Deacon Neil Coffin Retires—Fogo Island

The Rev’d Neil Coffin has been a non-stipendiary deacon for Holy Spirit Church on Fogo Island. Also, he was active on the pastoral care team at the Fogo Island Health Care Facility. With prayer and meditation, Deacon Neil and Lorna decided it was time to retire on December 31st, 2024.

Deacon Neil was called to the diaconate and has been very faithful. He assisted The Rev’d Neal Buffett at the altar each Sunday. His last service was an Island service (for both congregations on Fogo Island) on December 29th, 2024, at which he assisted at the altar for the final time. After the service, Deacon Neil Coffin thanked everyone for their support over the past four years. He quoted Ecclesiastes 3:1: “a time for everything.” He believed it was time to accompany his wife during the services.

He mentioned that he had been away from Fogo Island for forty years, and returned home a few years ago as a deacon. He experienced the truth of Mark’s Gospel firsthand: “A prophet is not without honour except in his own town, and among his relatives and in his own home.” Deacon Neil and Lorna will continue to be active and worship at Holy Spirit because they enjoy the family atmosphere that they have found here.

A luncheon was held at the parish hall to honour his dedicated service as a deacon for the Parish of Fogo Island East.