Pastoral letter from Andrew Baker

Dear Friends,
Greetings to you.
This letter accompanies the final preaching plan for the Angus, Dundee and Perthshire Circuit. I am grateful to Marian and Phil for their work in producing the preaching plans over recent years. From September the plan will include the services from Inverness to Dunbar, Peterhead to Girvan and all in between, including the treasure of Perth, Blairgowrie, Dundee, Arbroath and Montrose. By then the Montrose church will have joined with the Arbroath church to form Angus Methodist Church, with the congregations continuing to worship in Montrose and Arbroath.
I have found both joy and pain in serving as the superintendent minister during this year in the circuit. I am so thankful to have come to know some special people who are following the Way of Jesus in these challenging times. I have encountered grace and generosity and been humbled by the offering that so many are making.
The focus on those who are for the present not coming to our church buildings for Sunday worship is inspirational and reflects the character of Jesus. The ministry at the Women’s hub in Dundee, the opening of the café at Arbroath and the growing opportunities offered through RENEW at Perth come to mind. We are thankful that God has provided.
We rejoice in having purchased a new manse for David and Fiona when they arrive later in the summer. They both bring gifts and experience in ministry, and their physical presence in the circuit will be an encouragement to you all. I continue to give thanks for the Methodist Church – with all its shortcomings as an institution – that at its heart is a desire that all people are welcome in the embrace of God’s love.
I commend to you those who will lead worship in the circuit this quarter, assured that you will be praying for them in their preparation and encouraging them in their ministry.
Thanks again for the fellowship we have shared over this this year, which I will carry into my “sitting down” this summer.
Peace and love.
Andrew