The town of Stalham in North Norfolk has bestowed a unique and prestigious honor upon Rev. Ron Skivington and his wife Jane, awarding them the Freedom of the Town. This distinction is a first in the town’s history, and it recognizes the couple’s dedication and service to the community over the past thirty-five years. As the pastor of Stalham Baptist Church, Ron has played a vital role in the town’s spiritual and social fabric, and his wife Jane has been an integral part of the church’s ministry. The award is a testament to their tireless efforts to serve and support the people of Stalham, and it is a well-deserved recognition of their selfless commitment to the community.
The Freedom of the Town is a significant honor that is rarely bestowed, and it is reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community. According to the town council’s policy, the honor is awarded to persons of distinction who have rendered eminent services, made significant contributions, and demonstrated “service above self.” Ron and Jane Skivington have exemplified these qualities through their ministry and community service, and they have left an indelible mark on the town of Stalham. Their church has become a hub of activity, offering a range of services and programs that cater to the diverse needs of the community. From community fridges and messy church to Bible art, craft, and bereavement support, the church has become a beacon of hope and compassion in the town.
Ron Skivington is quick to attribute the award to the efforts of his entire congregation, rather than just his own. He believes that the award is a recognition of the collective efforts of the church members, who have worked tirelessly to serve the community and make a positive impact on the town. “The award was to Jane and I, but without all the hard work so many people put into the life of Stalham Baptist Church, it wouldn’t have happened,” he says. “I see it as a recognition of our view that ‘we are all ministers.'” This humble approach to ministry has been a hallmark of Ron’s leadership, and it has inspired a sense of community and cooperation among the church members.
The award of the Freedom of the Town comes with certain privileges, including the right to wear a badge of office, attend civic functions, and participate in civic processions. While these privileges may seem ceremonial, they are a meaningful way of acknowledging the couple’s contributions to the town. However, Ron is quick to point out that the award is largely symbolic, and it does not confer any special rights or privileges. “In olden days, Freedom may have given the recipients the right to bear arms, be free from certain taxes, trade in the markets without payment of rents, or drive or graze livestock in the town,” he says. “But despite several asking if we can now drive sheep or highland cows through the town, or whether I can ride my bike the wrong way up the high street, it is purely a symbolic civic award that carries no special right for me to do anything.”
The award has given Ron a theme for his weekly message, which he took from Galatians 5:1 – ‘it is for freedom that Christ has set us free’. In his message, Ron reflected on the nature of freedom, whether physical or spiritual, and the importance of treasuring and preserving it. “Freedom, whether physical or spiritual, is a pearl of great price, something to treasure, protest and preserve,” he said. “Paul is saying to us, remember the cost of your freedom, and cling to the giver of it – he to whom Jesus has given freedom, is free indeed.” This message is a powerful reminder of the true nature of freedom, and it is a fitting tribute to the couple’s ministry and service to the community.
In conclusion, the award of the Freedom of the Town to Rev. Ron Skivington and his wife Jane is a well-deserved recognition of their dedication and service to the community. It is a testament to the power of selfless service and the impact that one couple can have on a town. As Ron and Jane continue to serve the community, they do so with the knowledge that their efforts have been acknowledged and appreciated. The award may be symbolic, but it is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, compassion, and service. As Ron so eloquently put it, “The freedom Christ has brought is eternal,” and it is this freedom that has inspired the couple’s ministry and service to the people of Stalham.
