Welcome to the Bude and Holsworthy Methodist Circuit

THE Bude and Holsworthy Methodist Circuit has a new superintendent minister, the Revd Meg Slingo. She was welcomed officially into the circuit at a special service at Holsworthy Methodist Church, along with her husband, the Revd Graham Slingo, a supernumerary (retired) Methodist minister. The couple have moved from Meg’s most recent stationing in Somerset to live at the manse in Chilsworthy. She will oversee 11 Methodist chapels in the area, and succeeds the Revd Dr Simon Leigh, who now heads the Exeter Coast & Country Circuit. Attended by a large gathering of Methodist members and friends and guests from other churches and the community, the welcome service at Bodmin Street was introduced by Deacon Debbie Marsh. She said that it marked “a wonderful time in the life of the circuit”, particularly as on the previous evening there had been a service at Truro Cathedral to celebrate the creation of the South West Peninsula Methodist District. Commemorative candles had been presented at this occasion to each circuit; the Bude and Holsworthy candle was brought to Bodmin Street, then lit at Meg’s welcome service by the SWPD chairman and presiding minister, the Rev Dr Dan Haylett. He said: “It’s a joy to be here at a time of new beginnings, of change and transformation, and the start of a new Methodist district. Meg arrives in our lives at this moment, and we make space for her gifts and graces. The Kingdom of God is here in our midst, in this circuit. God in Christ is present with us now. We lack nothing – we are here to share in God’s mission and ministry, to begin a journey and let our lives combine.” The Rev Dr Haylett expanded on this theme in his sermon, based on Luke’s Gospel chapter 4, verses 14-21, in which Jesus reads in the synagogue from the Book of Isaiah and declares “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” Central to the service was the Presentation, Promises and Welcome, when mutual promises of support were made by the congregation and the new superintendent. After circuit steward Mr Mark Shepherd invited the people to welcome Meg, she was greeted by local ecumenical clergy, the Circuit Leadership Team, youth and rural chaplains, and representatives of town organisations and schools. There were Bible readings by circuit youth worker Mr Dean Taylor and Deacon Debbie, and prayers of intercession were led by circuit lay worker Mrs Michelle Hogarth. The organist was Mrs Shirley Davis. Revd Meg thanked everyone for their prayers and support – and she said that before she knew she was to be stationed in the Bude and Holsworthy Circuit, she had prayed: “Father, can I go home?” She continued: “As I grew up in Cornwall, my spiritual home, when I was told we were coming to Bude and Holsworthy, well – Devon and Cornwall – I’ve now got a foot in both camps! May God’s Kingdom keep on coming in this place, for His Glory.” Refreshments were enjoyed in the Bodmin Street hall, prepared and served by Mrs Mary Barfett and her team of helpers.