Cowfold to join new benefice with Lower Beeding

Following the departure earlier this year of Fr Keith to pastures new, and

a Diocesan-wide review by Deanery of the needs of Parishes and the

availability of resources, we are very pleased to announce that the

decision has been made at Diocesan level to place the parish of St. Peter,

Cowfold into a new benefice with the parish of Lower Beeding

(St. John the Evangelist Coolhurst, and Holy Trinity Lower Beeding).

The Wardens and PCC of St Peter’s believe that this is a very positive

change, particularly as Lower Beeding parish has many deep-seated

existing links with us, historically, culturally and socially. The Godman

family, historical patrons of St. Peter’s, supported Lower Beeding equally

and attended worship in the two parishes on alternate weeks. The current

links between the two parishes are many and various, with residents in

one village regularly attending services in the other church (or both).

Several members of one church have families who live and worship in the

other parish. Our worship pattern is similar and the potential benefit to

both parishes is great.

We earnestly look forward to developing our spiritual lives together with

our friends at St. John the Evangelist and Holy Trinity. This change will

take effect once a new priest is appointed, but in the meantime, our

Services will continue as advertised.

Fr Martin will continue to be involved at St. Peter’s, sharing his time

between us and St. Mary Magdalene, Bolney.