Wes' Retirement

Nothing beats the joy of spending a day together, just like we did in Leicester last month for our annual Healing Hub Conference. We had the pleasure of welcoming Bishop Martyn Snow (Bishop of Leicester), who inspired and challenged us all in 'Christ the Healer in all Cultures'. The conversations sparked by this topic continue to resonate within our Hub teams and have found their way into our everyday work.

In a world where digital is the norm, coming together physically to love God and love one another was such a wonderful experience. Our Chair of Trustees, Gordon Sykes-Little, guided us through Acorn’s transition and vision as Wes prepares to retire as Director of Acorn at the end of 2024.

Wes, who was set to retire after an incredible 11 years, is now stepping back form public events due to personal circumstances. Despite this, he remains committed to guiding Acorn into 2025, alongside the Board of Trustees and Staff. We owe him a world of gratitude for his unwavering faith, exceptional ministry skills, friendship, and leadership over the last 11 years. We all have our unique memories with Wes and we are sure you'll join us in thanking him for his incredible service. We'll be saying our goodbyes and celebrating his 11 years at Acorn on 9th November at St Alban’s Church, Hindhead. Do join us for this special occasion.

We're thrilled to announce that Lisa Way is stepping into her new role as Co-Director (Operations) of Acorn. You might see Lisa at your Hub, offering ministry and training both online and in person, ensuring the charity continues to run smoothly, and always ready to assist with your queries. Lisa loves the personal touch of interacting with each of you and is always here to support you.

Our Board of Trustees has kicked off the process of appointing a Co-Director (Ministry) to join Lisa in guiding the everyday ministry that Acorn offers. We can't wait to welcome a new member of the team soon!

Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in Acorn. We are so grateful to have you on this journey with us.

Wes' latest update:

Dear All

I wanted to personally update you on an issue that Mary and I are currently facing and the impact of which we are still processing.

I was phoned by the ENT consultant recently informing me that the result of a recent CT scan shows I have a vestibular schwannoma in my right ear. The good news is that these types of growths are benign, but the not so good news is that the growth is large enough to require surgery within the near future. The first step is to have an MRI, which is more complicated because of my pacemaker, but that is in process as well.

My consultant will be discussing the operation with the neurosurgeons soon and having looked up the procedure online, it is an ‘all day’ affair and I am likely to be in hospital for between 5-7 days, with recovery taking a further eight to twelve weeks! I am waiting for a letter from the consultant with more information. who will personally do the operation in conjunction with a neurosurgeon, as it is an area of special interest for him and we feel that we are in good hands!

Sadly, according to what we have read, the operation will not reverse my hearing loss, but I am hoping it might relieve the tinnitus, which has increased over the last couple of years.

I had an MRI on 17th October in advance of a meeting with the surgical team in November to go through the procedure with us and establish a date for the day long surgery. Recovery time is estimated at 2-3 months.

Praying now for confirmation of the November surgical team meeting.

This will mean that the autumn will now be different from the one we initially imagined! Until I know timings I am continuing everything as normal. Acorn is a movement we all share in and so it will ‘business as usual’ regardless of the personnel.

Please do keep Lisa, Sue and the Trustees in your prayers as they together maintain Acorn’s ministry. I will keep you posted on developments, but can I thank you in advance for your ongoing love and prayers, which I know will be supporting us in this season.

Wes Sutton