Superintendent's Letter
Dear Friends,
For the next year I will be working in the Croydon Circuit on Tuesdays and being your named Superintendent Minister. For the rest of the time I will be continuing to live and work as a minister and Co-Superintendent in Bromley, which from 1st September will be part of the newly-formed Widmore Circuit. In coming into the Croydon Circuit for this year I am quite literally coming home. My Christian journey began here and Croydon still holds a very special place in my heart.
Over the summer, many of us will have been watching the Olympics and Paralympics. I’m always in awe of the commitment and dedication that those taking part have given to their chosen sport. All kinds of different skills and talents have been on display but there has been a sense of unity too. We have seen friendship and respect between the competitors of different nations as many of them have trained together and competed against each other numerous times. We have seen older and more experienced participants encouraging and supporting those who are competing for the first time.
We are also aware of the battles some of those competing have faced as they have dealt with physical injury and struggles with their mental health or personal circumstances. Many athletes have spoken about the people and beliefs that have inspired them to keep going through all the ups and downs that they have experienced.
The writer of the letter to the Hebrews acknowledges that, even if we are not Olympic athletes, our lives of faith can also at times be challenging. For all kinds of reasons we can encounter frustrations, setbacks and disappointments which cause us to feel discouraged and weary. In the face of these situations the writer encourages the people of faith to be inspired by the example of those who have gone before them. They are to fix their eyes on Jesus and remember all that he endured for their sake. The writer tells them to put the past behind them, to learn from it and to look forward with hope and faith
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3
As we begin a new church year, we give thanks for those who have inspired us and gone before us. We look to the future and all the opportunities and challenges it may bring with hope and faith in Christ who gave his all for us.
I look forward to meeting you and working with you over the coming year as together we seek God’s guidance and vision for the future.
Yours in Christ,
Karen
Rev Karen George