A lonely pensioner has praised Elmwood Avenue United Reformed Church (URC), in Mersey Synod, for its joyful and friendly welcome.
After 70 years of marriage, Ron Pulling, aged 90, found himself separated from his wife, Elsie, when she had to be admitted into their local care home due to the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
This devastating separation occurred within six weeks of the couple moving to Warrington to be with their daughter.
Ron was confirmed at the age of 39, and while living in Farnham Common was an active member of his local Church of England (C of E) congregation. Now living in Warrington, he decided to resume his life as an active churchgoer.
“But my only means of transport is my trusty scooter and to get to the nearest C of E Church would be impossible,” Ron said.
“Nobody seemed to know of a nearer church, so I set to, exploring. Happily, I stumbled upon Elmwood Avenue Church URC and turned up there one Sunday morning and walked in.
“I was simply astounded at the joyful and friendly welcome I received.
“I have become a regular worshiper at Elmwood URC. Here, you have a truly living church, with reverent but enjoyable participation by all.
“Well done URC, this is how homage should be. Even throughout lockdown, everyone took full advantage of Zoom and I now have more than two years membership with the denomination, with friends to whom I feel I can turn to if the need arose.”