Dear Friends,
I am looking forward to joining you all in the Mid Cambridgeshire Mission Partnership in December. I will be moving into the Manse in St. Neots on 27th November and will spend a couple of weeks attempting to get furniture, books etc all sorted, before starting work in mid-December.
Moving is quite stressful and as I am a bit of a hoarder I have lots to sort through prior to moving, not helped by the fact that some of the things being sorted are as a result of two house sales. There are lots of memories and I have found it emotional and nostalgic at times. Moving house was part of my childhood as my father served in the RAF, memory tells me it was fun. I didn’t have to think about the logistics or anything except my special bits, such as my teddy bear and books. It’s not quite the same now!
However, looking back can be useful as well as fun and I have resolved to try and not be as much of a hoarder in future. Time will tell.
I am also looking to the future, exploring new areas is interesting, settling into a new community and working across new communities will be challenging. This challenge will affect all of us as the Mission Partnership continues to work together, supporting one another and as the three URC’s adjust to sharing one minister.
Before I move I will be attending the extraordinary General Assembly, where the results of the Church Life Review will be presented and the future direction decided. You may have read the summary in this month’s Reform. I think the desire for interdependence that comes through the papers is important as, if the proposals are accepted, amongst other things there will be support for congregations with things like compliance issues and administration which will hopefully free folk to truly live out the Gospel and share God’s love.
During my ministry I have lived in various parts of the country and returning to a more rural area now is very appealing. I will miss the ease of public transport in London but not the amount of traffic or the noise level.
I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know you all across the congregations and take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the joy of this special season fill our hearts and overflow in love for one another and our neighbours.
Alison