Theatre and Chaplain to the Royal Artillery Association. All of which have enriched my ministry in so many ways with their acceptance and friendship and I will miss them greatly.
‘The Isle of Man is a beautiful place. We have enjoyed our time on the island and will remember with fondness the fellowship and friendship that we have experienced during our stay here. But the Fens is lovely part of the world and we look forward in due course to working and worshiping with the church people there. ‘
Lynda said: ‘It has been a tremendous privilege to be a part of the team at Hospice Isle of Man where the care given to patients, relatives and friends is simply outstanding.
‘Spiritual care is an essential part of the holistic care Hospice provides and I have been humbled to have been allowed to be a part of some of the most difficult, challenging, personal and intimate areas of people’s life, there have been times of spiritual high, and times of walking in the valley, there have been tears, smiles, and though it may surprise you, there have been lots and lots of laughter. So it is with mixed emotions we look to move in the summer, I will miss working with patients, relatives and friends and especially colleges at Hospice tremendously. But we also look forward with excitement and anticipation to see what God has in store for us in the next chapter of this amazing journey with Him.”
Ian and Lynda have two sons Benjamin and Joseph. Joe will be enrolling into a sixth form college in Cambridge and Ben will be following them later on in the year.
Their final service will be on Sunday 10th July 2016 at 11am at St.Thomas church Douglas, to which all are invited to come and say thank you and farewell.