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12th May 2010
Dear Friends
Please forgive the impersonal nature of this communication. I am writing to tell you that I have accepted the call to be the next minister both of St Columba’s United Reformed Church, Cambridge and of the United Reformed Church in Fulbourn, a village five miles outside the city.
For some three years I have been pondering, in company with mentors, a deepening inclination to return to local church ministry, but have felt it right to continue in the Synod whilst together we dealt with the structural matters that followed the General Assembly’s decision to remove District Councils. Now that the Synod Areas are in place I believe it is right for someone else to work with you all to take forward the arrangements that began on 1st April. In short, I am persuaded that I have given the Synod what I can, and that now different gifts, fresh insights and new energy will serve you best for the future. After consultation with the Synod Officers and the General Secretary I anticipate that I will complete my ministry as moderator of Southern Synod during October 2010.
I am sorry that this news reaches you so soon after we learned of David Skitt’s call to Marsh Green and Oxted. Neither of us intended such a coincidence, and we both regret the surprise caused, but given that the two calls occurred within forty eight hours we dare to believe that there is now a helpful opportunity to address the vacancies strategically. The General Secretary working with the Synod Clerk will initiate the process for seeking the next moderator, which will bring together representatives of the Synod and of the Assembly.
I cannot overstate how I appreciate the privilege that the last nine years have afforded me, the significant amount I have learned and the happy relationships that I have enjoyed with ministers, staff, young people, committees and countless folk in the churches. Ever since I candidated for ministry in this Synod more than thirty years ago I have appreciated it; I will now hold it dear. I owe Bethan and Jess an immeasurable amount for their utterly unselfish support and unfailing love throughout my service amongst you.
In closing, I want to say that where there are situations in which I am personally involved as moderator, over the next five months I will be doing my utmost carefully to ensure they are brought to a point where the baton can be passed to others.
Please be assured of my prayers and good wishes for all that the future holds. As Pentecost approaches I am drawn to words with which Peter Marshall led Congress to pray in 1947, “Lord Jesus, you have promised to give us the Holy Spirit. … We know deep down in our hearts that without your guidance we can do nothing, but with you we can do all things. Let us not be frightened by the problems that confront us, but rather give you thanks that you have matched us with this hour. May we resolve, God helping us, to be part of the answer, and not part of the problem; for Jesus’ sake.” So be it.
Yours in Christ,
Nigel
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