Our Minister

May 2025 Circuit Link Letter
from Rev Deborah Kirk, Superintendent Minister

‘… when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself’. John 12 : 32

One of the privileges of being a church leader in this area comes in the form of an annual invitation to the ‘blessing of the crosses’ which are raised on Creechbarrow Hill on the Monday of Holy Week. I have been able to be part of this short act of witness for most of my time here in Taunton. This year, we weren’t permitted to climb the hill because there was building work going on and security is tight. So rather than standing at the foot of the three towering crosses as they look out over Taunton, we grouped at the bottom of the hill and looked up towards them. No photos were permitted, but from our position, the 3 crosses were framed by a gap in the trees and looked distant and far away.

It was a very different perspective.

Each year we come to the remembrances and services in Holy Week with a different perspective. The world, our contexts, and our own situations have shifted, and are different from the year before. This year, we look at the humility of Jesus from a world context in which leaders jostle for power and try to exert their particular brand of authority over others. We consider the sacrificial aspect of Jesus’ action for a world in which the interests and flourishing of many are sacrificed for the benefit of some. We hear Jesus’ prayer ‘Father, forgive’ over each of our lives again aware that, in spite of our own good intentions, there have been many failings we regret.

Perhaps you might glimpse the crosses on Creechbarrow Hill over the next few days. Perhaps you might consider how Jesus still looks over the shifting contexts of our lives, our country, God’s world. Perhaps you might consider that picture of service and love as he kneels at the feet of his friends and tells us to do the same.

Perhaps your mind will travel on through the Gospel story to those gathered at the foot of his cross, listening to the words he speaks.

Perhaps you will stand with Mary in your own quiet space, wondering again at the mystery of the empty tomb, and hearing your name spoken with great understanding and love. Listen for the Lord speaking to you today – whether you are feeling fine and joyful, or whether you are confused, or hurting, or grieving, or despairing, as he calls you by name; he understands that deep heart-pain, or the grief you carry, or the sorrow you cannot share – he is able to meet you in that quiet place and remind you that you are seen and known – and – if you trust enough to let him – your place of pain can even become a place of joy.

The empty tomb encourages us to see the world with a long view, a perspective that holds the past event of the resurrection together with the future event of God’s fulfilment of his Kingdom.

The empty tomb reminds us that death is not all powerful, that beyond despair there is hope, and that as Paul puts it, ‘neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Peace for the journey, Deborah

A message from Ildi:

Dear friends,

I am excited to share with you that after much prayerful discernment, the Stationing Committee has appointed me to serve in the Wolverhampton Circuit starting this September.

This is a blessing, as I have already come to understand more about their mission and aspirations, and I believe I can offer much of my experience to support their journey.

I will be entrusted with the pastoral charge of four churches in the Wolverhampton Circuit, working alongside five presbyter colleagues and one deacon. Three of my churches are small yet vibrant rural congregations, while the fourth is a larger, very active church with a strong focus on outreach and community service.

All of these congregations are inclusive, mission-minded, and deeply committed to following Christ’s call in their communities. I am excited for the opportunity to work with such dedicated disciples and to serve alongside my colleagues in this new chapter.

I am incredibly grateful for all the support, encouragement, and love I have received from the Taunton Deane and South Sedgemoor Circuit over the past year and a half. It has truly been a privilege to walk alongside you, and while it will be difficult to say goodbye, I still have six precious months to spend together, and for that, I thank God.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support as I prepare for this new chapter.

With gratitude and blessings,

Ildikó

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!