Minister's Letter
It is a tradition that our Minister writes a letter every month which is printed in our magazine, "The Messenger". Tha latest letter is from Deacon Marilyn.
Dear Friends,
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Our Story Continues
“Stories move in circles. They don’t move in straight lines. So it helps if you listen in circles. There are stories inside stories and stories between stories and finding your way through them is as easy and as hard as finding your way home. And part of the finding is the getting lost, and when you’re lost, you start to look around and to listen.”
Sue Bender: Everyday Sacred.
Our story continues as I start another phase here in the Sutton Park Circuit, I want to thank you all for your cooperation in working with me thus far. As the season changes, so the leaves turn yellow, then brown and as a worshipping people we go into a season of harvest, thanksgiving and remembrance. It has been a time of deep reflection and prayer for me. As the staff team of the circuit changes and we work more collaboratively in a new way, in the new team, I am thankful to God for the past and ask for more communication and less assumption from all. I know some understand diaconal ministry and some are still trying to work out what diaconal ministry is. The call to diaconal ministry is a call on the life of every baptised Christian. I have come to understand that the praying, caring and sharing that we do for and to each other as part of our normal church family life is part of our diaconal call to watch over each other in love.
Methodist deacons are set apart by ordination into this lifelong ministry. I pray that in all that I do by the special grace of God I can give counsel and encouragement to all whom Christ entrusts to my care and none will suffer neglect.
There is so much diversity in diaconal ministry that it is not easy to define what a deacon does. However, all that we do is people centred. Enabling, encouraging, supporting, and caring in a pastoral nature to bring out the best in those we encounter and ourselves. We try to build communities where possible and encourage cohesion where necessary and are committed to work collaboratively with colleagues both lay and ordained in the church and community.
Being alongside God’s people in and out of Church; (regardless of faith, creed, race, sexuality, colour, etc) ministering God’s love to all so we can all experience the abundant life Jesus died for is my priority.
In my quest to live out the gospel call, I continue to champion the cause of the disadvantaged, marginalised, challenged and vulnerable; being alongside them, engaging with them and their wider families both in good times and bad; empowering and giving them confidence in claiming God’s promises made to them in Jesus and sharing hospitality which by grace will continue as I continue to minister here in the Sutton Park Circuit.
May we be led to the place we set out to discover on this journey together. I thank God for his grace, favour and mercy! So as we move forward together may we “ …. Above all clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
We must be still and still keep moving forward together. Loving and growing into a place of healing, restoration, and forgiveness, leading to deeper family and community union. Let us try to be a scriptural/Bible based praying community. Let us join hands as we climb this mountain of faith leading us to where we started. And all shall know we are disciples of Jesus Christ, and it will be well with us, in his name.
Marilyn