October 2025
Greetings everyone,
It is a real privilege to write to you as your minister here at Linacre. I very much look forward to getting to know you all in the coming months. I am so grateful to Rev. Sue, who has been your minister - and continues to be such a caring presence among you. I am also thankful for all the support she has given to me.
Ministry is very much a two-sided calling, and through all my years as a minister I have certainly received far more than I have ever given. I know this will be true at Linacre too.
Without wishing to send a hugely long autobiography, I wanted you to know that I’m married to Angela, and we have a son, Elliot. Over the years, I have served in a number of circuits, beginning with the Hinckley Circuit, where I started as a probationer minister, before moving on to Bradford and then Leeds. We then crossed over the Pennines to North Manchester, where we spent 13 good years. Now we find ourselves in Liverpool, and we are so grateful for the care, encouragement, and support we have received from the wider Circuit as well as from all the local churches.
I know things are going to get busy - there is always so much to do and so little time to do it in! Already, I have greatly appreciated being able to come along to the Warm Spaces and the Food Pantry, and I even popped my head round to see Tiny Steps. I know, however, that this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of all that goes on here and the many opportunities and possibilities within and beyond this building.
A couple of weeks ago, I visited King’s Lander School just around the corner from Linacre and spoke to the children in their assembly. I do hope that those local links will continue to develop. I’m delighted that they will be coming into our church around Christmas for their end-of-term celebration, and I’m also looking forward to the concert we are putting on early in December with lots of local talent. I hope it will capture the imagination of everyone taking part - and of those watching too. Please let Kim, our circuit administrator, know if you would like to buy tickets for that event. I’m sure it will be a wonderful evening, and it will also reflect my own passion and love for music - something I hope to share more in the weeks and months ahead.
Just a few days ago, we went into Liverpool to the Cat Café, where we drank coffee and sat with the cats - most of whom simply ignored us and slept! It reminded me of just how many wonderful things there are in this part of the world - including Cat Cafés! The cats were so gentle and non-judgemental, and that café felt like a little sanctuary for them. In the same way, the church is a sanctuary for all who wish to enter - a place to find peace, solace, and strength. May our church continue to be that kind of place for everyone.
All best wishes,
Darren