A warm welcome for Methodist minister Anne
A NEW minister has joined the Market Rasen and Caistor Methodist Circuit.
The Rev Anne Coates was warmly welcomed by people from the whole of the Market Rasen and Caistor area, at a service held in North Kelsey on Sunday afternoon.
This is the first appointment for the probationary minister, who says she is looking forward to getting to know the area.
Having moved to Market Rasen from Darlington, the town is a much smaller community than she is used to of late, but having spent time in the Yorkshire Dales, she is pleased to be returning to a more rural area.
“It really is a beautiful part of the country and I have found everyone so friendly, both in the church and wider community” said Anne.
“I am looking forward to getting to know everyone better and helping the church and community to work together.”
Until 10 years ago Anne worked in schools – as a primary school teacher.
She then moved on to the advisory service for five years before taking the decision to study for the Methodist ministry.
Having completed her training at Durham, Anne is now entering her probationary period, where she will continue her studies before being ordained in two years’ time.
Anne will have pastoral charge for four of the circuit’s chapels – Middle Rasen, Faldingworth, Glentham and North Kelsey.
And with her background in education, Anne is keen to foster work with children in the churches.
“It is good to have relationships with schools,” she said.
“I am looking to develop the connections with schools in the area, making the children aware of the Gospel and helping them to make their own choices.
“It is always an exciting opportunity when a new minister arrives, to welcome someone with a fresh perspective, and who brings with them new insights into the kingdom of God,” said Superintendent Minister the Rev Andrew Lomax.
“Anne has a broad experience of life from her secular employment and gifts that we look forward to discovering as we get to know her.
“I am looking forward to working with Anne in the communities that our churches serve and discovering together, ways in which the church might connect meaningfully with everyone .”
Anne will be supported in her ministry by husband Malcolm, who is himself a lay preacher and will be joining the team of circuit preachers later in the year
This Sunday, the Rev Coates will be taking her first services at Glentham and North Kelsey.
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Weather for Market Rasen
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 6 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 26 mph
Wind direction: North east
