Borden bid farewell to the Bigland/Pritchard family - Mark, Rev. Jan and Anna, Aug. 28, with a program and lunch in the Borden Community Centre. Emcee was John Buswell who welcomed everyone to this sad and happy event, and told about Rev. Jan's first service at the River Valley Anglican parish, Jan. 16, 2005, when she got lost coming from Rosthern and was 40 minutes late her first time, but they all stayed and waited for her. Jan also worked for the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism in Saskatoon halftime.
On behalf of the youth group, George Hembery thanked Jan for all her involvement and Gayle Wensley, co-founder of the group, said they would all miss her at their weekly events. A gift of a sun-catcher and plaque was presented to Jan.
Alan Hosegood told of a funny story that happened at church and how they are all sorry to see her go. On behalf of the Borden Lions, Bob Wardhaugh spoke about Mark's work with the Lions and his service to the community, his great piano playing for Archie's Angels and thanked him for his efforts and friendship. Helen Sutherland, on behalf of the community, spoke of their willingness to get involved and to work with the Lions, youth, school, etc., and of Jan's friendly smile, listening ear and how she was always willing to put her money where her mouth is. Helen closed with an Irish blessing. She and Jean Hryniuk presented the family with a gift of money.
Delbert Enns and Clive Wensley spoke on behalf of St. John's Anglican Church, saying that Jan always kept tabs on what was going on in the community, started to bring younger people into the church by way of the youth group and that it had been a wonderful six-plus years to have had her wisdom and her pleasing way of bringing everyone the words of the Lord. On behalf of the church, they presented a collection of five sketches (in one frame) of the five churches she served in the River Valley parish. The Anglican church choir sang two selections - Thank You, Lord (to the Edelweiss tune) and Our Best to You.
Anna thanked everyone for making her feel so welcome when they arrived from England in 2005. She said she enjoyed her years at school in Borden and going to Redberry Bible Camp.
Mark thanked everyone for their welcome and for attending the farewell. He commented on the care and support they have found living in a small town and said he hopes not to lose touch with the community.
Jan (getting the last word in) told about her adventures on some of her trips to and from Rosthern. She had wanted to be a priest for many years and this parish had allowed her to fulfill her dream and blessed her richly. The first person that dropped in and invited her out to eat was Nora Borgeson of the United Church, who lived in Maymont at the time. She closed with "God Bless you today and for many years to come."
Rt. Rev. David Irving, the bishop of the Saskatoon diocese, who lives in Borden, thanked Jan for all her work in the parish on behalf of the diocese. He noted must have been hard working at two jobs halftime each, and it probably did not always give her too much time with her family. She will be missed in the parish and more so in Borden where they lived. Bishop Irving closed with a prayer for Jan and her continuing work in her new church at St. Stephens in Saskatoon and may the Lord be with them in this time of transition.
Everyone then enjoyed lunch and beverages.
