Parish News

Hello! It’s only a few weeks into my time among you as part-time, Interim Vicar of the United Benefice of Barrowford and Newchurch-in-Pendle and already I have received the most fantastic welcome from the congregation and local parishioners.

Although not a complete stranger to the Parish (I spent part of 2017 supporting St Mary’s after the retirement of Canon John Hallows, RIP) it’s a blessing to have the opportunity to get to know the area, its residents, its stories and history more deeply.

Finding my way down narrow country lanes to make wedding and baptism visits, meeting children and staff at our wonderful local schools, engaging with Parish Councillors and local residents, all these early-days experiences are beginning to reveal a small but tightly-knit community committed to preserving the best of past traditions but with its eyes wide-open to the challenges of the present and the future.

Although the Church and its buildings may once-upon-a-time have been more at the heart of our communities (its social and spiritual ‘hub’) I am getting a really strong sense that, in this community, it continues to offer a place and a purpose to serve all the people of the parish.

The first thing to know is that your are all welcome to events and services both social and spiritual.

The second thing to know is that, as your vicar, I am available to all, regardless of whether you attend church or not.

The welcome of the church is not just one-way. The church can come to you.

Mine’s a black tea (no sugar). Biscuits, optional. (No custard creams, please!)

Halloween at St Mary’s

St Mary’s Church community welcomed visitors to the church on the Sunday before Halloween to find out more about the church building and enjoy its peaceful space with good company.

With Newchurch-in-Pendle attracting many visitors around Halloween, a team from the church decided to keep the church open all day on Sunday 29th October to welcome people in – walkers, families and visitors from far and wide. Free light refreshments were available, and activities for children.

Gin Crewe, Parish Council Member and Secretary said:

“It was a most enjoyable day for us, and we hope, our guests. We talked with so many visitors, listening to them and showing them the new parts of our little church and explaining how they support worship and community use. Plus, many were interested in finding out about some of the more historical parts of the church.

“We met some most interesting people, of all ages, both local and from far-flung parts of England. The cakes were delicious and the coffee and tea plentiful. We even tidied out the Messy Church boxes in our spare time and ‘put the world to rights’.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed. It was a most agreeable and yet purposeful day. My name will certainly be top of the volunteer list to help out again next year.”