On Sunday afternoon, 24^th April, the circuit said it’s farewells to the Rev David Stretton, his wife Kate and daughter Libby.

David is leaving the circuit to continue his ministry on the island of Alderney.  He has been stationed in the circuit for nearly 9 years during which time he has had pastoral charge of Arnside, Levens, Milnthorpe Methodist churches and Storth Village Church.  He has also served the churches in the Kendal section. He will be much missed by all the people he has worked alongside.  Rev Wendy Thornton led the circuit service of farewell and Rev Les Hann preached from Philippians chapter 4: 4-9.  As well as gifts from the Kent Estuary section churches, the circuit also made a presentation to David and Kate.  Rev Wendy put together a ‘bag of essentials’ including factor 50 sun cream for David’s head,  mini-beastie spray, coffee bags and a small portable stove in case of power cuts.  Following the service there was a sumptuous tea provided by church members, which included numerous ‘variations of a theme’ of chocolate cake!

We are very sorry to see David, Kate and Libby leave, they will be much missed, but wish them every blessing as they start a new phase of their lives on Alderney.

The latest newsletter from the Cumbria Methodist District is available to download here

Here are details of the events and services taking place around the circuit during Holy Week and Easter.

An 11-day Ecumenical Pilgrimage to the Holy Land takes place from 20^th-30^th October 2022 and will be led by The Right Revd James Newcome and Revd Dr James Tebbutt. If ‘following in the footsteps of Jesus’ is something that appeals to you then please find out more in this brochure

At February’s circuit meeting representatives of the churches around the circuit shared news from their churches with the meeting.  A copy can be downloaded here.

MWiB have issued their Newsletter for Winter 2021 and their prayer diary for December 2021 to February 2022.

The Circuit Leadership Team has had a busy few months and wants to update you on some developments.

Peter McCabe, the circuit prayer champion, hosted a zoom meeting recently and people shared what was being planned in their church over the Christmas period.  It was really encouraging to hear from everyone.  Prayers were then offered to support the people organising the events, those who will speak or lead them and for everyone who may wish to come to church at Christmas time.  For more details please have a read of this.