Church circuit merger is vital in strengthening the region's services
A MERGER of two church circuits in North Lincolnshire is vital to strengthening the region's services, according to a lead superintendent.
Church services for the Epworth and Crowle circuit and the Scunthorpe circuit have merged to form one regional circuit to cover North Lincolnshire.
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Superintendant methodist minister Reverend David Leese outside the Wesley Memorial Church in Epworth.
It will mean that congregations will combine and share ministers to help the new circuit run more efficiently.
The Epworth and Crowle circuit, which covers the west bank, has 13 chapels and two ministers.
Meanwhile, the Scunthorpe circuit has 14 chapels and four ministers.
Under the merger, six ministers will be shared over the whole new circuit.
Reverend David Leese, superintendent minister for Epworth said: "Today the two circuits will amalgamate following a unanimous vote.
"The circuit doesn't need to do this, but we believe that this is a real positive way forward because with six ministers we can use them more effectively.
"Both circuits have a strong following, but particularly for Epworth and Crowle, the smaller circuits, with two ministers, it's limited.
"We want to build the circuit tobecome stronger and with a larger circuit we can operate more flexibly and have a greater effect."
David Sanderson, senior steward at Old Brumby United Church, added: "I think it's right because, although it will be disappointing to lose the identity of Scunthorpe Methodist Circuit when it joins with Epworth – which is the birthplace of the Wesleys, so to us it's quite significant – I think it will strengthen us.
"There are stories in the bible that say if you cut back, new shoots will grow from it, so hopefully the circuit will grow and strengthen."
On Sunday, a special inaugural and welcome will be held at Ashby Wesley from 6pm.
Reverend David Perry will be preaching and will welcome the new minister for Winterton, Reverend Ian Coates.
Speaking about the service changes, Mr Sanderson added: "They will come to us on this occasion and on September 16 the first service under the new merger will be held at the Wesley Methodist Church.
"People will move around the churches, so there is going to be some travelling but we will keep it to a minimum.
"The congregation at Old Brumby will be glad to see more people from the methodist side as well."
Comments
by Contax, Brigg
Thursday, September 02 2010, 10:54PM
“"There are stories in the bible that say if you cut back, new shoots will grow from it" Why did someone not quote this from the bible to Blair and Brown although they should have known being such religious people.
I hpoe it works out for Epworth and Crowle circuit as it was a good area in my childhood days.”