Dear Friends

I have had reason to ponder the theme of belonging and identity these past days.  The National Press have recently suggested that the Methodist Church is to be absorbed into the Anglican Church. The Methodist Recorder has suddenly become the paper to read!

The President of Conference was actually reminding the Anglican Synod and our two denominations that we have made a covenant to do everything that we can possibly do together.  This is seen at its best at the local level and we thank God for our developing relationship with our Anglican friends in Sheringham. As the current chair of Churches Together, I welcome the president’s challenge to work with every denomination as we share ministry together. There is however, no ‘cunning plan’ for any absorption.

Together we rejoice in our understanding of Jesus, the Son of God.  In his death and resurrection we see God`s love in action. The God who never leaves us nor forsakes us.

 On the day of a major concert a frustrated choir conductor thanked the pianist for being the only person in the choir to attend each and every rehearsal during the past two months.   "At this, the pianist rose, bowed, and said, "It was the least I could do, considering I won't be able to be at the concert tonight."

Thank God he doesn’t let us down like that.  The Methodist church has currently over        70 million members worldwide and we are growing! Let us continue the journey, trusting God for all that’s to come.

                           Colin

                                (Revd. Colin Sherwood)