Farewell to Revd Fran Bellingham: Celebrating Her Time at Crofton Park Baptist Church

We bid Fran a fond farewell as she sets off on her next adventure to start a ministry with her husband Rev Richard Bellingham.

On Sunday, 3rd November 2024, we bid a heartfelt farewell to our beloved Assistant Pastor, Revd Fran Bellingham. Fran’s departure marks the end of a cherished chapter for Crofton Park Baptist Church, but her influence will be felt in our community for years to come.

The day before, on 2nd November, we held a joyful celebration honoring Fran’s time of service with us as well as our church anniversary. A highlight of the event was her interview with Ethan, a member of the Young Voices for Christ podcast team, where Fran shared personal reflections on her time with us, offering insight into her ministry and the profound changes she’s helped bring about. Her words were filled with warmth and encouragement, inspiring us all to carry forward the vision for a more outward-focused church community.

Throughout her ministry, Fran has been instrumental in shifting our church toward a greater outward focus, helping us to reach beyond our walls with compassion and support. Her commitment to building a welcoming, inclusive environment at Crofton Park Baptist has influenced every aspect of church life.

We will especially miss her presence at the Welcome Inn, where she was known for her kindness and listening ear, as well as her uplifting and often humorous anecdotes shared at Bible Study. Her contributions to our monthly Prayer Meetings have drawn us closer together in faith, and her wisdom and grace have left an indelible mark on our hearts.

As we move forward, we carry Fran’s words of encouragement to “use what is in our hands” with us and are grateful for the time we shared. We wish her every blessing in her future endeavors, and we are confident that God will continue to work through her in remarkable ways.