In Memoriam: Reverend Doctor Leonard Onugha (1974-2023)
Our dear, departed friend and Rector – Reverend Doctor Leonard Onugha – left us too soon but touched our hearts and made us smile while he was with us.
From left to right: Revd Tonia Elliott, Revd Julian McAllen, Revd Dr Leonard Onugha, Beth Quainton
A prayer for our dear friend and Rector – Reverend Doctor Leonard Onugha
Father God,
We thank you for the life and ministry of our wonderful Rector, Revd Leonard.
We ask you to comfort those who mourn him.
We pray especially for his wife Joanna, and his children René, Lucia, and Gioia.
Please hold them in your tender arms.
Comfort those in the Parish of Finchampstead and California who have been ministered to by your servant, Leonard.
Help us all to take care of each other in the weeks and months ahead.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
A letter from the Churchwardens and Ministry Team of the Parish of Finchampstead and California
21st March 2023
Dear Friends,
It is with real shock and sadness that we write to let you know some very sad news.
Revd Leonard Onugha, Rector of Finchampstead and California, collapsed and died at home on Monday night. His death was unexpected and deeply tragic. The news will be as much of a shock to you as it is to us. It is devastating for his family, and our prayers and thoughts are and will continue to be with Joanna, René, Lucia, and Gioia.
St James’ Church will be open for private prayer, reflection, and the lighting of candles from 6-8pm each weekday evening this week, and 9am-1pm each weekday morning.
There will be one service on Sunday 26th March in the parish, at St James’ Church, Finchampstead, at 11am. Bishop Steven, the Bishop of Oxford, will preside and preach.
There will be more notices to follow in the days to come. Please offer the family some privacy at the moment. Please pray for them and look out for each other at this difficult time.
Blessings,
The Churchwardens and Ministry Team of the Parish of Finchampstead and California
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