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In 1997 I had the privilege of taking part in I think the first URC
arranged Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We visited many of the

places where Jesus was during his life, and it greatly helped me in
my faith. The Mount of Olives is still much as it was in his time, and
early morning in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (before the
many daily visitors arrived) was a very moving experience.

As we continue on our individual journeys of faith, and in the life of
our three churches, let us draw strength from the hope which
Easter brings us all.
Brian

From the Wessex Synod Moderator:
Rev Dr Michael Hopkins

Ministerial vacancies can sometimes feel
discouraging, especially when there isn’t obvious
news to share. I want to reassure Swanage, Wareham, and Skin-
ner Street that the vacancy is not forgotten and that things are con-
tinuing to happen behind the scenes.

There have been enquiries and conversations since the vacancy
was declared, and as is often the case in the movement of
ministers, not every exploration leads to a preaching with a
view. Sometimes the wisest course is simply to recognise that a
potential minister and a pastorate may not be the right match at
that particular moment. When I met the Vacancy Group, we all
agreed that it is better to wait for the right minister than to rush and
risk calling the wrong minister.

I can also assure you that this vacancy is actively reviewed each
month at the Moderators’ meeting, so the situation is regularly
considered and we continue to look for possible ministers to
introduce. Please also know that you are remembered regularly in
prayer.

While we do not yet have news of a minister coming to preach with
a view, the process is ongoing and being taken seriously, and our
hope remains that the right person will emerge.

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