Darwen Methodist Church at Spring Vale

29/08/2026

Tragic 😥 🙏🤲

We are devastated by the serious incident that took place at Big Church Festival 2026 today, in which a sign fell, injuring at least seven people, one of whom tragically lost their life.

First and foremost, all of our thoughts are with those who have been affected, their families and friends, and everyone who witnessed what happened.

Following today’s incident, we have made the decision to bring Big Church Festival 2026 to a close.

For all future updates, please visit our website.

https://bigchurchfestival.com/2026-public-statement/

18/08/2026

18/08/2026

The new Methodist Prayer Handbook - 'Sorrow-Joy' - is now available from Methodist Publishing House.

You can order from here:

https://www.methodistpublishing.org.uk/features/methodist-prayer-handbook

As well as the stunning artwork of Mary Fleeson, Lindisfarne Scriptorium, with some pages to engage with creatively within the book, I was thrilled to see contributions from NWE District folk:

Dc Kim Gabbattiss (p. 6, a prayer of thanksgiving)
Dc Jane Harper (p. 12 / 13, a prayer and photo from Calder Vale)
Kieran Bohan, Student Minister (p. 31, prayer)
Year 2 class, Nutgrove Methodist Primary School (p. 35, prayer)
Our SLT (p. 80 / 81, contributing prayers for / from NWE District)
Keeley Lund, local preacher on trail (p. 91, prayer on the creative pages)

And, of course, many who have served, at one time or another, in the North West, including the President, Mark Slaney, and Methodist Liaison Officer in Jerusalem, David Hardman, and more.

Thanks, one and all, for your contributions to an excellent resource for the coming year.

18/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/192r1P2djw/

27/07/2026

All through August free bus fairs for children.

18/07/2026

Sign up to our latest FREE workshop with Tanya Marlow - Preaching Christmas to People Who Dread It
https://ow.ly/Bm8L50Znf18
Your December preaching plans are due soon. But will you speak to all your congregation? For many, Christmas means grief, loneliness and quiet sorrow.
Learn how to preach good news to them too.
https://lwpt.org.uk/workshops/

18/07/2026

18/07/2026

Do you feel inspired to help others make a difference? 💛

👋 If so, you could be who we need as our new Engagement Officer!

⛪ The Engagement Officer (London and South East) plays a pivotal role in delivering All We Can’s plans for connecting with churches and supporters. By developing and leading impactful speaking engagements, acts of worship, events, and fundraising initiatives within the region and beyond, particularly within church contexts, you will build strong, long-term relationships that inspire justice-seeking action and generate sustainable income.

💭 Are you interested in our Engagement Officer role?

⏰ The closing date for applications is 20/07.

🔗 If so, check out the role now: allwecan.livevacancies.co.uk/ #/job/details/16

18/07/2026

18/07/2026

Liverpool Plus Mission Area is the home to one of Europe’s biggest and most prestigious dance festivals: Creamfields. It takes place at Daresbury Estate, Cheshire, over the four-day August bank holiday weekend. For several years, an ecumenical team of volunteers has been at Creamfields to show the love of Jesus to festival goers and staff through listening and hospitality. Find out more: https://nwedmethodists.org.uk/we-are-the-church-showing-the-love-of-jesus-at-creamfields/