An Update from Acorn's Chair of Trustees - Gordon Sykes-Little

Dear All,

As Chair of Trustees I have the privilege of writing to you with an update of where we stand in the course of Acorn’s mission in the Lord’s healing and Kingdom.

Firstly, may I mark the occasion of Wes’ departure from Acorn at the end of December.  Last Saturday, 09^th November many of us were able to gather at St Alban’s church to say a loving farewell to Wes and Mary.  This was time of genuine outpouring of wishes of wellbeing and love for the unstinted service and dedication he has poured forth into Acorn during his tenure at Director of Ministry.  He leaves with a glad heart full of fond memories and very much appreciates the kind gifts given.  The monies collected to date will be put towards a specially chosen gift of an electric cello upon which he has his heart set.

With regards to a replacement for Wes – a hard act to follow, I had wished to make this announcement last Saturday.  Regrettably, at present we have yet to recruit a new Director of Ministry (DoM).  We have been advertising, and are still continuing to do so.  To date we have had 4 applications, 3 of which we have invited to interview.  From this process, the panel did not select a candidate meeting our requirements at this time.  However, this process has highlighted some shortfalls which we are now adjusting to for the next round of selections.  Whilst this may seem disappointing, it must also be seen as a blessing by allowing God to fine-tune ourselves to select His choice; ultimately for His work.  Please also be reassured that although it may have appeared more comfortable to have someone in now, we are acting in His timeframe. And so, I ask you to hold firm in faith that this will be fulfilled to His design in His time.

In conducting this selection, I wish to record my great appreciation to all those involved in the process.  Thank you for your forbearance, support and contribution of time and energy to turn a hope into His reality. Your efforts are not in vain and we will ask you to stand up and be ready for the next round.  When?  We are making adjustments to the Job Description which we hope to complete shortly, thereafter we intend to advertise again.

In drawing on the advantages of a time break between Wes leaving and the new DoM coming in, we have a heaven sent opportunity to consolidate on where we are.  To that end the Hubs will receive visits from the Leadership team and we shall take a pause with the Healing Academy after the December presentation.  This will allow Lisa to take up her mantle as the new role of Director of Operations and to induct the new DoM into role.  The Academy will re-open at Easter.

The Trustees will also take to opportunity to reform themselves to be able to provide guidance and direction to the new incumbent with their own roles and responsibilities being articulated within the Acorn vision.

I do hope this message provides: A clear update as to where we are; where we’re going in the near term; reassurance that we remain on track with our aims; able to provide confidence that what we all do is appreciated and that the work of all the Hubs remain at the heart of our Kingdom work.  On behalf of the Trustees and Leadership team - thank you.