Jean may retire but work for the church goes on
Jean Hunter may have recently retired from her role as parish assistant of the North Arran linked churches but her work for the kirk goes on.
As reported in last week’s Banner, the retiral of Rev Elizabeth Watson leaves the island without any full-time ministers, so there will be plenty of pulpit supply available.
Jean also remains clerk to Ardrossan Presbytery and has recently been appointed onto the nominating committee for the next moderator of the general assembly.
Jean began her journey to Arran in 1993 when she achieved a Certificate in Christian Studies from Glasgow University, but before coming to the island she took up a position as reader in 1996 with Ayr Presbytery and was much used in that presbytery for pulpit supply over the next few years.
In 1998 Jean began her studies for a Bachelor of Divinity degree at Glasgow University.
Jean and Rev Angus Adamson were studying at Glasgow at the same time and it was Angus who suggested that Jean might come to do pulpit supply on Arran, but she first came to the island in February 2001 as locum minister for Lochranza and Pirnmill and Shiskine and was given accommodation in Shiskine manse.
This was a new step for Ardrossan Presbytery as only retired ministers were allowed to be locums before that.
Then the presbytery linked Lochranza and Pirnmill and Shiskine with Lamlash. This linkage was allowed to call a minister and Barry Knight came in August 2002.
He and his wife, Helen moved into Shiskine manse and Jean moved across to Lamlash manse. She was given the title ‘attached reader’ and her work was to assist Barry. Sometime later Barry became ill and had to retire from the charge.
In 2006 Brodick and Corrie became vacant and the presbytery linked Brodick, Corrie, Lochranza and Pirnmill and Shiskine to make North Arran parishes.
Angus accepted the call to be the minister of the linkage, but with assistance and was inducted in April 2006.
Jean then was offered the post of parish assistant in the North Arran linkage.
She was able to transfer from reader to parish assistant again a completely new step at that time – because of her BD degree.
In May 2006 she began her work of team ministry with Angus and moved back to Shiskine manse.
Since 2001 Jean has been an active member of Ardrossan Presbytery, ultimately being appointed moderator in 2014/2015 – yet another first!
And then, in October 2016 she was appointed presbytery clerk which, Jean says, has been a challenge. It is a role she will continue with for a while yet.
But the story does not end there because Jean takes part in many other aspects of this island life.
She has been a member of Arran Churches Together since 2001 and has held various positions in the committee: minute secretary, secretary, chairperson and then treasurer.
She says: ‘I am passionate about the foodbank/fuel-bank for no one on the island should be hungry or cold.’
Jean also enjoys the Shiskine SWI where, she says, she can sit back and relax and is not expected to do anything. Although she has helped in other ways over the years!
She has been a member of the Guild since 1978 and she re-started the Guild in Shiskine in 2001.
Jean’s love of travelling is well documented – her slide shows on her return from holidaying in such places as the Holy Land, Antarctica and Alaska are legendary.
But her ultimate love must be that for her family and a particular joy has been for her to watch her grandchildren growing up.
Perhaps there will be more time to spend with them now. And there could not be mention of family without including her dogs - Bracken and Max.
In a testimonial given by reader Liz Clarke at her final service, she said: ‘Jean has served the Lord and the people on this island well over the years.
‘I’m sure we all have unique memories and stories of her commitment and compassion.
‘For me, I have a great debt of gratitude – not only has Jean been my friend, but she is responsible for starting me on
‘Retirement is the beginning of the next chapter in your life’
my own journey to become a reader.
‘She has been my mentor, adviser, and supporter throughout, for which I am extremely grateful.
‘Retirement is the beginning of the next chapter in your life and, as one who knows, I have to say that it is a truly great time. Every blessing Jean from all the Arran folk.’