Announcement Regular Worship Pattern for St Philip’s and St Stephen’s Thank you to all those who took the time to provide feedback through the consultation. Having read through all the feedback and following prayerful discernment, and with the support of the PCCs, I have decided that we will be moving to a new service pattern at both churches from Sunday 14 June, in preparation for the time when I am placed in charge of both parishes. For St Philip’s, the main morning service will move to a 9.15am start, with a non-communion service on the 3rd Sunday of the month and all other services including communion (where a priest is available). On months with a 5th Sunday in the month, there will be a shared service at 10.30am, alternating venue between the two churches. On 31 May this will be at St Stephen’s. On 30 August this will be at St Philip’s. For St Stephen’s, the main morning service will move to an 11am start, with a non-communion service on the 1st Sunday of the month and all other services including communion (where a priest is available). On months with a 5th Sunday in the month, there will be a shared service at 10.30am, alternating venue between the two churches. On 31 May this will be at St Stephen’s. On 30 August this will be at St Philip’s. There will no longer be a 9am communion service on the 1st Sunday of the month. There will continue to be a midweek communion service at 10am on Tuesdays at St Stephen’s. The midweek communion at St Philip’s is being discontinued, as are the 3rd Sunday 4pm services at St Stephen’s for the time being. Each month’s service times will be published on the church noticeboards of both churches and through the notices. This service pattern will be under review until August 2026 to enable any issues to be worked out so that a firm regular pattern for worship is in place from September onwards. During this time of change, I hope and pray that we all live out the spiritual gifts of being kind and gentle with each other as we adapt to this new pattern. If you have any concerns please raise them considerately and quickly with me or with a member of either PCC so that we can respond well. Blessings Revd. Abbie
Abbie Palmer - 1 February 2026Following consultation between the Archdeacon of Halifax, the Area Dean of Huddersfield and the Parochial Church Councils of St Stephen’s and St Philip’s, these two parishes are going to explore our future together.The Diocese of Leeds has discussed with us the current pattern of ministry across the country, with fewer stipendiary (paid) priests being available than before. This means that very few priests have care of only one church and parish. Coupled with the capacity of the Diocesan budget, this means that our two parishes will come under the care of one full-time priest in the future. This will impact how we live out our ministry and mission in both churches and parishes. I have been asked to lead our two church communities through this period of exploration.What this sharing will look like is not yet decided; this is a process of discerning God’s call upon us in a changing reality. There are some procedural matters that will need to be finalised – for example the future of the Benefice of Birchencliffe and Birkby is not yet formally settled, as the Church Commissioners have not yet published their final scheme for the closure of St Cuthbert’s church.We are sharing this news with you all today so that you can share in discerning what God is calling us towards and how we can work well together. There will be a number of listening events to share your questions, concerns, visions and dreams. The first of these will be:For St Philip’sCoffee and Chat on Thursday 5 February, 1-3pm in the Community CentreFor St Stephen’sChurch Coffee morning Saturday 7 February, 10am-12noon at St Stephen’s ChurchI will be present at both events to listen, to take your questions and thoughts, and to open up conversations about ways forward.This period of exploration is not time limited, but we do need to move things forward appropriately. Throughout, there will be opportunities for the two church families to share in worship, prayer and food together so we can build our relationships and strengthen ways to support and strengthen each other. This is in addition to a variety of methods of listening and consultation within our church communities and out in our parishes.Please pray for God’s guidance for us all as we explore a new model for God’s church family in our parishes.Yours in faithRevd. Abbie PalmerPriest-in-Charge, St Stephen’s Church, Lindley--On 28 Feb an FAQ document has been added to post to answer the most commonly raised questions and help you understand this phase of the exploration process.--St Stephen's aspires to be an inclusive church, celebrating and sharing the love of God, connecting with all in our community through living faith in Jesus Christ.
Abbie Palmer - 1 February 2026Following consultation between the Archdeacon of Halifax, the Area Dean of Huddersfield and the Parochial Church Councils of St Stephen’s and St Philip’s, these two parishes are going to explore our future together.The Diocese of Leeds has discussed with us the current pattern of ministry across the country, with fewer stipendiary (paid) priests being available than before. This means that very few priests have care of only one church and parish. Coupled with the capacity of the Diocesan budget, this means that our two parishes will come under the care of one full-time priest in the future. This will impact how we live out our ministry and mission in both churches and parishes. I have been asked to lead our two church communities through this period of exploration.What this sharing will look like is not yet decided; this is a process of discerning God’s call upon us in a changing reality. There are some procedural matters that will need to be finalised – for example the future of the Benefice of Birchencliffe and Birkby is not yet formally settled, as the Church Commissioners have not yet published their final scheme for the closure of St Cuthbert’s church.We are sharing this news with you all today so that you can share in discerning what God is calling us towards and how we can work well together. There will be a number of listening events to share your questions, concerns, visions and dreams. The first of these will be:For St Philip’sCoffee and Chat on Thursday 5 February, 1-3pm in the Community CentreFor St Stephen’sChurch Coffee morning Saturday 7 February, 10am-12noon at St Stephen’s ChurchI will be present at both events to listen, to take your questions and thoughts, and to open up conversations about ways forward.This period of exploration is not time limited, but we do need to move things forward appropriately. Throughout, there will be opportunities for the two church families to share in worship, prayer and food together so we can build our relationships and strengthen ways to support and strengthen each other. This is in addition to a variety of methods of listening and consultation within our church communities and out in our parishes.Please pray for God’s guidance for us all as we explore a new model for God’s church family in our parishes.Yours in faithRevd. Abbie PalmerPriest-in-Charge, St Stephen’s Church, Lindley1 February 2026--St Stephen's aspires to be an inclusive church, celebrating and sharing the love of God, connecting with all in our community through living faith in Jesus Christ.
