First change to note is that Meg Privett who has served as the senior circuit steward for many years has stepped down. Meg has been dedicated to the role beyond the normal length of time and her commitment has been exemplary, especially in relation to the annual invitations process that we have been involved in. Therefore if you happen to see Meg then share your appreciation. Sue Keatt from Wonford Methodist will be taking on responsibility as senior steward with immediate effect.

With regards to our ministers Revd Donna Leigh has not been able to work for some months due to ill health, and she is seeking early retirement as a result. A further change is Revd Wayne Grewcock whose time within the circuit is reducing to a third as his responsibilities move to a new circuit within the District known as the Coracle Circuit, where his focus will be on new initiatives including Shoreline Online Community. We wish Revd Donna and Revd Wayne well in their new ventures.

Arriving in the circuit from London is Revd Mmasape Thathane – Tyolweni who will have responsibility for The Mint, Wonford and Budleigh Salterton. Her welcome service will be on 15th September at 7.30 pm at Wonford Methodist Church. Our prayer is that Mmasape will quickly feel at home in the circuit so that her ministry can flourish amongst us.

Change with these endings and beginnings are not always welcome. The uncertainty can unsettle us as we come to terms with what is taking place. It was the same for the people of God as they left Egypt in pursuit of the promised land. At the first instance of uncertainty they declared it was better where they had come from, even though the previous life was limited through slavery and oppression. Change isn’t always welcome but sometimes it is necessary.

Within the circuit the reduction in ministerial input has a consequence for the whole circuit. Whilst we do not have the same number of churches as when I first arrived we are also in the process of reducing our staff from seven to three ministers. More and more ministers have to lean towards being managers rather than pastors and empowering others to fill the tasks that historically have been the domain of the presbyter. It is not inconceivable that I have to take on extra responsibility in the months that are to follow.

With all that said I think we have to remind ourselves that we are involved in God’s mission, not our own. I continue to trust that all shall be well. I continue to see that God is at work in this place and across the circuit. We may at times empathise with the people of God coming out of Egypt who were left in an unfamiliar wilderness. Yet the biblical passage reminds us that God was with them, guiding them and providing for them every single day.

So at this pivot point in the Methodist year, let us give thanks for what has been, appreciate what is, and look forward to the future safe in the knowledge that God is eternally in control .