Wendy to receive Cross of St Piran

Many amazing people have been nominated for a Cross of St Piran this year for their contributions within the Diocese of Truro.

In this series we will be speaking to some of those who will receive the award.

Wendy Francis is a dedicated churchwarden in St Ives and has been nominated for her ‘unwavering commitment and compassion’.

 

Wendy has spent her life caring for those in her community and often makes herself available as a listening ear.

The churchwarden at St Ia, in St Ives, has spent many years serving her church and parish. But this is not the only role she performs, she is also a pastoral minister, and church safeguarding officer, as well as safeguarding Coordinator for the parish.

Born in St Ives, as a child Wendy spent time going to St John’s-in-the-Fields church Sunday school.

She says: “I have always felt close to God.

“When I was a child, I always thought about becoming a nun, but I also wanted children so wasn’t sure how that was going to work.”

She didn’t become a nun but did spend her working life serving others. For 20 years she worked as a health care assistant in social services before becoming a medical welfare officer for children at a senior school.

Nowadays, she volunteers as a Community First Aider for St John Ambulance, as well as assisting with its youth group – training up the next generation of medical experts.

Wendy says: “I joined St John Ambulance 36 years ago because its members care for people and I wanted to help and do something worthwhile.

“I wanted to give back to the community.”

As part of the Parish Pastoral Care team she regularly visits the sick, providing comfort and giving support during difficult times.

She says: “I think because of my St John’s work, and my work background, I have got used to listening to concerns and helping.”

Wendy’s pathway to becoming a churchwarden and working with the church began when she was in her mid-twenties after a family bereavement.

“There is usually something that brings people closer to God,” she says. “I started attending church regularly.”

When she moved from her hometown St Ives to Penzance, she started to attend All Saints church in Marazion. It was here she and her mother were confirmed, together.

She later moved back to St Ives and began to attend the parish church. This was when she became more involved in ministry.

Wendy says: “I love this church, it gives you the sense of belonging, caring and it’s a prayerful place.

“I was asked one day to do the offering. I thought ‘oh my gosh’ because you watch it happening every week but not properly enough to know how to do it yourself.

“I progressed from there and got involved with more things in the church, and then I became a churchwarden.

“It was the Reverend Andy Couch who suggested my friend and I became churchwardens together. We attended three services on a Sunday. It was quite intense.

“When I became a churchwarden for the first time, I was a bit nervous. Everybody comes to you with all the questions, everything they want to know. You are also somebody for them to talk to.”

But now, years later, she continues to thrive in the role.

“I think being a churchwarden is very rewarding,” she says, “and you get to know the ins and outs of the church background and can make a difference.”

In the Cross of St Piran nomination citation for Wendy, it reads: “Wendy is deeply involved with the fabric of the church, undertaking many tasks quietly and never seeking praise for her efforts.”

Wendy says: “I feel very honoured to have been nominated for the Cross of St Piran award.”