Updated on Sunday, 05 October 2008

It's a pleasure to be able to introduce myself: My name is Michael Long, although most people call me Mike.

I have been a minister for sixteen years, all in circuits in the London area. I began my ministry on the edge of East London where part of my work was industrial chaplaincy, then moved to north London to a more suburban situation. The last eight years have been spent in Woking, Surrey. This is a large, growing church in the commuter belt, with a ministry team comprising pastoral workers and a youth worker, as well as the minister.

I don't come from the south however: I was born on the outskirts of Liverpool, in a Methodist family, and grew up there until leaving home to go to university.

I am married to Suzie, and we have two children: Imogen (10) and Samuel (6). Suzie is a Personnel Consultant, and we're fortunate that she is able to continue her job, working mostly from home, but needing to travel back to Surrey each month. The children are enrolled into local schools, and are looking forward to making new friends. I am interested in astronomy and enjoy exercise and sport. Years ago I was very involved in Ultimate Frisbee, but sadly few people have heard of it!

I also love music, and I'm passionate about its use in worship. I believe that music plays as significant a part in worship as the spoken word: it helps to create atmosphere, enhance prayer, and provide a sense of continuity in the service. I can spend as long choosing the hymns and songs for worship as I do preparing the sermon!

I'm excited about coming to Llandudno for several reasons. It's a very different place from anywhere I have lived or worked, and I welcome the challenge of a new ministry. Although I haven't yet met many people, the enthusiasm and commitment that I detect is very encouraging.

Llandudno is an extraordinary place of dramatic scenery, Victorian buildings and new developments, and a wide range of people who live, work and visit here. I'm sure the church is no exception. The opportunities for mission strike me as most exciting, and I'm eager to discover more about the life of St John's and to get to know everybody.

The old welcome service for ministers simply required incoming ministers to promise "I will work with you and pray for you". There is much more to it than that, of course, but I think it is a good starting point. Thank you for your welcome and prayers this far; I will pray for you and look forward to working with you.

Mike Long