Category Archives: News

A special coffee morning!

The annual Supernumerary ministers coffee morning on Monday 26th September saw our circuit’s supernumerary ministers, their partners and minister’s widows who reside in the circuit meet together at Levens Methodist Church.  They were joined by the President of Conference Revd Graham Thompson and the District Chair Revd Dr James Tebbutt.  The President spent some time chatting to everyone and also spoke to the gathering and answered questions.  Supernumerary ministers from the neighbouring South Lakes circuit were also invited.

After this special time of fellowship the President and District Chair moved on to Stricklandgate Methodist Church for some lunch and a gathering of all the ministers in active ministry in the district.

New President and Vice-President of Conference

If you aren’t already aware of who they are, the Revd Graham Thompson and Anthony Boateng are in office now. There are two videos available where they each introduce themselves and share their faith journeys which you might be interested in viewing. The links are:  My Faith Journey: President of the Conference the Revd Graham Thompson – YouTube, My Faith Journey: Vice-President of the Conference Anthony Boateng – YouTube.

North West & Mann Regional Review

Cumbria, Manchester & Stockport, Bolton & Rochdale, Liverpool and Lancashire districts are currently involved a regional review.  They are looking at the possibility of the districts merging in some way to become one.   If/when any changes come into effect it will affect us all and it would be good for as many people as possible to have input into the process.

The districts involved in this process are hosting 3 open consultations to explore in more detail the model that could be presented to the spring synods.  This model is still being developed and the feedback and input in these consultations will be fed into the design process.  These conversations are open to all and will be held on zoom.  The dates are 9th, 13th and 19th July.  Details of the timings and who to ask for the zoom link are here.

Together at Thornleigh 2022

The Cumbria Methodist Women in Britain group are hosting their annual 3 day residential at Thornleigh Hotel, in Grange over Sands.  Mrs Gill Dascombe, a former Vice President of Conference, will be the guest speaker and her theme is ‘In our Father’s House’.

Further details and the booking form are available to download here.  Please be aware that this event was fully booked up last year, so if you are interested please don’t delay.

Circuit service of farewell

        On Sunday afternoon, 24th 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.