In the ‘Parable of the Wheat and the Darnel’ (Mt.13.24-30), Jesus teaches by use of this parable that there can by systems, attitudes or even people than can hinder God's mission. This parable has been used as the basis of my reflection on some of the frustrations I have experienced in trying to manage the 7 parishes and 9 churches of the Saxon Shoreline Benefice over the past 3 years. I believe now is the time to 'pull out the darnel', i.e. those practices, systems and attitudes that will make it more difficult to sustain the pastoral care and mission of our local church and its sustainable future. I have written a proposal document as to what I feel is the remedy to make our Benefice more sustainable and easier to govern (in terms of organisation of the church communities). These proposals are the start of a discussion in the form of consultative meetings to be held in the late Spring/early Summer of 2026. Please download and read the rationale document (there is the longer version or the summary sheet) with the accompanying PowerPoint to find out what this is all about. There will be more information to follow at Easter.