Dear Friends,
2025 is going to be an interesting year. At the end of July, I will retire after 15 years in ordained ministry. On the one hand, I’m excited about the prospect of a fresh start in a new place, of having more free time, and of being closer to my mum and sister. On the other hand, I shall be really sad to leave these two churches and the lovely people in them. It has been such a privilege to walk this part of our faith journey together, and I like to think we have all grown closer to God in that time.
I have no doubt that St Andrew’s will manage fine without me. We have such dedicated and able elders, and we are blessed with musicians and worship leaders who are growing in confidence and skill. The Church Centre continues to flourish, which in turn means healthy finances including an increased subvention to the church; links are being built between the church and Centre users. I claim no credit for any of this; God is at work through many people here.
Meanwhile, I’m still around for the next 6 months. I will be doing a pulpit exchange with Revd Ajay Singh, from Acton Hill Church, on 2nd March and with Revd Sue Male from Ealing Green on 4th May – both as part of strengthening the URC presence in URC/Methodist partnerships. Lent begins on March 5th (Ash Wednesday) and I’m hoping to lead a discussion group, probably online or hybrid. Easter is not till 20th April so that will mostly be covered in the next magazine, but just this morning I had an email about the Walk of Witness so I am hoping that will go ahead this year.
There will be plenty of plans to make before I go: plans for handing over, plans for getting our new house ready, plans for your future that don’t involve me. And there will be new things, beyond our planning or even our control, as God leads all of us forward beyond July. I recently came across this prayer by St Brendan the Voyager, which I found really helpful; I hope you might too.
Lord, help me to journey beyond the familiar and into the unknown.
Give me the faith to leave old ways and break fresh ground with You.
Christ of the mysteries, I trust You to be stronger than each storm within me.
I will trust in the darkness and know that my times, even now, are in Your hand.
Tune my spirit to the music of heaven, and somehow, make my obedience count for You.
Amen
Every blessing, Sue
