A NEW Superintendent Minister has been appointed at a Wimborne and Christchurch church.
The Christchurch and Wimborne Methodist Circuit has appointed Rev Andrew Pottage to the position, starting this month (September).
Originally from Yorkshire, Rev Pottage is the team leader for a group of ministers and lay preachers serving 13 Methodist churches in East Dorset and West Hampshire, stretching from Blandford Forum in the north to Christchurch in the south and from Wimborne in the west to Milford-on-Sea in the east.
He said he is delighted to be serving in ‘such a beautiful part of the country’, which he is already enjoying with his wife, Laura and their young children, Alfred and Eliza.
“I’m passionate about making the world a better place through an interest in current affairs, and through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit through an active and dynamic faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,” Andrew added.
In his spare time, he likes word games, travelling, gardening, swimming and reading.
As part of his pastoral role, Andrew will also be part of a team ministry covering the coastal section of the circuit – the churches in Barton, Highcliffe, Milford and Mudeford Lane, Christchurch.
Joyce Wild, senior steward for the circuit, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Andrew and his family to our area where I’m sure that his particular talents and gifts will be highly valued.”
For more details about Andrew and the Methodist Circuit, log on to www.candwmc.org.uk.
We enjoyed the service that you conducted in Wimborne. It is the first time that we have seen you in action on the south coast, and hope that it is not the last.I am particularly concerned the way in which the is being used,and the way in which the services are being conducted.The older generation like the traditional hymns,and the organ accompaniment.There are a lot of senior members who do not like the “Happy clappy” as the saying goes. I have heard people say ,” Start that,and i`m off”. Given the right kind of introduction ,I am sure this could be turned around,within a short while. For example.The other day we had ,end of service Blessing from the back of the church. I ,like others, took a very serious view of this.We are used to being BLESSED from the alter. Leave the church happy from that BLESSING.Is this the way the church is going? What are your views on this Andrew? Sincerely Michael Chappell.