Minister's Letter for June 2026

How wonderful it is to be back amongst you all after such a prolonged and very painful sick leave, it is so good to get back to work, I've missed being part of our Circuit and the busy life of the Christchurch congregation.

Can I please offer my grateful thanks to you all who have been such a blessing to me during this time, I was very aware of your prayers and deeply humbled in the generous kindness you have afforded me, many of you picking up the slack that my unexpected absence created and even more supporting me in practical ways when getting out of bed was a painful struggle. I am truly, truly grateful.

Enjoying a life of good health, as I have, and suddenly finding myself thrust into a hospital bed via an ambulance with blue lights and sirens blaring, was a first for me, and for anyone reading this who has experienced the same will understand the impact such an experience has. I'm used to standing at the foot of the hospital bed, seeking to comfort and support those in it. However, the tables suddenly turned, and there I found myself wired up to machines, feeling very vulnerable. I experienced first-hand the focussed kindness of those who responded, from the hospital staff to my church family. It had a very positive impact and I am so very grateful.

On my phased return to work one of my first duties was to perform a very large funeral for one of my precious church family members and then to arrange to meet a couple preparing to be wed. Both occasions emphasised the clear message of the privilege of recognising our place in the Church family, how precious our brothers and sisters in Christ are to us, and to acknowledge the vital role we all play in reflecting our loving Jesus in the ministries to which he calls us.

So, thank you, for being such an amazing, precious, gifted and talented family member, you are never taken for granted, my prayer for you is that the blessings you so freely give, you will in return receive.

God bless you and his special blessing be upon the Christchurch Methodist Church family.

Sincerely,
Crawford
Rev CJ Logan, Christchurch Minister