We are pleased to announce that the Revd Jordan Bentliff has been appointed as the next Vicar of Baxenden St John the Baptist and Accrington St Paul, subject to the usual safer recruitment checks. Rev Jordan is currently Curate of Chorley St George and All Saints Please do be praying for Jordan, his wife Rebecca and their family as they prepare to move house and as Jordan prepares to take up his new post. The Bishop of Burnley will institute and the Archdeacon of Blackburn will induct Jordan on Monday 7th September 2026, the time and location of the service will be confirmed in due course. Message from Rev Jordan Dear brothers and sisters - I feel very privileged to have been called and appointed to be the next vicar of your churches. I look forward to moving to be with you and to the life of faith, worship, service and witness to Christ we will share. A little about me. My current parish is Chorley All Saints and St George, where I have served as Church Planting Curate. In this role we have partnered with God to see church growth over the past four years. Before that, me and my family lived in Doncaster while I ministered as a youth worker to several economically deprived parishes. Outside of church, I love music and time with my family. My wife Becky works in publishing and we have one, lively, six year old child - Maisie. I look forward to getting to know everyone soon - and in the meantime will pray for you as I know you will pray for me.
The following people were elected at the Annual Meeting held on Sunday 17th May 2026 Church WardensSt Paul’s: Kath Jones, Heather PitmanSt John’s: Two Vacancies Parochial Church CouncilSt Paul’s Maureen Birtwistle, Terry JonesSt John’s Kath Pratt; Three Vacancies (due to resignations) Deanery SynodHeather PitmanPam StewartMarion Wilkinson
The Electoral Roll is the register of church members. If you are on it then you are entitled to stand for election to PCC, Warden or Deanery Synod and vote at the Annual meeting (APCM). If you aren’t on the Electoral Roll and wish to be then forms are available in both churches. The Roll is on display in both churches. If you would like to check then please contact Roger Longworth before 19th April.
Archdeacon Jane will be joining us to celebrate Easter.She will preside and preach in both churches on Easter Sunday (5th April). The services will be at the usual times of 9am St Paul's, 10.30am St John's
The PCC is seeking the views of the congregation on our next vicar to contribute to the Parish Profile; the essential and preferred characteristics. Over the next 3 weeks (8th, 15th and 22nd Feb) there will be sheets of paper available for you to write your ideas on or speak to a member of the PCC.Or email: info.johnpaulparish@gmail.com
On 28th December we said farewell to Amanda and Rich. They are off on a 3 month Sabbatical but then moving on to pastures new in Cumbria.At the end of the service they were presented with flowers, wine and a gift voucher and sent with prayer.Please pray for JohnPaul Parish as we manage the vacancy and begin the process of appointing a new vicar to lead us.