Paul Saunders writes . . . . .
Dear Friends
If there is one thing about human nature that I have
learned over the years it is that none of us like change! I’m not just
talking about the Church here; it was the same when I was a Civil Servant.
Change is something that we are suspicious of – it frightens us a little even.
We get comfortable with things as they are; we know what we are doing. Why
change the certainty of what is for the uncertainty of change.
I am writing this at a time when I am very conscious that
change is on all of our minds. For the church and circuit, you will be
beginning the process of inviting a new minister for the Paignton section for
2009, and Kina and I are busy writing our profiles and beginning the
consultation process which will decide where our ministries will take us in
2009.
Change, as embodied in our itinerant Ministry, is part of
Methodism, it was something that both Kina and I accepted when we candidated for
ministry and it is part of the life of each Methodist Church. It is a
thing which I believe enriches Methodism by sharing the many and varied gifts of
its ministers (both Presbyters and Deacons) throughout the Connexion. It
is natural that at these times of change we should feel anxious, but as
Christians we should also know that no matter what we face there is one who will
guide and guard us through everything.
When I was younger I used to sing this chorus with gusto –
I know who holds the future
And he’ll guide me with his hand
With God things don’t just happen
Everything by Him is planned
So as I face tomorrow
With its problems large and small
I’ll trust the God of miracles
Give to Him my all.
As the years have gone by, I have learned from experience
that the sentiment expressed in those words is a fact on which I can build my
life.
In all times of change, God is with us. “Even though
I walk through the valley of death, you are with me, your rod and staff comfort
me”. So I encourage you in the days to come, when worries and doubts come over
you, to place your trust in God. I would also ask that you hold Kina and myself
in your prayers, as we will hold you in ours.
Remember - I don’t know what the future holds, but I know
who holds the future.
God Bless.
Paul
Circuit Contact Information
- Telephone
- +44 (0)1803-555694
- Mobile
- +44 (0)7804-882582
- Postal address
- 75 Dolphin Crescent, PAIGNTON, Devon, TQ3 1JZ, United Kingdom
- Electronic mail
- Superintendent Minister:
Revd Paul Saunders
- Click here to see a list of
Circuit e-mail addresses
Please refer to each church page for local details
Torbay Methodist Churches,
Devon, UK
