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island pilgrims - routes around the Channel Islands

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Alderney’s Pilgrim Trail - The Methodist Church

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Walkers are being encouraged to reflect on their faith and take part in a new pilgrimage trail amid the beautiful scenery of the Channel Islands. The Alderney Pilgrim Trail is the first of a series planned across the islands which will be a network of activities across Sark, Alderney, Guernsey and Jersey – all exploring the spiritual dimension of life with a view to beginning new Christian communities.

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post-industrial village community story

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“The church has stuck around when everything else has moved away.” - The Methodist Church

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“The church has stuck around when everything else has moved away. That is witness in itself, God hasn’t given up on this community.” When the mines closed, it took more than the jobs. It stripped the village of its identity, its security and tore through the fabric of the close-knit community. The Methodist Church at Willington has adapted to the challenge

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ecumenical route & team from south Cumbria

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food poverty in NW England

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On Your Farm - The Farmer and the Food Bank - BBC Sounds

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Catch up on your favourite BBC radio show from your favourite DJ right here, whenever you like. Listen without limits with BBC Sounds.

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taking time to listen to challenges from local farming community

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Bishop visits Cumbrian farms to strengthen links with farming community - Diocese of Carlisle

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The Bishop of Carlisle has visited farms to further strengthen links between the church and Cumbria’s agricultural community. The Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh was joined by the Rev David Newlove, Cumbria Agricultural Chaplain, as they met farmers in the Eden Valley and listened to their experiences and the challenges of current farming practice.

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find input from a URC rural community worker from 22 mins

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A Church with People at the Margins – Webinar 1

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top tips for planning ahead & preparing for any future emergency

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Supporting churches and rural communities when crisis comes

Rural life can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be vulnerable to sudden disruption. Disease outbreaks, extreme weather, market shocks, and local tragedies can place enormous pressure on farmers, families, and the wider community. In the middle of this, local faith communities often offer calm presence, practical support, and prayer.

This resource brings together learning and signposting to help churches and rural communities respond well when crisis comes.

This document was written by the Methodist Rural Solidarity Circle, drawing on shared experience and learning from rural communities. The Arthur Rank Centre is pleased to host and share it as part of our wider commitment to supporting rural churches and communities when crisis comes.

It is designed as a starting point for discussion and action, with links to further help.

Read online

If the document does not display below, use the download button above.

How to use this resource

Use it as a conversation starter with your Church leadership team.

Identify who in your community you might contact quickly, including local farmers, vets, auctioneers, and rural support services.

Decide what your church can realistically offer, such as presence, prayer, a warm space, food, transport, or a listening ear.

Keep it somewhere accessible so it can be found quickly when pressure rises.

A helpful example

Below is an example from the Warwickshire Resilience Forum showing how local agencies plan for an animal disease emergency.

It is shared here to illustrate the kind of arrangements that may already exist in your area.

You may find it helpful to search for your own council or Local Resilience Forum emergency plans to see what is in place locally.

Animal Disease - Warwickshire LRF (Click to open in a new tab)

Further support

Alongside local friends, neighbours, and professionals, there are organisations that can offer confidential support and practical help.
These links are provided as helpful signposting.

Farming Community Network (FCN) - confidential support for farmers and farming families. Visit website

RABI - financial, practical, and emotional support for farming people. Visit website

The Addington Fund - practical help for farming families facing hardship, including housing support. Visit website

The Agricultural Chaplains Association - chaplaincy support within agricultural and rural life. Visit website

The information on this page is for general information and guidance purposes only. Links to external websites are provided External links disclaimer
for signposting and convenience. These websites are not under the control of The Arthur Rank Centre, therefore we assume no
responsibility for their content and do not endorse views expressed through them.

A note from The Arthur Rank Centre

The Arthur Rank Centre exists to support rural churches, farming communities, and rural communities. We are grateful for the steady, faithful presence of local churches in times of strain.

When crisis comes, small acts of care can carry huge weight.

We would love to hear what you are learning locally, and what you have found helpful, so that we can continue to share wisdom across the rural church.

Email: If you would like to talk through rural resilience in your area, or share a short reflection or prayer for possible inclusion on this site, we would be glad to hear from you. Get in touch info@arthurrankcentre.org.uk

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Rural Emergency Response - The Arthur Rank Centre

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Rural Emergency Response guidance for churches and rural communities. A practical resource for responding to crisis, with support, prayer, and signposting.

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25th anniversary FMD reflections & ongoing support

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25th anniversary FMD reflections & ongoing support

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reflections & support offered as we mark 25 years since the last major outbreak of FMD in the UK

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Foot and Mouth 25 Years On - The Methodist Church

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God loves you unconditionally, no strings attached. That’s the good news.

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Rural mental health awareness & support

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Methodists Supporting Farmers in Cumbria - The Methodist Church

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God loves you unconditionally, no strings attached. That’s the good news.

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extending Advent celebrations across a village community

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Posada takes Nativity into the community - The Methodist Church

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Christmas in Freckleton has become more than twinkling lights, it’s a season of shared stories, faith and community. With the help of Deacon Kim Gabbatiss, Minister with Pastoral Care at Freckleton Methodist Church in the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit, local businesses have discovered new ways to celebrate Advent.

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village chapel baptises three teens after 3Gen

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village chapel baptises three teens after 3Gen

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My hearts leaps with joy, as for the first time in a long time we have confirmed and received into membership three marvellous teenagers at our village chapel in Long Hanborough.

We took a group of eight young people to 3Generate in October, and this was such a transformational time for them.

All three teenagers had been to church with their parents for years but with the inspiration, teaching and guidance of the 3Gen team, these young people began to claim a faith that was their own.

When we returned, we talked at their request about what the next steps in their faith might be.

After many milkshake meetings, these three beautiful souls asked to leap into a journey of a lifetime that was theirs personally, giving their whole hearts to God.

The church community rejoiced with them as they led a service which included dancing, singing, a message of assurance and heartfelt prayers, all of a very different style to the norm in their church. These were all inspired by their experiences at 3Gen and nurtured within the life of their home church.

It has been my greatest privilege as their Minister to walk alongside them at this point in their journey and watch them flourish and grow. Emotional Minister alert!

I am grateful to the church community at Long Hanborough that allows them space to express themselves and their faith in new and diverse ways.

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A Joyful Leap of Faith - The Methodist Church

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"My hearts leaps with joy, as for the first time in a long time we have confirmed and received into membership three marvellous teenagers..."

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tackling rural youth mental health & well being

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Young farmers tackle rural mental health at 3Generate - The Methodist Church

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A duo of young farmers led a session dedicated to mental health in rural areas at this year’s 3Generate. The aim was for young people to learn to help themselves, as well as each other. And so recognising that support flows in multiple directions.

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church communities along the Hope Valley celebrate harvest together

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Harvest on wheels - The Methodist Church

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Hope Methodist Church take their harvest festival on the road each year with two specially decorated Harvest trucks collecting, delivering and praying in the community.

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"We're really proud to be the first-ever Methodist school group to come here"
Richmond Methodist School is the first school group attending 3Generate. Its 17 pupils had fun, discovered a strong community-feel and got closer to God.
Nine-year-old Theo captured the essence of what made 3Generate special, explaining, "There are so many activities and you get to choose what you do! I have been walking around with my partners and we went wherever we wanted." This sense of freedom was echoed by ten-year-old Eddie, who made a striking observation: "I am freer at 3Generate than at home or school."

The theme of resilience emerged strongly from the children's experiences. Theo shared a valuable lesson: "I learned about resilience. For example, I tripped over playing football and I hurt my knee, but then I ended up almost scoring after that."

These reflections came from pupils at Richmond Methodist School in the Darlington Methodist District, which became the first-ever school group to attend 3Generate. Mrs Stevenson, Richmond Methodist School's headteacher, was delighted to attend: "We're really proud to be the first ever Methodist school group to come here."

Revd Richard Andrew, then Designate President of the Methodist Conference, and Penny Fuller, one of 3Generate's organisers, visited the school in 2024. Mrs Stevenson recalled, "I'd never heard about 3Generate before." Intrigued, she asked Wendy Bunting, the school chaplain, to conduct a reconnaissance visit, returning with a strong recommendation after seeing how much children enjoy the event.

Mrs Stevenson and Wendy brought 17 children, year five and six pupils aged between nine and eleven. The headteacher observed, "The independence that they've shown today has been phenomenal. They've gone off in little pairs, explored and come back to us; that's been really exciting."
Community, connection and independence
The diverse activities captured every child's imagination. Joshua, aged 11, said, "I loved the cave activity. When you go into the cave maze, it's really fun." Claire, nine, explained, "I like the park where you could play hook a duck and all the games and stuff." Clara, ten, shared her environmental learning: "I learnt about how to look after the planet in the escape room Another Way. I pledge to use available water bottles instead of buying new ones."

The inclusive atmosphere particularly impressed the school delegation. Emily, ten, noticed the strong sense of community: "There is a community feel here; even if you weren't next to the person at night, they would still say good night to everybody." Wendy emphasised the importance of accessibility: "We've got children with additional needs here today and they have been able to access everything, which is important to us."

Mrs Stevenson explained their vision: "We wanted to make those connections. We want to give the children that opportunity to explore their faith and spirituality and that deep thinking, to explore the Methodist Way of Life so and meet other children."

Being the first school group at 3Generate held particular spiritual significance. Nine-year-old George valued "spending more time with God, because this is a religious place; I've been thinking about God a lot." The festival taught him profound lessons about faith: "I've learnt that God always trusts you and is with me all the time."
The Revd Richard Andrew said:
"As a Methodist institution, Richmond Methodist School is committed to faith. When we informed them about 3Generate, they quickly saw that the students would enjoy it. When I asked the children during lunch if they'd return, they all enthusiastically said, "Yes!"

The school has Methodist governors on its governing body and a Methodist chaplain who works across the local schools. We have a strong relationship with the head of the school, providing a foundation for discussions about initiatives like three-generation programmes. Many schools share these connections, and by encouraging attendance at events, we can foster ongoing participation."

(Image with thanks to A R Mackley)

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First Methodist school group at 3Generate - The Methodist Church

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"We're really proud to be the first-ever Methodist school group to come here" Richmond Methodist School is the first school group to attend 3Generate. Its 17 pupils had fun, discovered a strong community-feel and got closer to God.

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health & wellbeing community groups in partnership with a warm space

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Hosting a Warm Space Plus in Lincolnshire - The Methodist Church

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The Falls, Aches and Pains Event is one of many organised by the team at Ruskington Methodist Church to engage more with their Warm Space guests and the local community’s needs.

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quiet thriving

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Rural ministry is thriving, but often in quiet ways

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Around 170 people from across a range of historic denominations gathered at St Edmundsbury Cathedral on 22 and 23 September to be inspired and encouraged for mission and ministry in the rural areas of England. Excellent keynotes addresses from Bishop Mike Harrison (the newish Bishop of Exeter, on

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Celebrating harvest in Devon, BBC songs of praise 21Sept25

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Celebrating harvest in Devon, BBC songs of praise 21Sept25

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featuring SW District

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Claire McCollum helps bring in the harvest on a farm in Devon, where faith and farming go back five generations, and introduces favourite harvest hymns.

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Worship Among the Produce - The Methodist Church

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Ryhall Methodist Church in Rutland (part of the Stamford Circuit in Lincolnshire) has taken its Harvest worship beyond the church walls and out into the fields. After being inspired by Wholehearted, the Methodist Church gathering focused on mission and evangelism, Ryhall Methodist Church held its Harvest festival in the village allotment, taking faith, food, and fellowship into the community.

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Faith in the countryside, BBC songs of praise 7Sept25

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Faith in the countryside, BBC songs of praise 7Sept25

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featuring Lincolnshire District

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BBC One - Songs of Praise, Faith in the Countryside

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The Rev Kate Bottley is in Lincolnshire to meet those bringing rural communities together.

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embracing rural heritage & engaging community

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embracing rural heritage & engaging community

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Reviving Southfield Chapel: a rural Methodist church’s journey of reinvention - The Methodist Church

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Southfield Chapel has reinvented itself to overcome financial struggles and dwindling attendance. This semi-rural chapel, with a rich history spanning over a century, has adapted to changing times by shifting its services and embracing community engagement.

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read how one rural chapel joins the trade union festival celebrations to remember Methodist activists for justice

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Sharing Our Story and singing Our Song at the Tolpuddle Festival 2025 - The Methodist Church

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The President, the Revd Richard Andrew and Vice President, Matthew Forsyth, took part in the recent Tolpuddle Festival.

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read the latest chaplaincy blog from Lincolnshire District

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“Comforter, catalyst, champion and connector” - The Methodist Church

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In this week’s chaplaincy blog, Revd Canon Alan Robson shares his experience as Agricultural Chaplain in the Lincolnshire Methodist District.

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hear how a circuit lay worker developed a community with young families whilst walking together.

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It seemed a novel idea. People are used to pilgrimage with adults - but with children and dogs?

We certainly had to learn the 'Art of Pilgrimage', the process of journeying with young families, and the key being of course preparation. But along the pilgrimage, we have found a supportive community again. Someone to cheer us on, someone to share with (particularly the delicious home bakes), someone to listen to our problems.

When my children were young, church-run playgroups were an absolute lifeline for me. I found space, love and support. Over the years, I have spent many a day volunteering, giving back what I know is so essential for those overwhelming days of new motherhood. But what next after those playgroup days? Our families' journey on, and the hustle and bustle of hectic work, school and extracurricular clubs can take over.

Time and again I found I would bump into past playgroup families and they would tell me how much they missed those playgroup days. The support, the community, the shared cuppa.

They wished they could get that back again, they hadn't realised how special those days were. The church had been there then, so I wondered how we could continue to walk the walk with families now. Well, there was the answer, walking!

A lot of our 'old' playgroup families loved to walk and I had just discovered the North Wales Pilgrims Way - a 135-mile walk from Basingwerk Abbey in Holywell to Bardsey Island. Maybe we could try one walk, to see if people enjoy it? I thought it would be lovely for those families to get together again for the day.

Well, just over a year later and I can safely say, they certainly did enjoy that. The one walk was destined to be more, the families multiplied as each new walk along the pilgrims' path was announced and we are now nearly halfway to Bardsey!

Walking during Spring, Summer and Autumn

We are now changed, just as the seasons and the surroundings change as we walk on. We see those majestic mountain ranges, the timeless Yew Trees and ancient chapels where many have trodden before us, and we feel the hand of God in creation ushering us forward to journey together.

We have been travelling on the North Wales Pilgrims Way with our families for over a year now. Walking during Spring, Summer and Autumn, watching the seasons and our families change and grow. We have had walkers from 0-80 years old, and the mix of ages is truly a blessing. We try to aim for around 7-10 miles per walk - although depending on our navigation skills, that can vary! We have visited Friaries, Holy Wells, Standing Stones, Pilgrim Hubs, Cathedrals and Cafes. We have also tragically lost our much-loved chapel member Jane and walked our pilgrimage in honour of her, raising over £1,000 for Maggie's Cancer Support Centre.

We are walking our way through the seasons of life, giving people that space that the pace of daily life often doesn't allow for - space for questions, space for growth, space for community and space for the life-giving waters of God.

And so we journey on. Eglwysbach to Penmaenmawr next time. A 10-mile hike will take us on Coffin Path to the Ancient Llangellyin Chapel, which was featured on the much-acclaimed BBC Pilgrimage series in 2024. At this point, I will just say how amazing it has been that by sheer coincidence the BBC series was broadcast just days before our first pilgrimage was booked. We need more programmes like this! We need pilgrimages!

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Making the North Wales Pilgrims Way accessible for families - The Methodist Church

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Marie Lumb, mother of seven and lay worker for the Cheshire South Methodist Circuit, shares her work of supporting families and how it led her to organise pilgrimages, especially for young families.

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hear how one rural circuit developed pilgrimage & discover new resources for your local context.

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Sheffield Methodist District - Pilgrimage

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Join us on a spiritual journey through South Yorkshire and beyond, exploring faith and community in our Pilgrimage article.

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listen to a conversation with Amanda Gorton about all things rural & justice-seeking. Practical & contextual.

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full of wisdom & top tips from local rural practitioners around how to engage with your local festivals

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Attending rural events - The Methodist Church

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God loves you unconditionally, no strings attached. That's the good news.

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Rural mission & pilgrimage - NEW resource!

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Rural mission & pilgrimage - NEW resource!

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full of practical inspiration for rural communities looking to engage in pilgrimage & mission

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Pilgrimage: A missional guide for rural churches - The Arthur Rank Centre

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Pilgrimage is enjoying a resurgence, with people from all walks of life seeking space to reflect, reconnect with the land, and encounter God. Whether it’s a few quiet steps through the local countryside or a well-planned journey between churches, pilgrimage can offer stillness, insight, and transformation.

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listen to Helen Cameron & David Newlove as they explore rural contexts, presence ministry & support for mental health

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10 Minutes on... podcast – Joint Public Issues Team

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This occasional podcast series features ten-minute episodes where the Joint Public Issues Team and others share their knowledge and passion on topical issues. You can choose an episode from the playlist below. Tap or click the large ‘10 minutes on’ image beside the episode you are playing for more information and useful links. For other […]

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St Aelred's pilgrim trail launch - new route created across North York Moors

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St Aelred's pilgrim trail launch - new route created across North York Moors

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An ecumenical pilgrimage for Easter in Yorkshire - The Methodist Church

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On Sunday 9 March 2025, local religious leaders led a walk on the new Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail (SAPT) in the heart of the picturesque North York Moors.

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open building offers prayer, peace & fresh coffee

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open building offers prayer, peace & fresh coffee

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On the Cornish coastal path, Portscatho welcomes plenty passers by to pray & rest a while.

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addressing food poverty & isolation on the Isle of Man

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addressing food poverty & isolation on the Isle of Man

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FULFIL communities

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Isle of Man, FULFIL communities - The Methodist Church

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Listening to God & community

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Sheffield Methodist District - Joy at Brightholmelee

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Discover the joy of community and faith at Brightholmelee, a cherished gathering for the Sheffield Methodist District.

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rural chapel's pedal tractor run fundraiser

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rural chapel's pedal tractor run fundraiser

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Broomhall & Sound village chapel raised funds for All We Can

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Chester and Stoke on Trent District - Pedal Tractor Run

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Join us for the exciting Pedal Tractor Run in Chester and Stoke on Trent District! Fun for all ages and a great day out!

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collaboration in SW, partnership working to support those affected by rural homelessness

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Warm Spaces and beyond in Saltash - The Methodist Church

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Since opening its Warm Space, Saltash Wesley Methodist Church in the South West Peninsula District provides increasing services to the community from several meals a week, showers, toiletries and administrative support.

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rural internet connectivity project

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Connecting to the kingdom - The Methodist Church

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In the digital age, not being able to get online excludes people from fully participating in society. “Are you even a citizen if you can’t access government websites or the NHS app?” asks the Revd Rachel Moss.

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providing a warm space & company

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How Cream Teas and scones created social connections - The Methodist Church

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In rural Denby Dale in the Yorkshire West Methodist District, Cream Teas is an initiative of the Denby Dale Centre that brings people together, offering them a warm space, warm conversations and tea and scones every week.

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pioneering without a church building in a rural community

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How pioneering built a Christian community in Horrabridge - The Methodist Church

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In the South West Peninsula District, Ali and a passionate team of local volunteers are building a Christian community around love, care and answering the needs of the people in the area.

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working together to achieve more

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Shepley Methodist Church in rural West Yorkshire has been helping the Kirklees Eco Elves share Christmas with local families. Shepley was grateful to be able to provide a warm, festive welcome for the community without the stress of trying to run their own event.
Shepley Methodist was approached by staff from Kirklees Community Hub, along with Surestart and a local school uniform charity, to see if they could offer a warm, comfortable venue for young families to enjoy a free, fun filled day of crafts in early December.

The Eco Elves had been busy collecting, checking and gift wrapping the hundreds of toys which had been donated. The wrapped gifts were then delivered to the church where each young family could choose an age-appropriate gift.

The smaller children enjoyed crafts using left over materials and recycled them into Christmas decorations to take home.

The Revd Sue Pegg, Methodist Minister at Shepley commented, "Working in partnership with others, we were able to spread the joy of Christmas in an economically and environmentally responsible way which still offered goodies. We could have struggled to run such an event on our own but partnering with others made it possible. The event helped us discover a new, exciting and fun way for the church to engage with young families that was stress free."

"We felt very blessed by the new friendships we made and were able to offer invitations to them to other events, particularly to the Christmas Christingle workshop the following week."

"It seemed to me that 'Jesus the Light' wasn't simply shining on the world but very much embedded in it and in some way by partnering with our lovely Eco Elves, we'd found an opportunity to let the light shine."

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Helping Eco Elves deliver Christmas - The Methodist Church

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Shepley Methodist Church in rural West Yorkshire has been helping the Kirklees Eco Elves share Christmas with local families. Shepley was grateful to be able to provide a warm, festive welcome for the community without the stress of trying to run their own event.

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Stonehouse Methodist share their tips

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Going Green in Gloucestershire - The Methodist Church

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A second church in the Gloucestershire circuit has achieved the prestigious A Rocha Gold Eco-Church Award for its comprehensive environmental initiatives. This new achievement shows how a supportive circuit can transform how religious institutions champion sustainability within their communities.

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local & sustainable food event

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Over the last five years, St John's Methodist Church, Settle has found new ways to engage the farming community in conversation. They recently received their Eco-church Gold award* from A Rocha, a useful way of helping equip church congregations to focus on creation care as part of our worship and service.

As a rural market town located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, it's no surprise that the surrounding area is predominantly agricultural. The Settle Eco Group have been keen to engage with and listen to their wider community from the start, especially as 'community & global engagement' is one of the key areas of focus for the award.

Philip Taylor, church steward & Eco-group member at Settle, shares the journey so far and emphasizes how important it has been for the group to listen and engage with each local chapel in the circuit, especially those still fully integrated into their local agricultural community. So often we can read headlines, hear provocative news clips and assume binary opposing positions on issues where we actually have much more in common. Our local farmers can feel underappreciated when reading such clickbait headlines, when in fact our messaging around caring for creation & being good stewards are shared by, and are the main motivation of, family farmers. Finding common ground, listening to local concerns, engaging in robust conversations with grace, maintaining goodwill, are all practices demonstrating the Eco group's commitment to becoming a beacon for creation care in the community.

After several years, this wider engagement resulted in St John's hosting the third in their annual series of 'Let's talk...' events. Let's talk farming offered a fabulous line up of speakers and contributors - including local young farmers. An event for the whole community to come & learn about the challenges of farming & food production in the current climate. Grappling with the question 'How can / should we value that which is local and which sustains so much of our rural economy?'

If your local church is exploring creation care, maybe you could engage sensitively and supportively with your wider community, including local food producers too. You never know where such listening & conversations may lead!

A final word from Philip: "A Rocha is an excellent organisation who help churches to 'walk the talk' in a very prayerful way. I urge everyone to take a look at the Eco-church scheme and, at the very least, register with them."

*To note: Eco-congregation is the equivalent scheme in Scotland

Sarah Hulme is the Rural mission & ministry officer for the Methodist Church who supports rural churches in their mission.

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Over the last five years, St John's Methodist Church, Settle has found new ways to engage the farming community in conversation and recently received their Eco-church Gold award.

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read how various rural Methodist churches engage with their local festival or village show

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Attracting more than 1,200 visitors each August with over 100 trade stands, the Ashbourne Show is an event for everyone. Part of the circuit's outreach has been providing a welcome space at the show.

The space provides hospitality; a time to rest, to speak and be listened to; it is a place to pray and to be part of the community. There is also a space for young children to play while their parents can enjoy a cuppa!

Making this happen each year requires volunteers to prepare the food, transport equipment, shop for supplies, set up, welcome, keep the tea urn going and to make, pour and serve drinks, chat, pray, smile, pack up and put everything away.

The space is neither a fundraiser nor a promotion, but a way of engaging with the many who may never step inside a church building.

Shropshire & Marches Circuit started the summer with the idea of using a foldout sofa to invite people to come and have a conversation, but then the idea evolved.

The sofa is taken to shows and carnivals where members of the local church engage those walking past in conversation.

The team also offers art and craft activities for children and adults. These are offered for free and proved a hit with the parents and grandparents who would come and sit for a few minutes while the kids were busy. It was while the children were distracted that conversations could take place and when people had a chance to write prayer requests.

Bishop Monkton Methodist Church was invited to take part in a potato challenge, helped by the fact that one of its members is a potato farmer who was able to provide the seed potatoes!!

In the spring, advertising was shared around the village and the school, inviting everyone to spend £10 on a bucket and a seed potato. The rest was up to them, the weather and time.

In September, the great potato challenge weigh-in took place. While this was happening, there were potato-based activities for all including a potato sack race, potato and spoon race and potato printing.

For almost 40 years, Masham Sheep Fair weekend has been a staple part of the town's annual calendar with people travelling from miles around to join in with the weekend show with sheep racing, sheep dog and duck displays and stalls.

The Methodist Church in Masham has been providing refreshments at the Chapel for visitors throughout the weekend for many years along with lunches for the judges. The space also offers a welcome rest as a place for visitors to have a sit down. The wider Ripon and Lower Dales Circuit used the Church About The Dales trailer, a shared ecumenical resource for churches in the surrounding rural areas. From here, free Bags of Blessing were handed out filled with goodies and Christian literature, a prayer tree was installed along with free activities. The games included rounding up a "flock" of balls with remote control 4x4's and Finding The Lost Sheep which featured one minister walking around town in full sheep costume!

Cards were given out for feedback on the Sheep Fair with a view to producing an exhibition about the story of the event that will be displayed in the Methodist Chapel during the sheep fair this year.

Boston and Sleaford Circuits have been jointly hosting an interactive tent at the Heckington Show for at least 15 years. It began as the 'Pray and Play' Tent but has become 'The Messy Tent' providing a variety of craft activities and conversation, alongside raising awareness of what local churches are doing.

Each year the tent sees a busy and wonderful weekend of witness and mission, with volunteers chatting with people of all ages, and often older guests enjoying the activities as much as younger ones. There is also a Sunday service held in the showground in the concert marquee - usually with a brass band and a choir!

The circuit has been privileged to receive positive and encouraging comments from families over the years.

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Stories from Rural Shows & Events - The Methodist Church

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God loves you unconditionally, no strings attached. That's the good news.

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church-owned cafe in Wiltshire

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Saint Arbucks | St Arbucks, refreshing our community

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serving communities with faith & open arms

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The Quiet Strength of Rural Churches - Rural Services Network

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Serving Communities with Faith and Open ArmsRural churches are often seen as small, historic buildings dotting the countryside, but their real impact lies far beyond their steeples. These churches are vibrant hubs of community activity, working tirelessly to meet the challenges faced by rural areas.

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film evenings, quiz afternoons, craft sessions...

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The rural Methodist Church in Thornborough in the Northampton District was the first Methodist Church to start a Lyrics and Lunch group in June 2022 and the furthest south so far. Lyrics and Lunch is a Christian Charity for those living with dementia and their carers. It aims at creating a community for those who might be losing theirs.

"Here we are together, together. Here we are together, and ready to sing," the volunteers start singing along with carers and people with dementia in the warm and welcoming Thornborough Methodist Chapel.

Led by Katy Morris, Lay Pastoral Care Worker, the group has an hour of singing, including a spiritual element with a scripture reading, a thought for the day and a hymn, some movement with percussion instruments and sensory scarves - activities that bring a bit of physical movement, to deepen the experience.

All this is then followed by a lunch. "I have a heart to care for people with dementia and their loved ones, to give them a community at a time when their lives implode and their social lives disappear. For a long time I had wondered if there was something I could do," says Katy Morris who started Lyrics and Lunch at Thornborough.

It all started during lockdown when Katy attended a summer school on Zoom and one of the speakers was a woman called Jeanette who started Lyrics and Lunch. It soon became evident to Katy that starting a group would be a great activity.

The choice of Thornborough Methodist Chapel was the first step, "it's a pretty place and it's easy to stop their car and walk in," added Katy. The blue walls are soothing and the atmosphere is cosy.

The next step was to look for volunteers and about 12 completed the training last year: some chapel members, some whose partners who had dementia and since died, and some from Well Street United Church. After seeing a post on Facebook, some members of the village offered to bake cakes for them every month.

They created flyers and left them in local churches, GP's practices, libraries, and anywhere they thought they might reach people needing support. Steve, one of the carers, was bringing a few people to Lyrics and Lunch before volunteering, "I cannot think of anything better than helping people with dementia."

The project also received a start-up grant from the Northampton District Mission Group after a successful application by one of the local ministers. The grant helps with the running costs but also meant they could purchase the copyright permission for the songs.

"It's a nice feeling to see the smile on people's faces when they hear a tune they are familiar with," says Sylvia one of the volunteers, "I am sure that people who come to help enjoy it as much as the participants."

"The flowers and the decoration are coordinated, it's lovely," declares Audrey a couple of times. Every month, it takes about an hour for Katy to set up the room: moving the furniture, putting up tables, laying tables, getting the flowers, the fresh fruit, the bread, the milk and cooking two soups.

She also picks up a couple of people. That's not counting the cleaning and tidying at the end - the volunteers help with this. Unfortunately, she can only manage to do it monthly at the moment, but, the team is big and could certainly be split in two, all that they need is another leader.

The small group is slowly growing, which suits the chapel perfectly. There is not much offered in the area for people with dementia, so Lyrics and Lunch is a breath of fresh air for everyone. "I love to get out, but I can't anymore. I don't see many people anymore," states Ron.

Most importantly, the people attending are friendly and warm, clearly enjoying their time together, either singing, eating or talking. "My grandad really enjoys it here," says Sophie. John, her grandad, adds, "It's a lovely bunch of people and the food is a real treat."

As the singing comes to its end, Katy starts, "We have all been together, together. We have all been together, and had a good sing."

To find out more about Lyrics and Lunch see Lyrics and Lunch: Music to feed the brain and lunch to enjoy together .

If interested, contact Katy  3blayworkerzoom@gmail.com  Tel 07904 958033

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Singing, Eating and Talking: A Community for People with Dementia and their Carers - The Methodist Church

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God loves you unconditionally, no strings attached. That's the good news.

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growing out of the building & expanding community connections

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Thriving community in Drighlington demands bigger space – Yorkshire West Methodist District

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Drighlington Methodist Church serves as a hive of activity within the community of Drighlington. It is estimated that up to 1000 people access the church’s facilities each week by attending activities there, including Drighlington Digital and the Memory Pot Café, whose volunteers were recently awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

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Bible journalling - creative faith with all ages together

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Bible journalling - creative faith with all ages together

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Madworthy Methodist church breakfast & Bible journalling group

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rural circuit & creative mission

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Enjoying companionship or peace and depth of solitude, allied to the rhythm of walking and breathing, creates time and space to set aside daily pressures and

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21 February 2022

A Repair Café recently opened at Waltham Chase Methodist Church in Hampshire after church members decided to see what they could do to reduce the amount of broken portable domestic items taken to the local tip and landfill.

Repair Café is an international grassroots movement that started in Holland in 2009. Local initiatives are now beginning to pop up across the UK.

In addition to reducing waste, Repair Cafés encourage wellbeing, aim to reduce the impact of depression and facilitate discussion and fellowship amongst members.

The Waltham Chase church members approached Hampshire County Council and were awarded a grant to fund the project. A shipping container was installed in the church car park and fitted out with a work bench and tools. A basement room was also allocated in the church.

Trial meetings once a month began prior to a Grand Opening in February. Meetings take place now on the first Saturday morning of each month, encouraged by the bacon butties and coffee.

Martin Letts, Meon Valley Methodist Circuit Steward, said: "There is no shortage of items to repair from an exercise cycle, guitar case, to a computer-printer interface, and even a pair of trousers!

"Fortunately the team has engineers qualified to repair electrical items and test them to the required national standards. Word is spreading and there are now an increasing number of items to repair. An oft heard cry is 'Could you just have a look at my broken...?' Possibly with the words: 'I have asked my other half but they haven't the time to fix it!'".
The grand opening of the Repair Café: Cllr Rob Humby cutting a ribbon and local MP Flick Drummond cuts a celebratory cake
The local MP, Hampshire County Councillors, District Councillors and well-wishers came to the grand opening. Martin Letts said: "It was great to see everyone pulling together. Most of all it was wonderful to be able to share with others in determining how we all move forward in overcoming these twenty first century challenges of reducing waste and relative isolation amongst some groups in society. It's also a good demonstration of how churches and local authorities can build strong links."
Food mixer restoration at the Repair Café Listen to Circuit Steward, Martin Letts speaking to UCB Radio about the Repair Café here. Back to All News
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21 February 2022 A Repair Café recently opened at Waltham Chase Methodist Church in Hampshire after church members decided to see what they could do to reduce the amount of broken portable domestic items taken to the local tip and landfill. Repair Café is an international grassroots movement that started in Holland in 2009.

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June Claire, a member of Minsterley chapel, said it had been a "difficult and complicated process", but added "we are united in our determination to rescue a traumatised family and look after them here in safety".

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Shropshire church converted into home for Ukrainians

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June Claire, a member of Minsterley chapel, said it had been a "difficult and complicated process", but added "we are united in our determination to rescue a traumatised family and look after them here in safety".

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rural chaplain in South West offers #ruralhope to farming community 

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rural chaplain in South West offers #ruralhope to farming community 

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How rural a support worker helps farmers’ wellbeing - Farmers Weekly

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In an era when the Church plays a smaller part in some rural communities than it did a generation ago, the need for pastoral care has become invaluable to

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Positively Rural webinar - family engagement. Stories of #RuralHope from Yorkshire

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Positively Rural webinar - family engagement. Stories of #RuralHope from Yorkshire

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Stories of #RuralHope from around the Peak District

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Stories of #RuralHope from around the Peak District

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The Peak Park Rural Enabler is a unique role which Deacon Lorraine Brown has embraced and is creating a Christian presence and engagement between the church and the rural communities in the Peak National Park.

Within the Park, there are Methodist Churches in three circuits and across three districts, plus several URC and Anglican Churches in multiple dioceses. Lorraine's role is working at a very practical level across all the boundaries defined by denominations for enhancing Christian presence within the Peak Park.

There are several projects running including:

Tissington - A Village Pilgrimage

The Methodist Chapel at Tissington is open 24/7 and receives thousands of visitors each year. The village is particularly known for the "Well Dressing" tradition, where people decorate the wells in the village. During Well Dressing, around 35,000 people visit each week.

Thanks to money gifted to the chapel, it's now been modernized to include facilities whilst keeping its traditional elements. Working with the chapel stewards and local folk a Pilgrimage has been developed. The Pilgrim starts at the chapel and journeys around the six wells and Parish Church, pausing at each for a guide reflection using Christian stories and verse. The pilgrimage booklet is available free of charge in the Chapel. Donations are accepted.

Care Farm

In Beresford Dale a Care Farm has been created on a farm owned by a local Christian family with the intention of helping build self-esteem, improve social engagement and promote practical skills in young people who for many reasons are struggling in education or in life generally. The Care Farm is called Lowberdale Farm. It is now a registered charity and is seeking new connections to recruit young people who may benefit through attendance

Chapel-en-le-Frith

A community garden has been created at Townend Methodist Church, Chapel-en-le-Frith. This rural church wanted to stay alive and thrive, so it pushed its mission outward and turned a paddock which was rarely used at the rear of the church into a thriving community garden.

The garden which is run by Mary Craner began to really gain momentum during lockdown. The local community joined with the church to create the garden. It provided much needed exercise, an outdoor space for people to gather and also locally grown food which is regularly shared.

At the of 2021 Mary said: "Well, this week is the last week of our gardening year, and what a year it has been! Our group of volunteers continues to grow, and the work done this year has been tremendous! So much sowing, planting, growing, mowing, picking, tidying, donating....... and on top of that, refitting the shed, building cold frames, compost bins, greenhouse base.... but most important of all, we've supported individuals and groups- pupils from the primary and high school, Girls Brigade, Brownie and Beaver groups, individuals with learning disabilities and mental wellbeing issues, and not forgetting the wonderful support we show for each other."

The Hub at Hope

The Hub at Hope reached out to residents and visitors to the Peak Park through many family accessible outside activities including cycling and hiking. The hub started out with 5 people who met on a Sunday morning, enjoyed a breakfast together then rode together. During lockdown this has grown to around 35 regular members and funding has been secured for a Pioneer Minister to work at The Hub for the next three years. Revd. Jonathan Brook has been working hard to attract more families and has introduced children's activities such as den building, messy church and forest church. The members of the group stay connected via What's App and have created a real community who not only enjoy outdoor activities but also allows for scripture to be discussed and explore God in creation.

Edale - Barber Booth Chapel.

Barber Booth Chapel at Edale has been active for over 200 years and thanks to a major renovation project it is being restored to its former glory. Local people joined together to save the chapel for years to come by improving facilities such as a toilet and a kitchen space, and making it a more useable space for all, whilst maintaining its original character.

The chapel offers 12 services a year, and the congregation is growing with more families attending events. The doors are open to walkers or those wishing to drop in on Tuesdays and Fridays as renovation permits.

There are more exciting plans ahead for the Peak Park so watch this space for more information.

If you would like to be in touch with Deacon Lorraine Brown, you can do so by emailing her on peakpark@sheffieldmethodist.org

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The Peak Park Rural Enabler is a unique role which Deacon Lorraine Brown has embraced and is creating a Christian presence and engagement between the church and the rural communities in the Peak National Park. Within the Park, there are Methodist Churches in three circuits and across three districts, plus several URC and Anglican Churches in multiple dioceses.

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Rural pioneer reflections & #RuralHope in Devon

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Rural pioneer reflections & #RuralHope in Devon

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Video snapshot of pioneering in TSM Meth Church July 2021

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Latest news & stories of #RuralHope from Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy

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Latest news & stories of #RuralHope from Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy

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#RuralHope in Shropshire & Marches - Borderlands Butty Van blog

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#RuralHope in Shropshire & Marches - Borderlands Butty Van blog

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Webteam: September 2021

The Borderlands Butty Van reopened to a warm, July reception. Over fifty farmers and members of the local community gathered at Villa Farm in Cardington, Church Stretton for the first Butty Van gathering since Covid restrictions were initially put in place. By the enthusiasm of both visitors and volunteers, the Butty Van, which aimed particularly at farmers, provides them with a farm space to meet with fellow farmers, was very much missed throughout the sixteen months of closure.
During the meeting, a gift token was presented to Virginia Clements in recognition of the work she and husband Richard along with the team of helpers, have done in creating and maintaining the Butty Van over the last three years.
Borderlands' Core Management team member Paul Trenberth remarked, "The Butty Van has grown from strength to strength and even after the Covid period it was wonderful to see over fifty farmers at the July meeting." As a space where farmers are welcomed 'straight off the farm, muddy wellingtons and all' for a bacon butty and a chat, the Butty Van has proved popular and discussions are taking place to establish two new Butty Van activity groups this year.
Borderlands would like to thank the host family, Liz and sons Barry and Roger Pinches who opened their farm and welcomed the visitors.
The next Butty Van meeting will take place on Thursday 16th September at the farm of the Pugh family: Longville Farm, TF13 6DS.

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Webteam: Tue 20 Apr 3:25pm

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Webteam: Mon 11 Jan 5:29pm

Borderlands' Chaplain David Gwatkin's blog about his life of faith and farming is available to read on the Methodist Church in Britain website. https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/news/the-methodist-blog/faith-and-farming-in-herefordshire/.11(Click here to...

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Webteam: Thu 02 Sep 9:33pm

Publications

© 2019 - 2021 Borderlands Rural Chaplaincy

Working with people or all faiths and none

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Borderlands Rural Chaplaincy - Butty Van Goes From Strength to Strength

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The Borderlands Butty Van reopened to a warm, July reception. Over fifty farmers and members of the local community gathered at Villa Farm in Cardington, Church Stretton for the first Butty Van gathering since Covid restrictions were initially put in place.

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#RuralHope in Malham - community sensory garden

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#RuralHope in Malham - community sensory garden