Martin Goldsmith’s Celebration of Life on 22nd March 2026

On 22nd March, we came together as a church family to remember Martin Goldsmith, with gratitude for a life well lived and with sadness at his passing.

A delegation travelled to Chichester, via different means of transport, to attend the Celebration of Life in person. We are particularly grateful to Steve Scott for driving a group down from St Andrew’s in a hired people carrier.

There were also a number of people who watched the live stream in the comfort of their own homes. While a group of 26 from across the Benefice met at The Wilshere Hall in fellowship to watch the live stream. There was great comfort in coming together and there was a sigh across the room as Elizabeth Goldsmith shared the Romans verses with everyone. Those who came along felt very grateful to feel part of the service and comforted by being together in a place so special to Martin and Elizabeth. Thanks go to Lynne Griffiths for providing refreshments at The Wilshere Hall and for Jan Kinsman for handling all the technology.

The service was full of humour and joy amid the sadness of losing Martin. The power of holding onto the hope of heaven came through most clearly.

We give thanks for Martin’s life, for his faithful witness, and for the many ways he and Elizabeth have been such a blessing to our church community over the years. While we feel the sadness of his loss, we also hold onto the sure and certain hope we have in Christ.