Our new Community Art group got off to a fantastic start in May! Led by Caz and meeting weekly in the Parish Rooms, the group is already becoming a welcoming space for creativity, connection and encouragement. Following the success of the Narnia Project, Caz is continuing to develop her ministry as an Art Evangelist, helping people explore creativity in all its wonderful forms. The vision is simple: a safe and supportive place where people can come together to restore and upcycle furniture, try new crafts, enjoy immersive art experiences and discover the joy of creating. At the heart of it all is restoration — not just of furniture and materials, but of body, mind and spirit too. No experience is needed, and everything is provided. Just bring yourself — and perhaps a friend along too!
If you struggle to see how the God of the Old Testament can be the same as the God of the New Testament, or if you wonder what relevance the writings of ancient Prophets can have in Colne in 2025, this is the course for you! The course, developed by the Bible Society, will increase your confidence, equip you to read the Bible better and help you to see its relevance to daily life. The course provides a birds-eye view of the world’s bestselling book. Course begins on Wed 18th Sept at St Bartholomew’s , 7 - 9pm and 1.30 - 3.30pm. Over eight interactive sessions, it combines video teaching, group discussion, personal reflection and daily readings. Contact Rev Alex, Rev Michelle or Rev Tony if you would like more information.
The Community Grocery at St Bartholomew's will open on Fridays from the beginning of August. In a plan to ensure a greater variety of fresh food is available, the new day for opening will ensure those who use the Grocery have supplies for the weekend. Louise Smith, who helps organise the weekly Grocery said, 'We noticed that some food was going out of date between being delivered to us midweek and being given out the following Monday. Changing the date will be better for getting the most out of the food that's donated'.Rev Michelle Delves says, 'This is so much more than a Grocery! It has become a HUB for people to access other help and support and is a real blessing on our community'.Refreshments are served and there is a 'Winter Warm Space' and the chance to meet and talk to others. Continuing plans include staying open for longer and serving a light lunch each Friday.
During our Sunday Worship we were delighted to commission our four new Authorised Lay Ministers (ALM) at St Bartholomew's. After 12 months of training in the Diocese they were commissioned as:Minister for Preaching and Youth– HeesooMinister for Children and Families – KarenMinister for Mission and Evangelism – Katy and DavidAs we move forward we will grow teams working towards the four vision strands of: Inspiring Young People; Evangelism; Discipleship and Worship.
