Maternity problems at churches

Dec 11 2010 by Chris Burgess, Hudd Sat

THE Linthwaite Methodist minister, the Rev Jo Archer-Siddall is now on maternity leave until just before Easter.

The Rev Debbie Hopkinson, circuit minister is also on maternity leave – and the Rev Alan Boyd will be on sabbatical from the end of January.

This means that the Methodist churches in Linthwaite, Slaithwaite and Marsden will struggle for ministerial appointments to enable Holy Communion to be served.

With this in mind, representatives of the Rev Jo’s three churches met earlier in the year with superintendent minister, the Rev Steven Day and circuit stewards, and it was agreed that a united service including Holy Communion would be held at one church in turn, whilst the other two close on that morning.

It is thought that this gives everyone an opportunity to meet and worship with others of the valley churches during this difficult period. The dates for these services are:

January 23: Slaithwaite; February 20: Marsden and March 13: Linthwaite.

Transport will be provided for anyone who needs it.