A Pastoral Letter – September 2025

Dear Friends,

Jenet and I were truly grateful for a few quiet days of rest during the last week of August. We enjoyed being at home, tending the garden, repotting plants, and replanting vegetables. We also spent time visiting friends in Cheshire. It was a welcome pause—a chance to slow down, refresh our spirits, and simply enjoy God’s creation around us. Later in November, we are looking forward to traveling to Toronto for a friend’s family wedding, which will also give us a week to relax and enjoy a change of scenery.

As we begin the new Methodist year, I want to share some reflections on our life together as Circuit churches. Over the past year or two, we have
prayerfully considered the mission and vision of each of our churches, asking how we might grow and move forward together. I invite all of us to
reflect on questions such as: Where would we like to be as a living, growing church in our communities in five or ten years’ time?

My hope and prayer is that we can discern how best to use all the gifts God has entrusted to us—not just our buildings and finances, but the talents, graces, and hearts of every member of our Circuit—to glorify God and serve our neighbourhoods and beyond.

Recently, I was reminded of a simple truth about mission. Visiting churches over the past few months, it became clear that many long for growth or renewal. Yet, are we truly prepared for what that means? In conversation with leaders at Haverhill Methodist Church, who have seen steady growth this past year, I asked what they were doing differently. Their answer was beautifully simple: nothing—except praying.

Prayer Transforms
Several of our churches already hold regular in-person prayer meetings, and our Saturday morning Zoom prayer gathering from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.
has grown in participation compared to two years ago. I warmly encourage each of us to engage in prayer with seriousness, consistency, and boldness, remembering that prayer truly changes things. Our goal is not just to maintain the church, but to discern and live out God’s mission
in our communities.

Alongside prayer, there are practical ways we can strengthen church life—but our motivation must go beyond utility. Sharing God’s love reflects His character as revealed in Jesus Christ. Church growth is not just about filling roles or positions; every new person who comes through our doors should be welcomed, accepted, valued, seen, and heard. Our priority is to help people grow spiritually, not merely to meet organizational needs.

So I ask: Are we ready for the new people we hope to welcome? How might our church life need to adapt so that newcomers feel at home, included, and able to deepen their faith? Who follows up with new contacts? How do we ensure ministers, stewards, and staff have the information they need? What opportunities for fellowship, Bible study, and service can help someone become fully part of our church family? As this new Connexional year begins, I ask for your prayers—for our Circuit staff, our church stewards, and all who serve—so that together we may discern our priorities, reach out in love to others for Christ, and nurture a Spirit-filled vision for the future of our Circuit Churches. May we honour all that has gone before, and the incredible dedication that goes into worship, witness, and service each week.

Finally, I warmly invite you to join us at our Circuit Service on Sunday 21st September at 4:00 p.m., as we celebrate the life and ministry of our Circuit. During this special service, we will rejoice with Stuart Johnson, one of our local preachers, as he marks 40 years of faithful service. A certificate of recognition will be presented to Stuart during the service. The service will be held at Hatfield Road Methodist Church, St Albans, and we hope you can join us for this joyful occasion.

With every blessing and gratitude,
Revd David Jebb – Superintendent Minister of St Albans & Welwyn Circuit