Death of Revd Andy Dart

Dear Friends,

We were all saddened to hear the news of the death of Revd Andy Dart at the very end of last week. Andy was a man of deep spirituality, profound pastoral insight, warm good humour, and who was passionately concerned about God’s world and the Church’s witness to and mission within it. Andy had served within the London District for many years, in several circuits; in all of them, he formed deep and lasting relationships of trust, mutuality and care. He was a valued friend to many. His membership of the Iona Community rooted his ministry in the bedrock of his prophetic vision and his spiritual passion. He will be much missed, but he leaves a wide and lasting legacy of faithful ministry and transformative love in church and community.

Of course, we hold in our hearts and our prayers just now those closest to Andy, and especially his wife Barbara and his daughters Cara and Mari, his mother and stepfather, Maureen and Jeff, and sister Sue. They have asked us to share with you details of the celebration of Andy’s life, which will take place on Wednesday 09 July at 11am at Shirley Methodist Church, Eldon Ave, Croydon, CR0 8SD.

Barbara, Cara and Mari have requested no black - please wear bright colours, as it is a celebration. Instead of personal cards or flowers, there will be a book for you to share your memories of Andy. Donations are for St. Christopher’s Hospice and there will be refreshments served after the service.

Andy died just on the eve of the opening of The Methodist Conference in Telford, and we were able to include his name among those of the presbyters who have died in the past year at the annual service of remembrance on Friday 27 June. At that service, we heard these words of scripture, which we treasure and cling to in these days, as we grieve for a beloved friend and colleague, commend him to God’s eternal keeping, and celebrate the legacy Andy’s life will leave in the lives of many:

“But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,

and no torment will ever touch them.

In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died,

and their departure was thought to be a disaster...

but they are at peace.” (Wisdom 3)

Every blessing,

Jonathan (and on behalf of Jongi, Faith, Ros and the District Executive)