Catching Up With... Freda Ricord

Carys Parker
Pastoral Intern

This summer, Carys Parker, West Side's Pastoral Intern, will be visiting with some of our members who are not able to be worshiping with us in-person. Be sure to check back each week to see what is happening with our dear friends!

At the end of June I had the privilege of sitting down with Freda Ricord alongside Pat Nealson to reflect on her past 70 years at West Side. Freda was in cheerful spirits, quick to offer her
famous hugs and share with us about her love for the West Side community and how life is going for her these days.

Freda shared that while she used to enjoy knitting, crafting and reading books, progressing arthritis in her hands has made these tasks increasingly difficult. “It was at first very hard to
accept this and I found myself asking God, ‘What do you have for me to do now?’ He answered me, ‘Freda, you will be my prayer-warrior.’” Freda wakes up every morning at 5am ready
and committed to pray by name for her family, friends and everyone here at West Side. She expressed that prayer is what now consumes her day and it is a joy and a privilege to be called
by God to pray for the community she loves so dearly.

Freda shared many a fond memory about first coming to West Side as a young woman, teaching Sunday School, ministering to the youth, founding the Mothers of Preschoolers group and finding so much support, love and purpose through her church family. She hopes and prays that others will continue to invest and care for the West Side community.

Freda asked for prayers of protection over her family: her children, grand-children and
great-grand children. Freda specifically asked for prayers for her great grand-children whom
she hopes will come to know and love Jesus and accept him into their hearts.