Dear Friends,
You will know that all ministers are stationed to a circuit for 5 years after which they and the circuit may agree an extension to their appointment. The review of each appointment comes at the end of their 4th year in the circuit.
Rev Shirlyn Toppin has now been stationed in the circuit for 4 years. We have therefore asked her if she wishes us to consider an extension to her appointment. After prayerful discernment she has decided that it is right for her to leave the circuit when this invitation comes to an end in July 2021.
Shirlyn has been a valued member of our circuit staff whose presence and gifts enrich our ministry and life together. I look forward to continuing to work with her in the coming year.
In the next few weeks the Circuit Leadership Team will be working to guide us as we reflect together on the future shape of the circuit and its staffing to enable us to best fulfil our mission as people of God. This will mean facing up to some difficult questions. It may also open our eyes to fresh and exciting possibilities. In all of this we are called to be good stewards of all that we have been given and to use it to bring the abundant life of the Gospel to all.
In all that we plan to do we should be looking to remove burdens and releasing energy within our churches for the life of the world.
I know that you will join me in praying for fresh vision and energy for all of us in the circuit and also for Yemi and Lemia as they prepare to move this summer and Shirlyn as she goes through the stationing process.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Every blessing,
Rachel