New years always bring change. This new year will see a number of changes. In our Circuit, we will sadly be saying "Goodbye" to Gail, and in the following year I will be leaving myself. We have no guarantee that we will both be replaced. There is a serious shortage of ministers, and it is getting more and more difficult to raise the money to pay them. It is also not easy to find ministers or lay people to fulfill the various jobs in the church. This means we will have to think about doing things differently. And it's not just us, but the whole Connexion is having to go through the same process.

However, this situation should be seen as an opportunity, rather than a disaster. Practices and ways of working which have been hallowed by time may have to cease, but through this challenge God is calling us to serve him in a new way. Remember what was said in last quarter's magazine about fresh expressions of church. But it is likely some work which we do at present will have to die so fresh expressions can grow up.

Maybe some chapels will have to close. But God is leading his church into the future, and if we trust him, we will see his work continue and his cause prosper. After all, the church is here to serve the kingdom of God, not to preserve a building. I pray we will commit ourselves to the task of sharing God's love with all around us, for if we do we will know God's power working great things through us, whatever the future may bring.

A very happy New Year to you all!

Yours in Christ

JOHN E STATON (SUPERINTENDENT MINISTER)