Superintendent's Letter July 2026

July has arrived more quickly than I imagined.
As I write my final newsletter letter as Superintendent Minister of the Barking, Dagenham and Ilford Circuit, I find myself returning to Paul’s words to the Philippians:

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”

Gratitude is perhaps the strongest emotion I carry into these final weeks. Gratitude for shared ministry. Gratitude for friendships formed. Gratitude for prayers offered. Gratitude for the countless ways we have witnessed God’s faithfulness together.

This month, as we prepare for our second annual Circuit Youth Day, I am reminded that the Church is always at its best when it is looking forward rather than backward. Young people laughing together, learning together, discovering faith together, remind us that the gospel is never simply about preserving what has been. It is about participating in what God is still bringing into being.
 

Over the past years we have shared much together. We have worshipped in seasons of joy and seasons of grief. We have celebrated baptisms, confirmations, marriages, anniversaries, and new beginnings. We have stood together at hospital bedsides, gravesides, food-banks, community events, school gates and prayer gatherings. We have welcomed newcomers and said farewell to beloved friends.

​

Together we have sought to be a Circuit that worships deeply, serves generously, and engages courageously with the communities around us.

No ministry is ever the work of one person. It has been my privilege to serve alongside dedicated ministers, local preachers, worship leaders, stewards, pastoral visitors, volunteers, staff, trustees, and congregations who give countless hours in service to Christ. Thank you for your faithfulness, your patience, your prayers, and your willingness to keep showing up even when the road has not always been easy.

As I prepare to move on to a new appointment, I do so with gratitude rather than sadness. For the Church was never ours to own. We are, each of us, temporary custodians of a much larger story.

Paul, when taking leave of the elders at Ephesus, said:
“And now I commend you to God and to the word of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:32)
Those are the words I offer to you now.
I commend you to God.
Continue to be a people of prayer.
Continue to be a people of welcome.
Continue to be a people who make room for children and young people.
Continue to be a people who seek justice, dignity, and compassion.
Continue to be a people who are unafraid to try new things for the sake of the gospel.

The future of this Circuit does not depend upon any one minister, steward, church council, or superintendent. It rests in the hands of the One who called the Church into being and who remains faithful from generation to generation

My prayer is that you will continue to dream boldly, love generously and serve courageously.
May you remain rooted in Christ.
May you remain attentive to the Holy Spirit.
May you remain open to the surprising new things God is doing among you.
Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to walk alongside you for this season.

As I leave, I do so with profound gratitude, many treasured memories, and confidence that the God who has brought us this far is not finished with us yet.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21)

Grace and peace,

Revd M. Thathane-Tyolweni
Superintendent Minister
Barking, Dagenham & Ilford Circuit