Honour Those Who Serve

When Marg Moran concluded her 31 years of service and 22 years of ministry at Heathmont Baptist Church in February – the outpouring of loving words and praise flowed as freely as the tears from a truly grateful church. We can only summarise some of these here.

At an early age Marg became a Sunday school teacher at Newport Baptist, loving people and community. She and husband Phil moved to Heathmont Baptist in 1973 and in time their three children were born. Marg was initially asked to take shorthand minutes for Deacons meetings in silence- and did so for the next 31 years. In time however, she was allowed to speak and ever since has always spoken with wisdom, integrity and love. For 22 years, from the 1988 opening of the church office, Marg has served with excellence alongside 15 different ministers as administrator.

In changing years “Pastor Marg” has provided wise, stable influence, balancing administrative skills and mentoring along with compassion and ‘extra mile’ commitment. All who have worked with Marg say it has been a delightful joyful privilege.

Marg has real concern for what’s right in this needy world. Through volunteering she has expressed her belief that all people be treated with dignity. Over years Marg has served with Heathmont Inter-church Help committee, convened Community Grants sub-committee; Reach Out for Kids and other programs to assist families, parenting and practical needs; Karinya counselling, rostering, supporting counsellors; assisted Refugee Airfare Loans Scheme, helped in needy Asian communities and much more.

In thousands of words Heathmont people have declared that Marge is: Genuinely caring, a brilliant listener, peace-maker, confidential confidant. Warm, “like Jesus” to all. Broad in love but attending to the small things too. One whose love for God overflows to everything. Fun-loving with a great laugh. Faithful, gifted, discerning, humble. Complete in integrity. A loving wife, sensational mum. Truly filled with the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) ...

Many said, There are no words to say how much we appreciate you and all you do. You’ve always helped us. Thank you (1000x). We really love and will miss you. You’re irreplaceable. It won’t be the same, we’ll be lost without you.

Friends, Marg is alive and well. But too many other people will wait till they die (too late) for honouring words or gratitude. Today may we express our appreciation to people who serve. Jesus’ said, “The greatest among you will be your servant.” Well done Marg, you’ve inspired us all.