Notes from a Verger
By Ryan King, Head Verger
Hello everyone, I hope you have all had a good Christmas and are enjoying the new year.
I can’t believe it has been over 3 years since I first came across the verger job advert when scrolling through Facebook. Between Christmas and new year 3 years ago I was still unsure if I was going to apply despite the deadline being very near.
I had a few days off work from my previous job at the hospital after working a very busy rota over Christmas and decided to take a day out to pray, reflect and seek guidance from God to where he was leading me to.
One passage that really stood out to me in my discernment was from Isaiah 43 v18-19:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
As many people already know I’m not someone who particularly likes change however this verse reminded me that although change can be challenging it can lead to growth and new opportunities. This verse inspired me to explore how I can use my gifts and skills to support Gods Church and Mission here in Newark!
As a Church community we have gone through some change to leadership, building and some of our structure over the last year and that has brought some challenges to us all however, this has brought opportunities, growth and curiosity along the way.
We have taken church out from our building and we have had the opportunity to network with other churches and community organisations.
We have grown spiritually through Alpha courses and home groups and have seen new faces join our Sunday congregations and church activities.
We have had people in town curious about what we have been doing in our regular community activities and in our wonderful church building and this has continued with attendance at services rising since we-reopened at Christmas.
As many others have said in recent weeks although the building project is now nearly complete the work of reawakening is not finished!
As Peter Hill has said on numerous occasions over the last year the church is about what happens next!
I challenge you as we go into this new year to reflect and explore how God is leading you into this next season and how you can use your gifts and skills to support Gods mission!
Wishing you a blessed 2026!