In the sixth and final part of our Lay Workers Series, meet Beverley Barbour Church Community Development Worker in the Portlaoise Circuit, as she tells us about her background, her journey to Ireland, the cordon of love that surrounded her and some of the many things happening on the circuit. 

My name is Beverley Barbour based in the Portlaoise Circuit for the last two years working as the Church Community Development Worker, with pastoral responsibilities for Portlaoise, Athy and Mountmellick. I have to say, I never thought this is where I would be as I approach my diamond birthday celebrations.  

Over 20 years ago, my Mum’s birthday gift to me was a subscription to UCB ‘The Word For Today’ The daily word invited the reader to hand over their lives, fully and wholeheartedly to God, relying on and trusting in God for every aspect of their lives, no matter what happened. I had nothing left to lose. 

After a 21-year college reunion, Mr Cook invited me to come and live in Ireland. I was appalled: I imagined it rained all day, it was cold and they were fighting all the time. I said no and let’s just say, I did not read the memo, because every time I fought the move, all my excuses were eliminated or resolved.   

Briefly, ‘Here’s what happened..........’ (Monk, TV Series 2002 –2009). 

In England, I had a great job as a Practice Manager and area trainer, then I was made redundant; my house was rented within two days of placing the ad; my Marv (Mr Cook) went away and I passed my Psychology degree, no reason to stay in England. I placed my palms on the walls of my house, saying good-bye, but it took me 2.5 years to move over, with me regularly looking up and asking the Lord ............are you absolutely sure, Lord? 

‘I know the plans I have for you for good….not to harm....’ Jeremiah 29:11, his assurance  and promise that God will keep me as I continue to rely on and trust in His word despite the traumatic loss of my Mr. Cook, my hubby, four years ago.  

In the absence of our respective families; our neighbours, the local community and random friends, challenged the lockdown travel restrictions, rallied around me and provided the cordon of love as noted in Luke 4:10.... ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you’. 

Now I am in Portlaoise, a circuit in the Midlands, the heart of Ireland, far removed from my Eastenders wannabe beginnings in London. I was terrified. Was this the plan? Only God knows. I completed my local preachers’ course a few months after losing Mr. Cook, during Covid19 lockdown. But as 2 Timothy 1:7 says ‘God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind’ I had to trust in God, rely on him only to lift my faith. 

Drawing on all my valued previous work experience and post Covid19 understanding, I accepted the role as a Lay Worker, Church Community Development for the Methodist Church, to continue to trust in, rely on and thank God and repay the community for their care and love.  

My Mum’s gift keeps on giving, she prayed Psalm 23 over me, that I would be a teacher or a preacher and I prayed.......’yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me......,’ so now I am truly grateful to give back in local church services, joint prayer meetings, community activities and developing Christian unity in meaningful ecumenical relationships.  Through various activities in the circuit, e.g. The Toddlers’/Children’s School/Geeks Out in Mountmellick, Our Lovely Horsebox in Portlaoise and Willow Tree Café in Athy, to name just a few.  We strive to establish the social contact between society and the vision of the Methodist Church, as it seeks wholeheartedly to make followers of Jesus for the transformation of the world.