Heald Green United Reformed Church

Dear Friends

My last magazine letter was just before the June church meeting where we were to discuss proposed changes to our structures as a local church. Since then, and due to the enthusiasm of the church meeting, things have moved on quite speedily.

This week sees our next church meeting where we will elect new teams of elders, deacons and pastoral committee.

The nomination procedure I feel was a big success, not only in the high proportion of nomination forms returned, but also in the time, thought and prayer people put into making their nominations. I’m sure it has helped us as a church to all think about our leadership and the talents and skills of our membership more carefully.

However, what has also been great, are the many conversations I have had with people over the last few weeks as I asked them to consider serving on the various committees. Many people have been genuinely surprised and moved by being asked to serve their church, the process as a whole has also achieved what I felt was one of its main aims, to give a little boost in confidence to people as they serve our church.

Once the three new committees are in place it will obviously take a little while for people to settle into their new role, the pastoral committee in particular will take a while to work out how best to operate, but I’m sure things will soon be working well.

Of course, one other item which needs special attention is to express our thanks as a church to all those currently serving as elders. In reducing the elders from the current number 13 of to 8, it is going to be the case that some will not be asked to serve as elders under the new structures, at least not for the time being. For some this may be a welcome and well earned break, while for others not without a hint of sadness. There will of course be occasion for us to formally record our thanks at the church meeting, but I’m sure you will also thank your own elders for their efforts the next time you se them.

May I also add my thanks to all the elders who have helped me through my first three years of ministry here at Heald Green, but also, thanks in advance for the contributions you are still sure to make as elders, deacons, pastoral workers or much valued non-serving elders and members.

These changes however, are not the only changes I have been managing over the last few weeks. As I also said in my last letter, ministry resources are becoming increasingly strained across the district, in fact across the whole URC. As from District Council last month my terms of employment have been changed to include some research and study into evangelism and emerging church on behalf of the district. While this has always been an interest of mine, it is now officially timetabled for two days of my working week.

There is perhaps not enough space to explain fully what this will mean, but there will be time at church meeting to explain further my new roles. However, though it will certainly mean I’m around a little less, the work I am undertaking should be of benefit to our church as I research new ways for the church to reach out to the people around us.

I hope that you will be understanding as I try and rebalance my time, but also support me in these new roles, not only in your prayers, but on occasions when I will be asking the church to help me in my research.

With thanks in advance, Mike