Dear siblings in Christ,
As the summer draws to a close and a new season of autumn arrives, we once again stand at the beginning of a new connexional year. This is a significant moment in the life of our Methodist Church, a time when we give thanks for the past year and prepare ourselves for the work and witness to which God calls us in the year ahead. In holy scripture we are reminded that God’s mercies “are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). Just as each day brings us fresh opportunities to encounter God’s grace, so too does the new connexional year, inviting us to begin again with new hope and with new courage.

Autumn itself can be a teacher for us. As the leaves turn and eventually fall, we are reminded that part of discipleship is learning to let go of what has served its time, of burdens we need no longer carry, and of fears that hold us back. In letting go, we create space for God to bring something new to life, just as the bare trees make way for the promise of spring. This is also the season of harvest, a time when we give thanks for God’s abundant provision and the fruits of creation. Our harvest festivals not only call us to gratitude, but also to generosity as we share with others from the blessings we have received, reminded of the hope found in God’s Kingdom of all things being shared; especially with the poor and the needy amongst us.

We know that there are many challenges that face our world, our nation, our communities, and our circuit. However, in all of this we also know that Christ goes before us, and that the Holy Spirit equips us to be the people of God in these difficult and challenging times.

Across our Circuit, the autumn will see congregations gathering once more for harvest celebrations drawing us into thankfulness. It is a time to pray especially for those who hold office within our circuit and churches, both lay and ordained, as they begin a fresh cycle of service. May we uphold them in prayer and may we also each ask where God might be calling us personally to serve in the year ahead. What we might need to let go of so that new life can emerge and a new harvest reaped?

The connexional theme of being “a justice-seeking, evangelistic, growing, inclusive and justice-loving church” remains a guiding vision for the Methodist Church. Remembering this we continue to hold fast to our calling to share the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed, to care for creation, to work for
peace and justice, and to be a community of welcome where all people may find a place at the table.

As we step into this new year together, I invite you to take time to pray:
• For renewal in your own discipleship and spiritual life;
• For our Circuit, that we may be strengthened in unity and mission;
• For our worshipping communities, that they may be blessed through our witness and service.
May the God who makes all things new bless us richly in the months ahead, and may we walk faithfully as disciples of Christ, confident that through the gift of the Holy Spirit, he is with us always.

Yours faithfully,
David Speirs
Revd David Speirs
Superintendent Minister, Northampton Methodist Church & Circuit