We welcome the Rev Brian Tucker, who has agreed to act as our Moderator and who will be available to offer guidance and help in time of crisis.  However, because of the distance that Marshalswick is from his home, he is unable to undertake regular pastoral visits.

With Robin's retirement, we have all become more fully aware of the many pastoral visits that Robin made, and of the many occasions when Robin represented the church at outside events.  It is not possible for us to cover all these visits and events and therefore look to our members and friends to help us cover these as far as possible and also to tell Jonathan Gill or another of the deacons of occasions when a visit is essential or will be very helpful.

We do not know how long the interregnum will last, although most of us hope it will be short.  I feel, however, that it would helpful if I briefly outlined the anticipated procedure here.

In due course a minister who is available and appears suitable will be asked to meet the deacons and take Sunday services.  Following this, if the minister wishes and the church members meeting agrees, the minister will be invited to come and "preach with a view" and officially meet the church members and friends.

A special church members' meeting will then be asked whether it agrees to support the appointment of that person as our new minister.  It is essential that the church meeting makes the right choice of a new minister and I hope that members will take this opportunity to pray for personal and corporate guidance in this decision.

Alan Dewdney