After 31 years of service, Jenny Allnutt has retired from church leadership in the parish of Wakefield & Districts.
“I feel very blessed to have been able to serve the Lord in Wakefield for so long,” she said at the parish AGM.
Jenny first served as vicar’s warden under Revs Barry and Valerie Hogan, and went on to hold key roles including people’s warden, synod representative and church secretary. Over three decades, she became a steady presence in the life of the parish.
“When you reflect on your life, you can sometimes see how you have been prepared for a role,” Jenny said.
Growing up on a farm, Jenny learned things that later paid off in obstetrics:
When I gave my first injection to a patient, she looked apprehensive and asked me, “Have you ever done this before?” I was able to reply, “hundreds of times” – she wasn’t to know all the previous injections I had administered were to lambs at tailing time.
Jenny grew in confidence through attending the Christchurch School of Nursing, learning how to communicate with compassion. Through running a business in the logging industry with her husband, Winston, she gained an understanding of New Zealand legislation, employer responsibilities and effective management.
She also chaired a health and safety committee for a timber supplier, helping introduce drug and alcohol testing in forestry. The work contributed to Nelson forests becoming the first in the country to adopt a forest-wide drug and alcohol policy.
“Through seasons of change and challenge, she has been a steady and reassuring presence,” said vicar’s warden Andrea Nelson in a farewell speech.
Her dedication has not only sustained the life and work of the church but has also enriched the spirit of our community. Whether through practical service, thoughtful counsel, or quiet acts of kindness, Jenny has touched the lives of many and made a lasting difference.
Jenny received a Certificate of Appreciation from Bishop Steve for her contribution. She will still be involved at St Johns in Wakefield – just enjoying a well-earned break from vestry.
Check out other articles in the
Lay Legends
series below.
More articles in the
Lay Legends
series are to come.
We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
After 31 years of service, Jenny Allnutt has retired from church leadership in the parish of Wakefield & Districts.
“I feel very blessed to have been able to serve the Lord in Wakefield for so long,” she said at the parish AGM.
Jenny first served as vicar’s warden under Revs Barry and Valerie Hogan, and went on to hold key roles including people’s warden, synod representative and church secretary. Over three decades, she became a steady presence in the life of the parish.
“When you reflect on your life, you can sometimes see how you have been prepared for a role,” Jenny said.
Growing up on a farm, Jenny learned things that later paid off in obstetrics:
When I gave my first injection to a patient, she looked apprehensive and asked me, “Have you ever done this before?” I was able to reply, “hundreds of times” – she wasn’t to know all the previous injections I had administered were to lambs at tailing time.
Jenny grew in confidence through attending the Christchurch School of Nursing, learning how to communicate with compassion. Through running a business in the logging industry with her husband, Winston, she gained an understanding of New Zealand legislation, employer responsibilities and effective management.
She also chaired a health and safety committee for a timber supplier, helping introduce drug and alcohol testing in forestry. The work contributed to Nelson forests becoming the first in the country to adopt a forest-wide drug and alcohol policy.
“Through seasons of change and challenge, she has been a steady and reassuring presence,” said vicar’s warden Andrea Nelson in a farewell speech.
Her dedication has not only sustained the life and work of the church but has also enriched the spirit of our community. Whether through practical service, thoughtful counsel, or quiet acts of kindness, Jenny has touched the lives of many and made a lasting difference.
Jenny received a Certificate of Appreciation from Bishop Steve for her contribution. She will still be involved at St Johns in Wakefield – just enjoying a well-earned break from vestry.
Check out other articles in the
Lay Legends
series below.
More articles in the
Lay Legends
series are to come.
