This year, two much-loved members of our Conference Office have stepped into retirement. Between them, Cathy Kingston and Lynne Turner have given 66 years of service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Most of that time was spent quietly, behind the scenes and at the front desk, making it possible for everyone else to do their work. As a Conference family, we want to say thank you.
Lynne Turner: the welcome of the Conference
Lynne’s service began in September 1987, long before most of us can picture her at reception. For more than 11 years she worked as a Residential Carer at Adventist Care in Rossmoyne, looking after residents with great kindness. In 1999 she joined the Conference Office as Receptionist, a role she held for more than 27 years.
For almost three decades, Lynne has been the friendly, welcoming voice and face of our Conference. Whether greeting a visitor at the front desk or answering the phone, she met every person with genuine warmth. Her compassion and willingness to listen have been a gift to countless people who came to us in need of a kind word, and few know the people, places, and story of our Conference as well as she does.
I have a personal reason to be grateful. Many years ago, a scruffy and rather unruly young man would stop by the Conference Office in Gosnells. He was greeted by name, with a smile, and truly seen. That young man is now writing this tribute. I have since had the privilege of working alongside Lynne as an Officer, and I can tell you the welcome was never a performance. Her ability to love and care for people the way Jesus would is a rare gift. She stayed calm through difficult conversations, a calm that reflects a deep connection with God and a settled sense of who she is. Through years of change and leadership transition, Lynne has been the glue God used to hold the office together. Her connection to the people, churches, stories, and history of this Conference is beyond value.
Cathy Kingston: the wheels of the office
Cathy began her service with the Church in 1999 at the South Pacific Division in Wahroonga, New South Wales, where she spent more than eight years as Departmental Assistant for Adventist Education. In 2007 she became Administrative Assistant, a role she held until 2013. That same year she joined the Western Australian Conference, again as Administrative Assistant, and served there for more than 13 years through to her retirement. From 2013 to 2017 she also served as the Singles Director. In all, Cathy has given more than 27 years of faithful service.
Cathy has served this Conference with grace, diligence, and an unfailing eye for detail. Through seasons of change, as new leaders found their feet, she kept the wheels of the office turning smoothly, often anticipating what was needed long before anyone thought to ask. Her warmth, her generosity in the kitchen, and her loyal passion for others have made her far more than a colleague to everyone who worked alongside her.
Those of us who became Officers in the last 12 months have particular reason to be grateful. Cathy was a steady and wise presence in an office, and an Officers’ space, that can often feel uncertain and tumultuous. Her care and concern for people were often unseen, though always appreciated. She showed up, supported the whole team, and pitched in for everything, including in areas well outside of her role. That kind of faithfulness smooths difficult waters. Even in her final months she served thoughtfully, preparing her successor with the same care she brought to every task. As Officers, we will miss her conversations and support more than our words can say.
Both women have been formally recognised with an official citation, and its words are worth repeating.
To Lynne and Cathy, we thank you for your faithful service and for the contribution you have made to the work of the church in Western Australia. We honour your dedication to mission, your passion for people and your Christlike manner. Cathy, we acknowledge your wisdom, your joy in the face of adversity and your conscientiousness in all that you do. Lynne, we acknowledge your resilience through challenges and changes in leadership, and your care for all who came through our doors or reached us by phone. You have both served with distinction.
Retirement will change the location of your service, but not its impact. You will remain servants of Christ whether travelling the world or pottering at home. May God bless you both in this next chapter. Thank you, from all of us!