Ministers Message September 2025
September is here—and with it, the beginning of a brand new Methodist year. For most people, “New Year” happens in January, but for us Methodists, the turning of the calendar comes now, right as the leaves begin to change and the diary fills up again. The start of a new year always brings a certain energy—and perhaps, for some of us, a little apprehension too. There are new plans to make, new opportunities to explore, and, yes, a whole new round of meetings to attend. It’s sometimes called the “silly season” for Methodists: when committees sprout like blackberries and your diary suddenly has more ink on it than the hymnbook! But underneath the bustle lies something important: a chance to discern together what God is calling us to do next. discovering the gifts, ideas, and encouragement he will bring to our circuit. Please keep him in your prayers as he settles into this new role. There’s so much to look forward to this month— services, events, opportunities to serve, and moments to simply be together as God’s people. My prayer is that we approach this new Methodist year not with weariness, but with curiosity and hope, ready to see what God will do among us. With every blessing for the year ahead, Rev Jenny
Welcome Rev Barbara Garwood We’re delighted to share that Rev Barbara Garwood will be helping out at Histon and Castle Street over the next few months. She has kindly offered to take on a little extra work in the circuit, and we’re so pleased to be able to share in her ministry during this time. Scripture often speaks of new beginnings: God doing “a new thing” (Isaiah 43:19), or Paul reminding us that “if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). A new Methodist year is our own small echo of that truth: God is always at work, calling us into fresh expressions of faith, hope, and love. Our meetings, at their best, are places where we listen for that call and then set our hands to the work together. This September we also have the joy of welcoming our new Superintendent, Rev Kevin. We look forward to his ministry among us and to Barbara is no stranger to our circuit, so this is a double blessing for us: not only do we get her help, but we also get to work alongside someone who already knows and loves our churches. Just to reassure you—I’m not unwell or stepping back, but Barbara’s support will help lighten my workload a little and give us all the gift of her experience, warmth, and wisdom. We look forward to welcoming her in services and events at both churches, and we’re grateful for the blessing her ministry will bring to our congregations