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Janet Sweet is a Local Preacher in the Harrow Circuit

Sometimes, we may reflect in amazement at ourselves as a band of Preachers. Look at us, for example, in terms of personality, background, age, experience and gifts. Surely this serves to underline the importance of what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12. I feel that a strength of the Methodist Preaching Plan is that congregations receive variety in Worship through the various gifts and insights which Ministers and Local Preachers offer.

We worship a God who is beyond understanding, as well as within and alongside us. Yet, it's humbling to trace the work of God in our life.

My background contains much of stability and privilege. In a much loved hymn, Thomas O Chisholm expressed his experience in terms of "blessings all mine and ten thousand beside". I can echo that experience. Yet, in common with most people, I have my struggles.

Who but God would call a very shy person like myself to so public an office? Like many others, I have suffered bereavements and have had to cope with disappointment, rejection and loss in some areas of my life. Within any congregation will be those whose life is far harder than mine in certain respects. I feel it's important that we try to recognise the issues people face and, in our preaching, tell of Jesus as One who loves and saves.

My early life as a member of the Cradle Roll and Sunday School led me, in my teens, to become a helper and pianist in what then became known as Junior Church. At 19, I joined Youth Fellowship and realised then that my understanding of Jesus as Saviour needed to grow. Throughout my twenties, I was a leader and Secretary of Junior Church and, to my surprise, several people suggested I should consider becoming a Preacher one day. In the 1980s, my Mother was suffering from cancer and my faith was greatly tested. She died in 1987.

From 1986 to 1989 I served as a Church Steward, during which time the subject of Preaching arose again - several times! I was given a Note to Preach soon after my term as a Steward ended.

I am currently Local Preachers' Secretary and LPMA Branch Secretary.

In recent years, I've had the privilege of leading Worship in other Circuits occasionally, besides my own. I have found the conduct of Worship to be a demanding, humbling, but enriching and often joyful experience. It gives unlooked for rewards. I cannot imagine life now without being a Preacher.

Janet Sweet is pictured representing LPMA at a Circuit event