Message from Superintendent – Rev Mark Carrick

Dear friends,

Following the Circuit Meeting that met on March 16th, we now enter the final stages of our Circuit Strategy conversations.
It has become clear, over the course of these open meetings, that the operational capabilities of our Circuit are stretched and our current model is unsustainable. Financially, our income falls significantly short of our expenditure. Whilst giving from members has remained more or less the same for several years, we are all aware how costs have risen. Goods and services that cost £100 in 2016, now cost £138.51 in 2026: a 38.5% increase, whilst our giving to Circuit operations collectively has fallen by over 20%.

In terms of resourcing our local churches and thereby our Circuit, as we have seen over the past 18 months, the pressure on two Presbyters is simply too great. We also recognise the burden of local trusteeship weighs too heavily on too few.
Therefore, we have reached the point where standing still and maintaining the status quo is simply no longer viable.

Our vision is to be a sustainable, welcoming Circuit, that works collectively to live out Our Calling: to respond to the gospel of God’s love in Christ and to live out its discipleship through worship and mission. Our strategy will focus on ensuring we have flourishing centres of worship, provide space for growing discipleship, to respond to the needs of our communities and neighbours, and to be good stewards of our environment.

To meet these objectives, we have created a Steering Group that will address four key strands:

Financial viability and sustainability, effective Property management, a model of Trusteeship that enables our leaders to flourish, and creating a Pastoral pathway so all are listened to and encouraged in their journey of faith.

The Steering Group will meet between now and the end of May, with the remit of producing recommendations for our June Circuit Meeting. Such recommendations will form the basis for our Circuit Vision and Strategic Mission Plan.

If you would like to contribute to the work of the Group, please contact Rev Mark Carrick.