Dear Friends,
As my time with the North Wirral Pastorate draws to a close. This will be my last letter before my
retirement and subsequent move, I want to reflect on my ministry with you from my point of view.
You took a brave decision as a Pastorate to call me following our meeting in November 2019. You
called me to serve you on 19 th January 2020, after our weekend visit and just a few days before we
knew what Covid was all about. Two months later we were under restrictions which delayed my
move until July. The first few months were challenging but we worked out a way of worshipping
through the wonderful platform called Zoom which no one had heard of before then.
This time caused us all to slow down and to rethink what was important to us as individuals. However
it was also a frightening time for many people, but now it seems in the dim and distant past.
Then in 2021 began my journey with my cancer and subsequent treatment which lasted from August
through to November 2022. Both I and Gill were so grateful for the prayers and support that we
received from all the churches as we walked the path that nobody wants to walk.
I want to thank all those on Elderships and Church Council across the Pastorate who like me have
been called to serve and have been Ordained as Elders. As a team we have worked hard for the sake
of the fellowship. Without the time and effort of so many willing volunteers in each church my time
would have been so much more challenging but it has been a joy and a privilege to work with you.
I also want to thank those people involved in worship in whatever way as I am aware that my worship
style can be seen as ‘different’, particularly around the major festivals. I hope that we have grown as
we have experienced different styles of worship and looking towards the future, my prayer is that as
a community you continue to listen to the call of God and explore ways that you are called to serve
your own community.
As ministers when we are called to serve a Pastorate we try to discern what God is asking us to do
and in working with churches (the body of people) to try to ascertain what God is asking of us as
individuals.
You have all had numerous ministers over the years and I thank you for allowing me to walk part of
the journey with you.
I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to give: Vision to your planning, Wisdom to your actions,
Power to your witness. Helping the church to grow in numbers and in spiritual commitment, giving
meaningful service to your local community,
Thank you for calling us and thank you for the journey. I pray that God will continue to bless each
community and Bless them richly.
Mark and Gill