October 2009

As I write we are in the midst of unpacking boxes. In this my first letter as Bishop of Ludlow I want on behalf of all my family to thank everyone for the warm welcome and the many good wishes and cards. Moving house is a challenging business. The process of packing up and then unpacking brings with it a set of circumstances which disorientate before the whole process of reorientation can begin. At this precise moment we are in the middle of it all and it is amazing how difficult it can be to locate things which previously you knew exactly where to find them.

Part of the adventure of moving into our lovely new residence at Halford is that as we unpack many familiar items the house provides a different grain and character and the things we bring, combine with the new items acquired and most importantly with the house itself to create something that is both familiar yet completely new.

In many ways I think that these two observations express what I feel as I begin a new ministry among you as Bishop. There will inevitably be some initial disorientation. Please pray that with a growing appreciation of this diocese, its people and places, and as we work and share life together, there will emerge a fresh reorientation in respect of building the Kingdom of God and in the sharing of the good news of the Gospel of Christ. My hope is that my gifts and ministerial experience and this new setting with its unique character and grain will combine into something that is both familiar yet fresh. Ministry is a wonderful privilege and over the years I have received much from others. It is with joy and an expectation of good things that I look forward to what is ahead.

Alistair Magowan