Our Minister

Phil writes (taken from our July/August 2008 newsletter) ...

Why does it take a minute to say hello and forever to say goodbye. How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. I have put off the writing of this letter for as long as possible. Saying goodbye to you all is going to be a very painful thing to do. We have traveled together now for eleven years, in that time you have all had a significant place in my heart, and some of you are as good as family. We have shared together at a very deep level, we have laughed and cried and there has rarely been a dull moment. The Church has changed dramatically over my time here but only God can know what has truly been accomplished in his kingdom. What I can say with all honesty is that I have given you 100% of blood sweat and tears. Indeed we have worked as a team and I have had the privilege of working with some amazingly talented, committed and hardworking people. Thank you for all of your support and encouragement during these years. I have had some personal disasters in my time here, a divorce and suspension to name but two. It was especially during those lowest moments of my ministry that your unwavering support and friendship pulled me through. I can honestly say that without your love I would no longer be in the ministry. You have encouraged me to keep going when I felt I had little more to give. I could not have asked for two better churches with very special people and friends. “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”

My ministry and lifestyle can at best be described as “unconventional”. For some of you that has been a refreshing change, I am aware that for others it has been a real challenge. Some of you I have hurt and failed; for that I apologize, many mistakes and a lack of judgment have littered my ministry. I ask you to remember I am only a human being and an odd one at that! However what you have seen is the real me, warts and all. I have never pretended to be something I am not. I always promised myself that I would not allow my position as a minister to destroy my true personality. You have had me therefore not just as your minister but as a friend, and although my ministry has come to an end, our friendship will endure. I will look back on this whole period of my life as a positive experience and with many fond memories

I also wish to thank my ministerial colleagues. To Stephen who has been a strong and supportive superintendent, and the circuit staff. They to have had to put up with a lot, I’m not the easiest or the most organized person to work with. At least there will be less heresy in the staff meetings now! I thank David for his friendship and vision at High Cross, I will miss working in a shared church I have found it a most positive experience. I also would like to thank the circuit stewards throughout my time here; they work so hard and have made my ministry so much more effective.

Above all else I want to give thanks to God. Many of you have been so kind in your appreciation of my ministry, and that thoughtfulness and encouragement has meant so much. But before I become a boastful fool, let us remember where true thanks belong. Nothing has been accomplished here of any lasting value without the Spirit of God. It has been our fellowship in Christ that has made all the difference. I am so proud to belong to the church, God’s family; there is no human organization like it on the face of the earth. Although I will be leaving you, I go to another part of the same family, and you will have the privilege of welcoming new friends in Linda and Rachael. I know that you will give them the same support and love that has sustained my ministry. In the Kingdom the best is yet to come.

You all know that you will be most welcome to visit me in West Bromwich there is an open house to all of you….unless its match day!!. Details of my new address are at the bottom of this letter

So that’s it, goodbye my friends I have loved you and will hold you in my heart and prayers forever

With fondest love and much pain…

Yours in Christ

Phil

‘Every parting is a form of death, as every reunion is a type of heaven’. ~Tryon Edwards

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