Revd. Christopher Humble
Circuit Superintendent
I wish you all a very happy new year. Technically it is still the season of Christmas as I write these words, because the feast lasts for twelve days until 5th January, then we celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord as we remember the visit of the wise men and the mysterious gifts which they presented to the Christ child. The lectionary invites us in coming weeks to also consider the significance of other manifestations of the true nature of Christ through his first sign or miracle at the wedding in Cana and his baptism in the River Jordan and his call to discipleship. These events are linked by that word manifest “our God is manifest below” as Charles Wesley puts it repeatedly in his hymn on the Incarnation “Let earth and heaven combine” (StF 208) . Such manifestations are epiphanies, revelations of Christ’s true identity, testifying to the truth that he has come as Saviour of all the whole world. As such they invite us to reflect on our discipleship and mission as God’s people in the world.
This month sees us awaiting the work of the second round of the Stationing Matching Group in the middle of the month for our appointment within the circuit after Patrick Evans sits down in the Summer. Please continue to pray for discernment for all involved in the process, the ministers in the process, our Circuit Invitation Committee comprising Circuit presbyters and Circuit Stewards and representatives from the churches most directly involved.
All our churches will be holding the annual Covenant Service in coming weeks. The Covenant Service was a means of grace begun by John Wesley for his societies, and now often used as a way to mark the new year, viewing such as an invitation to re-dedicate ourselves to God and the work which God calls us to, for the sake of the kingdom. The words we are asked to say in the Covenant Service are challenging and demanding. They remind us that discipleship is not easy and not always about what we would like.
So, as we head into a new year of unknowns, we grasp the hand that always holds us, the hand of the God who always leads us, loves us, feeds us and equips us. May our faith sustain us and may God bless us as we travel onwards.
Rev. Christopher Humble
Circuit Superintendent
We remember with thanksgiving the life of Audrey Barnard of Formby who died on 23 November, and pray for The Revd Geoffrey and the wider family in their loss.