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Mike's Manse Message |
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August 2010
Dear friends"And now the end is nearSo goes the opening words to the famous Frank Sinatra song, "My Way" and at the moment I cannot get it out of my head, as I reflect on the last six years. As I've said to many of you over the last few months when I came to the Ripley Circuit I very much came under discipline as Alison and I believed passionately in the itinerant Ministry (that is the name given for Ministers who can be sent anywhere within Methodism) and we still do. The trouble was we were leaving a place where we were very happy to come to a place where we'd have to start again. We came because of discipline. However we now find ourselves in a similar position; we're only moving again because of discipline, not willingly or gladly but reluctantly and only because we've committed our lives to go where we believe God wants us under the direction of the Methodist Church. This brings with it inevitable sadness as we leave behind people we genuinely care for and love, but leaving them in safe and trustworthy hands. Alison and I have had some great times in the Ripley Circuit. The joy of being a part of local schools has been special, the annual carol service at Codnor, the Christmas Eve Communion at St. James and the fun and laughter. At Ripley especially I will remember with thankfulness the 24/7 prayer, the opening of the new building by Rev. Baroness Kathleen Richardson, but most of all the young people and their enthusiasm. I've only got two words to say to some of them at this stage, "Go, surrender!" Within the circuit I've seen Churches built, Churches close, times of prayer (including a year of prayer), theatre productions both by professionals and in-house productions of `Burning Questions` and `Here and Now` pantomimes at Ripley and Waingroves, Essence courses and more recently Alpha courses. Together we've journeyed through good times and difficult times, some good people have passed into glory (and I still believe in that old phrase) and others have moved to other parts of the country. I've known good colleagues in Sue Smith and more latterly Lesley Fidler and Alison Wood, thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship of the Local Preachers and the Worship Leaders, and been truly blessed by the love and care of the `people in the pew`. I've known some very caring and generous Churches but this has easily been the only Circuit where I have felt a Circuit wide love and affection (and tolerance !) for me. Thank you all so much. And now to the future... to those travelling into the Amber Valley Circuit I wish you well. Love Stuart, Susan and Marian in the way you've loved me; show them how to truly care for their Minister as you've shown me. I urge you always to keep Jesus Christ at the centre of all that you do. It is His mission in which you are engaged, not the building up solely of your church. No, we are called to be His witnesses and I pray that you will go on doing that using the skills, gifts and talents He has given you all and I promise you this... I will be praying for you, because I won't stop caring for you. I'm strongly tempted to end with another famous song, "We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when, but I know we'll meet again some sunny day". And we will meet again on facebook, in e-mails, by letter or card, or possibly in Worship again. God bless you all and thanks for all you've given to me. I've been privileged.  |
© 2010 Reverend Michael Redshaw |
