I was saddened by the news of your sister Sylvia’s death on 21 June, and wanted to write to convey the condolences and assurance of prayerful sympathy of the Baptist Union at this time of loss.

We are so grateful for the years of faithful ministry that Sylvia gave to The Baptist Union of Great Britain and to the wider church. She was a much loved minister at Tyndale Church in Reading between 1989 and 1998, during which time she also served for a year as President of the Berkshire Baptist Association. In the two years following her retirement she was Association Secretary of the BBA, and we greatly valued her contribution on the BU Council between 2000 and 2004. Sylvia will have sown much fruit and touched very many lives over the years, leaving a lasting legacy, all of which represents a ministry that honoured Christ in all things.

May you and your family know the strength that comes from Christ as you grieve. Psalm 23 speaks of the ‘rod and staff’ of the Lord comforting all who travel the dark valley of the shadow of death. That strength comes from the Spirit, and I trust it is expressed through the care of family and friends.

With prayerful best wishes, in the name of the One who is the Resurrection and the Life, Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Revd Vivienne O’Brien
Deputy Team Leader and Ministries Adviser
Baptist Union of Great Britain