Our Minister

July-August 2025 Circuit Link Letter
from Rev Deborah Kirk, Superintendent Minister

For such a time as this...

Beginning in a few days, and into next week, the Methodist Conference will take place in Telford. Representatives will meet for prayer and worship, conversation and decisions, the ordination of new presbyters and deacons, and numerous 'fringe events' which seek to educate, inform and inspire.

The current President, Reverend Helen Cameron, and Vice President, Carolyn Godfrey will hand over their offices to the new President, Reverend Richard Andrew, and Vice President, Matthew Forsyth.

John Wesley himself was the original President of the Methodist Conference, but after his death it was agreed that in future, so much authority would not be placed in the hands of one person.

Instead, the elected office will be shared in partnership between an ordained and a lay person, and would be for one year only.

The theme of the President and Vice President this year has been Praise and Protest – the theme of our Methodist Prayer Handbook, and our two representative leaders have used their many visits throughout the Connexion to speak about the inseparable link between a Holy God and fullness of life for all of God's people, consistently reminding the Methodist people of their calling to work for justice and peace.

These are the leaders of our Church who represent us in the public sphere, and alongside other Christian Churches in the Joint Public Issues Team. Among the representatives at the Conference will be our District Chair, the Reverend Dr Daniel Haylett, who will attend with 10 representatives from the SW Peninsula District, including our own Jane Allin.

There is a long Agenda of items to be debated at the Conference this year, and if you have some time, and an interest in how this works, you can watch the open sessions live on this link:

https://www.methodist.org.uk/about/structure-and-governance/the-methodist-conference/conference-2025/watch-conference-live/
One of the highlights of course is the Reception into Full Connexion of those who are being ordained as Presbyters (Ministers) or Deacons.

These will take place on Sunday 29th June, at 10.45am, and you should be able to watch the worship after that time as well. We pray for each of the 24 people being ordained this year, and the continuing journey of call and discernment that the event will represent for them.

This is the church of which we are each a part and whoever we are and however we exercise our discipleship and serve Christ in the world, we each have a role and a voice and a ministry to offer.

In the book of Esther we find the insistent words 'Who knows but that you have come to this place for such a time as this?' To be able to respond to 'such a time as this' with all its opportunities and challenges, requires us to be personally involved, to engage with the questions that are being asked by those around us, and to bring a Christian perspective to the conversation.

As the Methodist Conference meets, let us take time to remember to pray for our leaders and representatives in their conversations, and to be ready to do our part as Methodist people.

Whatever you will be doing during the next two months, don’t forget to take some Sabbath rest and relaxation. May we walk gently on the earth, and know the love of God surrounding and sustaining us.

Peace for the journey, Deborah

Farewell letter from Ildikó Haraszti (Circuit Link June 2025)

I feel incredibly blessed to have spent these past two enriching, challenging, and deeply formative years in the Circuit. This has been so much more than just a placement - it’s been a home. I’ve made lasting friendships, and I’ve learnt so much from the members of the congregations, my wonderful colleagues Deborah and Annie, the supernumerary ministers, and all those who serve so faithfully in different roles.

Throughout my time here, I’ve felt truly supported. So many of you have offered advice, shared kind and encouraging words, given thoughtful feedback, and extended genuine love. My hopes and ideas were always received with openness and care. I never felt like “just a student” - rather, I felt seen and supported as someone growing into the calling of a future presbyter. That trust and encouragement meant the world to me and helped me find confidence even in moments of anxiety or doubt.

As I prepare to leave in July, I carry with me the love, passion, and sense of belonging that this Circuit has so generously given. You’ve been fellow pilgrims on my journey, and each of you holds a special place in my heart. I will keep the Circuit, the congregations, and every fellow disciple in my prayers.

Thank you for being such an important part of my life and ministry. It has been an honour to walk this part of the road with you.

With every blessing,

Ildikó Haraszti 

April 2025 Circuit Link Letter from Rev Annie Deche, Circuit Minister

Dear Friends,

Spring is so refreshing; I have looked at it and related it to new life and spiritual growth that sets us along our Lenten journey through to the cross and finally to celebrate Easter. We can all see the beauty that surrounds us all and the lovely colours return!

I have picked this beautiful Spring poem and wish to share it with you all my wonderful, blessed friends.

‘New growth, new life – it’s the season of Spring,

baby chicks and birds with a happy song to sing,

pussy willows and catkins decorate the trees,

and fine, floral scents sweeten the breeze.

Bunnies and bonnets, so joyful and bright,

with chocolate and treats hidden well out of sight;

lambs frolic in the fields, up and down they go,

and all those boiled eggs to paint, roll or throw;

Easter parades and family fun,

with memories to share for years to come’.

In this journey of Lent we continue to be inspired by the Soul resources shared by the Methodist Church Connexion team, that has challenged and continues to inspire us that we ask God to give us our daily bread and feed our souls with all things that nourish us, asking if it is only food or God’s word, or shelter being nourished by a safe home, or rest by being nourished by patience and slowness, or the repair of our souls nourished by unconditional love and forgiveness on Mothering Sunday. And what about Soul mates that inspires us to be nourished by companionship on the Palm Sunday to let our hearts sing and be nourished by musical expression, leading us into the Holy Week. Please, if you can, we invite you to join us at Rowbarton or Bridgwater on the Monday or Wednesday evenings of the Holy week and we will together watch the movie ‘God’s not Dead’, drawing us into Good Friday with the theme of Support, nourished by each other when times are tough. We will remove every item from the Lenten cross on Good Friday, reminding ourselves to hold fast to our faith in a world that tries to strip us of worth and value, to live with our faith, and our belief despite all around us.

And pray… O Lord our God, on this Lenten journey, let us face our sorrow, feel our sorrow and trust your Word. Amen.

And on Easter Sunday we will return every object from Lent to the cross. And share our Soul stories, Alleluia, Alleluia! is our story and our song, give us this day our daily bread that our cup overflows with enough to share… That our souls proclaim the greatness of the Lord, that our souls overflow with a story to tell.

I take this early opportunity to say I will be thinking of you on this special day! Best wishes for Easter and the season ahead.

"Blessed are those who have not seen and have yet believed." - John 20:29

With love and Blessings from Moses and Annie!