An introduction from our minister - October 2026

Dear Friends,

It is with great joy, some excitement and perhaps a healthy dose of nervous anticipation that I write to introduce myself as I begin my new role as Superintendent Minister of the Huddersfield Methodist Circuit.

I am, quite proudly, a cradle Methodist. I was baptised at Providence Methodist Church in Halesowen - a place with particular significance because it was also where my parents, Ann and John, met. So, Methodism has been part of my family for a very long time! My formative years were spent in Guiseley and Nuneaton, which has left me with something of a footballing identity crisis. I find myself torn between Bradford City and Aston Villa. I appreciate that this may immediately raise questions about my judgement! In my defence it has always been Yorkshire Cricket - we are avid cricket fans!

There is one story from my youth which perhaps says rather more about me than I would like to admit. In 1980, our Youth Group went to a Billy Graham event at Villa Park. I had already committed my life to Christ, but I was also, in those days, a bit of a rebel. So, while others were responding to the moving call to Christ, I was quietly engaged in another form of commitment - cutting a piece of turf out of the centre square at Villa Park! I took it home, placed it on my bedroom windowsill and faithfully watered it. Sadly, despite my efforts, it eventually withered and died. There are several theological lessons here, I suspect, including "the grass withers and the flowers fall" (1 Peter 1:24) - and perhaps the more practical lesson: don't let a young Methodist anywhere near a football pitch with a sharp object!

Looking back, I am grateful for the way God has patiently journeyed with me. My faith has included times of doubt, questioning and wavering, and those experiences have helped me understand that faith does not require us to have everything worked out. I hold dear the words attributed to John Wesley: "Preach faith till you have it; and then, because you have it, you will preach faith".

Since 2007, I have had the privilege of serving the Methodist Church in Bramhope and Yeadon, Mid Warwickshire, Milton Keynes and the Channel Islands District, where I served as District Chair. I have also served as a prison chaplain, an officiating chaplain to the Armed Forces, and as a chaplain to the Sea Cadets. These very different experiences have taught me much about people, ministry and the many places in which God is at work. Now I find myself returning to Yorkshire - which feels rather like coming home, even if technically I was born in Birmingham!

Home, for me, is also Nick, my husband, our three daughters, Jenni, Ellie and Robyn, and our three wonderful grandsons, Albert 4, Alexander 3 and Freddie 7 months. Just yesterday Freddie started crawling - another wonderful moment of grandparenting, although I suspect it may also mark the beginning of a rather more energetic phase! My family has also reignited my love of costume making, originally developed through dressing up and now enjoying a new lease of life through the grandchildren. I love music and am returning to playing the flute after quite a break, with a teacher nearby willing to take on a rusty mature student, which I regard as an act of considerable Christian charity!

Alongside these things, one of my particular passions in ministry is well-being and flourishing. After ten years of study, I was recently awarded my doctorate from the University of Birmingham, exploring self-care strategies and well-being among presbyters in the Methodist Church. I hope to bring that learning into my ministry here. My concern is not simply for ministers, but for the whole people of God: ordained and lay, office holders, volunteers and, especially, those who faithfully serve the Lord behind the scenes, often unnoticed. Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). I believe flourishing is an important part of what it means to live that life. This connects closely with my passion for discernment and vocation - helping people recognise their gifts, discover God's call and find sustainable, joyful ways of serving.

As I begin this new appointment, I am conscious that there will be a period of settling in and learning a new way of working. I ask you to bear with me in these first few months as I find my feet, learn the rhythms of the Circuit and get to know you and the communities we serve.

There is also a family transition alongside the move. For a while, Nick will remain in Jersey, continuing his current work and supporting our daughter with childcare. So, he will be navigating a period of life between two places while we work out what this new chapter looks like for all of us. I am grateful for his unwavering support for our family and the itinerant nature of my ministry.

In the meantime, please come and talk to me, tell me your stories, share your hopes and concerns and help me discover what makes this Circuit special. I am looking forward to listening far more than I am to talking! Above all, I ask you to pray each day, as I will, for the future of this Circuit - for its opportunities, for wisdom to recognise God's leading and courage to respond. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12 that we are one body with many parts, each with different gifts. This Circuit is filled with different congregations and communities, but we belong to one another. My hope is that we will journey together towards a future where all can flourish in ministry and discipleship, nurturing the Church not simply for its own sake, but so that we can be equipped for hope-filled mission and outreach.

I pray that we will be rooted in Christ, generous in hospitality, courageous in mission and attentive to one another's well-being - looking outward as well as inward, listening to our communities and discovering where God is already at work. Paul's words in Philippians 1:6 seem a fitting prayer for us: "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." God is already at work here. My hope is that together we will notice it, nurture it and join in with what God is doing.

Thank you for welcoming me. I look forward to meeting you, worshipping with you, sharing in your joys and challenges, and discovering together where God is leading us.

And if you see me with a flute, a cricket bat, a sewing machine, or - heaven forbid -anywhere near a football pitch with a spade, you will know that I am probably still learning!

Yours in Christ,

Dawn

Superintendent Minister-Huddersfield Methodist Circuit