Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
September is the beginning of the Methodist year. Some see it as the beginning of the 'meetings season', and it is. We gather to consider, debate and discuss those issues which our Conference sends to us to work with and enact.Some see it as a time of new beginnings, and it is. In this Circuit there are new beginnings for past and for new colleagues. Revd. Heather Cooper has moved from this Circuit to the Wirral to be Superintendent there. We welcome Revd. Stephen Skinner and his family to the Marlborough section and we look forward to our time together in ministry and fellowship.We need also to see this as a time for new opportunities to take the life of our churches and our Circuit forward. Unlike the calendar New Year, we do not have resolutions that are often made with the best of intentions, but soon broken or forgotten.What we have is 'Our Calling' as the Methodist Church:WORSHIP
The Church exists to increase awareness of God's presence and to celebrate God's love
LEARNING & CARINGThe Church exists to help people to grow and learn as Christians, through mutual support and care SERVICEThe Church exists to be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injustice EVANGELISMThe Church exists to make more followers of Jesus Christ Each 'new year' is an opportunity for us all to engage more fully with these aspirations and hopes, for us all to respond to God’s calling to be disciples in our communities and in the world.In Jesus name,Mark
The Church exists to increase awareness of God's presence and to celebrate God's love