Minister's Message – August 2026

Dear friends -

So we come to the end of what feels like a very long, hot summer. and the year begins again. In some ways for me September feels like more of a new beginning than January does. The new school year starts – in fact all academic institutions start again.Children move up a year, they may move school, others start 6th form studies, whilst others arrive at University – away from home for the first time.

In all kinds of ways September feels like a new start.

Certainly in the Methodist Church September is significant. The Church year starts again. Committees gather, ministers move. You get the idea.

With all of those new beginnings there can be a new sense of energy and purpose as well. New directions to look at, new relationships to build.

And on that note...Janet and I are delighted to join you at West Horsley (if only for a year). We have both been overwhelmed by the warmth of your welcome already and look forward to all that the next 12 months will bring.

The Chapel community at West Horsley is a splendid one – full of ideas, gifts and graces, and I very much look forward to the journey that we embark on together.

Please don't feel that I'm ever too busy to be contacted – it is my hope that we will get to know each other well. God holds out for us a future of love, hope, joy and peace – let us stride out together in the promise and assurance of God's presence.

With blessings and best wishes,

Paul