Sisters and Brothers,

Life presents us, ever so often, chances to review and to improve on the various approaches and practices that we engage in. The start of a Connexional Year is treasured by many as one such opportunity for a reset where that is needed. Notwithstanding, our obvious successes and achievements do indicate that some habits are good enough not to be wholly altered, but simply to be improved on, even though it might seem that they are already good enough.

However, as people of faith, we should know the wisdom of the old adage
Good, better, best. Never let it rest –Till our good is better, and our better best

We are reminded that God’s Grace is available to us to correct our mistakes and to improve on the good we have been doing, for we are, indeed, on our journey into God’s limitless possibility. We can always claim God’s enabling grace to do better, both in the way we value and conduct ourselves as persons made in the image of God, and in the way we treat others, including those whom we are called to serve.

One of the features that I invite us to embrace more fully this Connexional Year is the spirit of Connexionalism that characterises the MCCA at its various levels. At the Holland Circuit level, the circuit comprises two congregations, but we are NOT a Congregational Church. We are a Connexion. While each congregation may have its local flavour and character, neither the Amsterdam nor the Rotterdam Congregation exists on its own, for itself. There is that connectedness which requires us to share and celebrate each other’s successes, as we continue in mission together. Together, we are charged with addressing the challenges that plague either or both of the congregations. In a Connexional system such as ours, the stronger help the weaker.

Note that there is always only one Superintendent Minister, even though a circuit may, unlike Holland, have several Congregations. Two circuit stewards are appointed by the Circuit Council, not by or on behalf of their congregation. As administrators, the superintendent minister and circuit stewards consider the welfare of the congregations and circuit as the charge entrusted to them. It ought not to be that members ever regard the circuit officers as partial to their congregations, and neither should the circuit stewards themselves.

The circuit staff has been exploring the purchase of property to accommodate the Rotterdam Congregation. This was not publicised least year for the simple reason that opportunity presented itself rather suddenly. We were not well prepared to snatch the opportunity but are hoping that we will get a second chance. I invite our members, when another chance arises, to consider this as a move towards the growth and development of the Holland Circuit and not just of one congregation. Indeed, it cannot happen with Rotterdam acting in its own.

What should we take away from this? That there is no competition for supremacy between the congregations. Indeed, this desire does not belong in the Body of Christ of which we , together, are representatives. For the sake of Christ, I appeal to members of both congregations to embrace, this year, the Christlike spirit of cooperation, as never before.

Yours in Christ
Joan Delsol Meade
Pastor