Dear Friends,
It is hard to think that Tabitha and I have
been in Bradford for 5 years. At times
it seems like just yesterday that we arrived.
At others, it seems like we have been here forever! In reality of course it is only five
years. But what years!
When we arrived the
Bradford North Circuit was launched, and we were starting a new adventure. What does it take to create a new
circuit? Perhaps a lot more than any of
us really imagined. In these five years
a lot has happened. We began life as a
new circuit. We discovered uncomfortable
truths that had to be addressed, and addressed them. We had to rethink how we would have to work
in the light of fewer, limited resources.
We have taken time to try and understand what God is calling us to, as
local churches that make up the Circuit, in order to discern how best to use
the gifts and graces that God has given to us across the circuit as a
whole. We have welcomed new staff and
said fond farewells to others. All of
this, in addition to the every day mission and ministry that involves us all.
In a very short
time, Bradford North Circuit has travelled a long way, quickly. A defining characteristic of our time in
Bradford can be summed up in the word ‘change’.
We have seen a lot of it, both in the churches and circuit, and in our
home. As we look back over our time here
we rejoice, because we have been able to see God at work in people, even in
church and circuit committees! God has
taught us the meaning of waiting and discernment. So often we would like this to have been
faster, quicker, sorted out so that we can just get on with what we might
consider to be the real business of being God’s Church. However, when we read our scriptures, waiting
and discernment are characteristics of how God has gently, and at times firmly,
led his people. Why should we be any
different? And in each time, including
ours, God places the right people to help us, guide and encourage us and draw
us closer to Him. Of course, as God
continues to lead us, there will be continue to be change. Of that I have no doubt.
It has been a privilege
to travel these last five years with you.
It has been a privilege to see individuals grow in their understanding
of God. To see people grow into roles
they never imagined they would have, yet are clearly gifted for. To see churches, and groups within churches,
allow people to grow and to change, without expecting perfection first. Rather, encouraging and supporting one
another. To discuss with people issues
that are important to them, and give them the safer space to ask questions of
things we do, just because we do them, often ignoring the ‘Why?’. So often, it has felt like I have been part
of a ministerial team – and I don’t just mean with my ordained colleagues, good
as that has been. No, I mean the
ministerial team which is made up of all the members of the Body of Christ,
each and every one of us. At times I
have led worship, more often I have worshipped with. I have frequently been touched by the care
and dedication of our pastoral visitors - the unsung missionaries and ministers
of the church, whose consistent work underpins so much more - as I have so many
of the quieter roles that people undertake to further the building of God’s
kingdom. To you all, I am very thankful.
And now, it is time
for Tabitha and me to move on. Leaving
Bradford will not be easy, for we have come to love both people and place. However, there is a hymn, “The Enemy of
Apathy” (393 Singing the Faith), which points to the continual movement of God
and the expectation of wonders that God has yet to reveal to us in our
lives. The hymn also says of the Holy
Spirit of God that it cannot be captured, silenced or restrained. My prayer is that you will not even try to
capture, silence or restrain what God is doing among you. Rather that you will continue to be open to the
Spirit’s leading, being ever thankful to God for all that he reveals to you.
So, off to Abingdon
we shall go, praising God for all of our time in Bradford, and trusting in God
for whatever awaits us in pastures new.
May you know the
joy of the Lord in all things.
Every Blessing
Rev Ian
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