It’s a season of change for the team of Dock Chaplains.  Earlier this year we waved farewell to Finian (Finiannnn!!!) – and now this week, it’s Karen’s turn to embark on adventures new, as she prepares to move to a new parish and lots of new challenges in Killarney.

Saying our farewells at our Sunday Nights at The Dock service last Sunday, and with Karen’s cohort of Dock volunteers on her last shift in the cafe on Monday, there were lots of lumpy throats… Karen has been a rock-solid, enthusiastic, faithful and hugely valued part of the Dock team, almost since the very beginning.

In fact Karen was the first co-Chaplain to join the team (hence the fact that I always call her “Co”) – it was so exciting to have someone else join the team back in the early days that I even made a little video about the joy of leaving behind the days of being All By Myself:

Reflecting on Karen’s years in The Dock also makes me realise what a tremendous journey we’ve been on… She’s been part of Dock Walks, Titanic commemorations, Meet the Neighbours, Christmas Parties, Sunday Nights on Nomadic, opening Titanic Belfast, the formation of Dock Cafe, the early days with just a handful of volunteers and customers, and then the explosive growth of our beloved cafe/church/community home-away-from-home.

Breathtaking to realise how much life and joy and transformation have been packed into a few short years in this wonderful place.  Karen – it’s been amazing – thank you!