Our Minister is Rev Frances Biseker. 

 

 September Letter

 As I write, Jon and I are well and truly settled in the manse. Everything is (more or less) in its place, the dog knows where his basket is, and more importantly where the dog treats are kept, and I'm now sitting at my desk with pencils neatly lined up, and my computer switched on, I'm ready to go!

But go where?

Being the new minister is like going to a new school. Where do I put my coat? Where are the loos? Where's my seat in the class room? Will I be able to keep up with the lessons? Yet suddenly, in the way that is the gift of children, someone says, 'will you be my friend?' and everything is alright. You belong.

Over the years I have discovered that the most important thing in our life together in the church is the quality of our relationships - our relationships with each other and with God. On occasions I have encountered situations where I've lain awake at night thinking, 'how are we going to sort THIS one out!' and yet have gone on to be moved by the depth of people's graciousness, and their conviction that the Holy Spirit will be their resources in the most challenging of situations.

Hopefully none of us will lie awake worrying about the church, because their exists a deep trust and respect for one another and a passionate belief that God will sustain and guide us in our life together. I believe that people are drawn to God through the quality of love and friendship they see in other Chrisrians, and not in the finer points of their theology. Already I've been thrilled to see this love and friendship in action through the welcome we as a family have received, and it's clear that there is a deep sense of fellowship at Broad Street. I look forward to being part of this fellowship, and through our growing relationship together discern the next part of the journey God is calling us to.

With every blessing,

Frances 

 

August Letter

Dear Friends,

Hopefully by the time you read this, Jon, Chris, Matt and I will have created some semblance of order in our new Manse in Leominster and are starting to make it home. We were determined to travel as light as possible, but I fear that with the number of carboard boxes around us, we have failed miserably in this aspiration.

I was so pleased when it was first mooted that I might become your minister. I had visited Broad Street several times in the past, and was so impressed by the renovation scheme, and the vibrant and hard work that has gone into making it a church that welcomes people on a daily basis. I look forward immensely to sharing in your work of offering Christian hospitality, and bearing witness to the love of Christ. I also want to pay tribute to Deanne for all the work she has undertaken in the last ten years. I have always valued her wisdom and deep faith, and I trust that I can honour the journey of discipleship she has shared with you in Broad Street.

Already through phone calls and e-mails I have been made to feel very welcome, and I look forward to getting to know you all, and discerning with you what God is calling us to do in the years ahead. Although I am living in Leominster, and working two thirds time, I will be at church most days, and getting around locally to meet you all.

Every blessing to you.

Frances Biseker