Tower and Town, November 2022

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Clergy Letter

Jane and I have lived in Marlborough for just over three years and we have come to realise how blessed we are to live here with so many and varied events going on throughout the year in the town and local area. Recently there have been Gifford’s Circus, the Literary Festival and the Mop Fair. Three very different activities appealing to people of all ages, tastes and interests.

We are also blessed to live here with so many opportunities to worship God and attend events throughout the year in the churches, which are named in this magazine. There are different styles of worship and numerous activities appealing to people of all ages, tastes and interests.

I am the minister at and serve Christchurch Methodist Church. We may only number about forty members, but we are also part of the worldwide Church. As Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour and we serve him in the life of the Church and in the world. We believe in baptism and confirmation. We are committed to worship, Holy Communion, fellowship, prayer, Bible study and responsible giving. We are also committed to working out our faith in everyday life, offering personal service in the community and supporting the Church in its total world mission.

This is like all churches, but what is distinctive about the Methodist Church? Everyone is able to know God personally and should be made to feel welcome in the local church. We are traditionally known for the importance of lay leadership in preaching, pastoral care and running the local congregation. In our worship, hymn singing is very important, not only to worship God, but to express our beliefs. “Methodism was born in song” and we sing our faith.* Small groups are important for teaching, pastoral care and fellowship. Each church is linked with other churches in the area in circuits, which are presided over by a superintendent minister; circuits are then grouped into Districts, which are in the charge of a chair. Nationally, all churches are part of the Connexion, linking all the congregations through the annual Conference, which is presided over by an annually elected President.

Last year, Christchurch Church Council made a very hard decision. After a number of difficult years managing and caring for the extensive premises and running the church, it was felt that it was not fair, or sustainable, for so much work to be carried on by the few people who were physically able to do what was needed. This is not the fault of anyone, but just the way things are. So, with sadness and some relief, it was decided to consider what to do with our building and how we could continue as a Methodist Church in Marlborough. Two groups of church members have for the last twelve months spent hours thinking, praying and working to determine what God is leading us to do.

One group, “Exodus”, looked at what should happen to the building and the other, “Milk and Honey”, at how we can be a Methodist congregation in the town. Exodus’ work led to the “Freehold For Sale” sign going up in the summer. According with Methodist practice, the sale is being dealt with by the Circuit and the national Church, who, like all charities, have to follow Charity Law. “Milk and Honey” has been exploring all the possibilities and opportunities, which this exciting new start gives us. They have shown great care and sensitivity in getting the views of all the congregation along the way. The team is grateful for the support and encouragement of other Christians in the town and we are looking to take decisions in the coming weeks on where and how we will worship and witness in future.

After over a hundred years of worship on that site, it will be sad to sell the building, but the Methodist presence, which has been in Marlborough for over two hundred years, will continue in a new way somewhere in town. As one chapter of our history closes, another will begin, which is a cause for praising God for his faithfulness. After the Exodus and wandering in the wilderness for forty years, God led the Israelites to the Promised Land, a land overflowing with milk and honey. At the heart of the Christian faith is the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. The pain, suffering and death of Jesus on the cross is followed by his glorious resurrection as God raised him from the dead. On Easter morning, tears of sorrow turned to tears of joy. Recent years have been difficult for Christchurch and it has become harder to look after the building and so a decision has been made to sell. It is painful and hard, but also liberating.

At the last Methodist service on 8th January 2023, there will be sadness and a sense of loss and grief, as the church walls hold within them many precious memories for lots of people. Those moments, however, will stay with us on our Christian journey as we go in faith, knowing that the risen Lord Jesus is with us. We go in the power of the Holy Spirit, praising God for new beginnings and looking forward to being part of Marlborough’s Christian story wherever that might be or whatever that might look like. We appreciate the prayers and support which the churches of the town have and are giving us at this momentous time. Only God knows what the future holds, but we do know that we can trust in him. He has a plan for us and the town. In the words of John Wesley, who founded the Methodist Church, “the best of all, is that God is with us”.

As the lights are switched off after the last service, we know that it will mark a new beginning, bringing new life with new hope and a bright future in Marlborough for the Christian people known as Methodists.

*Preface to “The Methodist Hymn Book” (1933). Today’s hymn book is called “Singing the Faith” (2011).

Stephen Skinner