Cheerful, trustworthy, hard-working, supportive, and honest were just some of the words used to describe Helen Munt who left the United Reformed Church (URC) for a new adventure on 9 April.
Unable to hold a traditional farewell party due to social distancing restrictions, Church House staff gathered digitally to say goodbye to Helen who leaves after nine years with the URC: six as Church House receptionist and three as PA to the Revd John Proctor, URC General Secretary, and Jane Baird Deputy General Secretary (Administration and Resources).
Helen, who became engaged to her fiancé Nathan on 21 January, has moved on to a new life in the north where she hopes to continue pursuing her calling as a singer-songwriter and to the worship and prayer movement in the UK.
Speaking highly of Helen’s nature, John said: “Helen has only hosted one president in her time [at Church House], when the President of Madagascar came to see us in September 2017. She dealt with that gentleman with the consideration and dignity that his office deserved. And she offers the same consideration and dignity to everyone.
“She treats each person like a president. Her two roles in Church House have brought her into touch with an immense circle of guests, visitors and callers from all around the URC and far beyond. She treats them all with courtesy, gives help whenever she can, makes them feel that their request was reasonable (even if it wasn’t), and regards everyone as important (which they are). Hundreds of people would have a good and grateful word to say about Helen.”
Jane added: “Helen has played a significant part in the Action Learning Group, sharing her knowledge and work tips, helping us to discover new ways of working together and using technology more effectively.
“As well as keeping me organised Helen took on two particularly significant pieces of work and made them her own: managing and maintaining the Business Continuity Plan (we continue to be able to work even though we are not in Church House) and the guidance for churches to register with the Charity Commission.
“Along with her professional skills, Helen is also very talented in the fields of art and music. I know that she will do well in whatever she chooses to do in the future. Helen and Nathan have chosen to live their future lives together and we wish them every happiness for the future.”
John continued: “We are very happy for Helen and Nathan, with all the delights and opportunities that are ahead of them. It’s not, many would think, an ideal time to be making new plans. But they have surely realised that whether the times are favourable or not, what matters more is having the ideal person to make those new plans with. We wish both of them great blessing in all that is ahead.”
After a poem, written and recited by Rob Seaman, URC Pension Fund Manager (who was overcome with emotion because as reigning champion Helen has left, he has a fighting chance of winning the staff treasure hunt) Helen, described colleagues at Church House as family, saying: “I’m going to miss you all so very much.”
Tasneem Choudhury has taken over the role temporarily and can be contacted by email.
Published: 16 April 2020
