Fareham United Reformed Church

It is a sadness that I make my last contribution, as interim moderator, to the Messenger without seeing an end to the vacancy. I am saying farewell to the Gosport pastorate and another interim moderator will be appointed in due course by Synod for Fareham and Sarisbury Green. In August I and my family are moving to Buckinghamshire where I have been called as minister to Beaconsfield and Holtspur United Reformed Churches.

It has been interesting to me to see the process of ministerial appointment from both sides at the same time. From the perspective of interim moderator one tends to see candidates and pastorates failing to connect--and one is tempted to be critical of the rather clumsy URC system of filling vacancies. From my perspective as a candidate the same system, which is undoubtedly trying for some ministers, can also work very smoothly and relatively quickly--and I am thankful that that has been my experience over the last few months.

My experience may give heart to congregations struggling to fill vacancies. God does have a purpose, and is implementing his plan. In dues course the right candidate will come along and then this process which has so far been so frustrating and unfruitful will (I hope) quickly and easily achieve its purpose. Our task, as congregations and as ministers, is to remember that we are seeking God's will, and be prepared to wait for his timing.

One final thought. As a farewell to the lovely Hampshire coastline, and as an opportunity to raise money for a charity with which I have a close connection, I am asking my congregations if (instead of any leaving gifts) they would sponsor me to walk the Solent Way, from Emsworth to Milford on Sea, a distance of 60 miles, in two days. The money raised will go through Health Help International to help fund a centre for disabled children in Tamil Nadu, south India. If anyone in the church would like to sponsor me, I would be most grateful.

I wish you every blessing during the rest of your vacancy and on the appointment, in due course, of a new minister for Fareham and Sarisbury Green United Reformed Churches.

Nigel Douglas