General News
6 October, 2024
Heartfelt standing ovation farewells Risson family
A large crowd honoured departing Horsham Church of Christ senior pastor Simon Risson and wife Andrea with a standing ovation during a heartfelt and at times emotional farewell service.
The family of six made the move from Mildura to Horsham almost 23 years ago to allow Mr Risson to take up the role of youth pastor when the youngest of their four daughters, Ruby, was just a few weeks old.
He was part of a three-member leadership team with then senior pastor Allan Anderson and assistant Julie Trinnick. For the past 17 years Mr Risson has been senior pastor.
During this time the church moved from aged and inadequate premises at its Urquhart Street site to a $6 million architecturally-designed facility on River Road to the city's south.
Daughters Grace, Lily and Ruby were among about 320 to attend the Sunday-morning farewell service. Oldest daughter Mae and husband Jack sent a video message from overseas. Representatives from many Horsham and Wimmera organisations also attended.
Mr Risson said after the service he was humbled by the events at his final service as senior pastor.
"Sunday's service was incredibly overwhelming," he said. "We were amazed at people's graciousness and the spirit of generosity shown to us. We are incredibly grateful.
"I've worked with and met many good people during our time in Horsham, have many great memories and we've been able to accomplish many great things together."
Early in the service video clips showing Mr Risson's activities over the past 23 years brought laughter and a raft of memories for people attending.
The first images were at the former church building then during interim years using Holy Trinity Lutheran College assembly hall and later in the new facility.
Organisers planned the event as one of great celebration of Mr Risson's ministry and leadership while also recognising the contribution by his family.
Acting senior pastor Jarrod Risson and younger brother to Simon Risson, said the church's leadership team wanted to show appreciation and love for Simon and his family for their contribution over the years.
"We wanted to honour them and I think we did that well," he said.
One speaker, Michael Vanderree, representing Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania leadership team, said he felt a warmth "like he had walked in on a family Christmas dinner".
During the service the Rissons were handed a large number of cards written by members of the congregation, as well as a monetary gift.
Gary Harmer, Pam Marshman, Angela Morrell and Lachie Walker expressed personal and collective appreciation to the Rissons. A quartet of Rick Walker, Michael and Rachael Gellert and Linda McDonald sang the appropriate and moving Gaelic blessing titled 'The Blessing', composed by John Rutter.
The service ended with a prayer of "release from ministry" of the Horsham church before a shared lunch. The family departed through a guard of honour.
Over the years Mr Risson was active in many community activities, and in 2020 was named Horsham Rural City Council's Citizen of the Year.
He was also chaplain to the Council and CFA D17, was Horsham Primary School council president, led Horsham Christian Ministers Association, was on Horsham's Carols by Candlelight committee and emceed the event several times, appeared in several Horsham Arts Council productions including Annie, helped at school camps and performed in Smart Artz's Laramie Project.
He also mentored primary school students and taught religious education in Horsham schools.
Mr Risson played 97 games for Pimpinio Football Club and at 40 was the oldest "debut" player in Horsham District League. He was also chaplain to several sporting teams, especially dealing with the issue of grief and depression.
Simon Risson is now on holidays and yet to announce future plans.
Jarrod Risson, who has been at the church 12 years, has taken on the role of acting senior pastor until the appointment of a person to permanently fill the position, possibly later next month.