Pastoral Letter

Dear Sisters and Brothers.

At the spring District Synod Salisbury Circuit seemed to be flavour of the month. Bekkie Wright and Anna Bishop gave a presentation about the 'Cafe on the Green' outreach initiative on Bishopdown Farm; Dudley Coates drew attention to 'Kneaded' at Bemerton; Bekkie and Steve Hawkes were brought forward to be prayed for, Bekkie as a successful candidate for the ministry and Steve as one of the ordinands for ordination at this year's conference.

The new District Intergenerational Worker, Mark Tizzard, wanted to see me soon after his appointment because of the exciting things Salisbury Circuit is doing. He told me that the Cafe at Shrewton is the only project in the District that is on Trip Advisor. For the first time Downton had a stall at the annual Cuckoo Fair.

Alongside all of this we have Messy Church, Little Blessings, coffee mornings and other events. The Circuit is buzzing with life and hope.

This quarter will see Steve Hawkes ordained in June. We congratulate Steve on successfully completing his training, a process that began when he started to candidate and the church tested his call, was developed through his time at college and has continued as a probationer in this circuit. He will continue to need our love and support as he moves into this new phase of ministry.

At the end of the quarter we will lose Bekkie Wright to full time training. Bekkie has been a great asset within the Circuit, enabling us to bridge the gap when Shrewton and Amesbury were without a minister and helping Anna in Sandleheath and Fordingbridge. Her legal and organizational skills have been invaluable in the setting-up of 'Cafe on the Green'. We wish Bekkie well in her training for ordained ministry and look forward to seeing her as time allows.

As we approach the end of the Methodist year it gives us time to reflect on what has gone well and what needs altering, from what we can learn and what new ideas we may have to begin in the new Methodist year starting in September.

We are a Circuit that is seen by those outside as innovative and exciting. May that always be rooted in our commitment to God revealed in Christ.

When it comes I hope you have a good summer.

Your brother in Christ,

David

Rev. David Hookins