Methodist Church Circuits come together to pool resources

Methodist Church Circuits come together to pool resources

After eighteen months of deliberation the Rochdale and Littleborough Methodist Church circuits will unite and become one on Sunday 2 September.

It was decided twelve months ago that the circuits should merge into one in order to combine dwindling resources and it is hoped that the change will improve the situation.

As each circuit has its own superintendent minister, it has been decided that for the first twelve months there will be two superintendent ministers, after this period of time one will move to another circuit and the other will retire. When this occurs it is proposed that there will be a new superintendent minister.

Mike Bennion, a circuit steward for the Rochdale Methodist Circuit commented: “All of the congregations are happy with the decision and I think that the outcome will be one of success. I want to stress that the alteration is not because of a decline in congregations and there will be no church closures, but is simply an administrative adjustment so that we can become one unit.”

Marion Sherriff, from Norden Methodist Church, added: “I think it is a very constructive move and will hopefully promote the two circuits working together and sharing strengths. As well as this it will provide more opportunities to share ideas for evangelism and outreach in the community, especially because the two circuits are very close together geographically.”

Lynne Priestly, who is a member of the congregation at Smithy Bridge Methodist Church agreed with the other comments, stating: “I certainly think it will be a functional move for both circuits. It has been expected for quite some time now and it will definitely be valuable in sharing resources. I currently run a group called the Freedom in Christ Discipleship and I hope to offer it to Rochdale Methodist Church congregations after the merge.”

The amalgamation of the two circuits will be marked by a special service at Thrum Hall Methodist Church on Thrum Hall Lane, on Sunday 2 September at 6pm. The service will commemorate the new Methodist Circuit and will be dedicated to its practice.