DETAILS of a proposal to combine the 14 churches in the Winwick Deanery into one single parish under a Fit for Mission Initiative proposed by the Liverpool Diocese were discussed at a packed meeting of the congregations from the churches involved, at St Peter’s Church, Newton-le-Willows.
Described as an “exciting development, members of the clergy and parishioners from the deanery area were welcomed by the Arch deacon of St Helens and Warrington, Simon Fisher, to hear details of the project and the progress made with neighbouring Fit for Mission schemes in St. Helens and West Derby.
A question and answer session with a team of representatives from the Diocese and St Helens churches provided information on the experience of setting up a new joint parish and the benefits involved.
The churches involved in the Winwick deanery include: St Oswald’s Church, Winwick; New church, Culcheth; Christ Church, Croft; All Saints, Glazebury; St John’s, Earlestown; All Saints, Newton; St. Peter’s, Newton; Emmanuel Wargrave; St. Michael’s, Burtonwood; St Luke’s, Lowton; St Mary’s, Lowton; St Thomas, Golborne; St. Helens, Hollinfare; St. James, Haydock.
Reverend Martin Cox, priest in charge of St Oswald’s church and the Deanery of Winwick and rector of Christ Church, Croft and Newchurch, Culcheth, envisaged the formation of the large single parish as an exciting development for the mission and ministry of the Church of England in the Winwick Deanery. He said: “The Fit for Mission project will introduce a new culture through a large single parish. It will effect closer connections between member churches who will be strengthened by joint resources and specialist advice. The two-year lead in will enable us to address common concerns related to such a significant change in Church of England Parish life. Looking to the future I feel that this is a really important opportunity for us to shape our parishes to ensure that we continue to serve all people who live in our diverse communities.”
Details of the scheme have been submitted to all the churches concerned under the Liverpool Diocese “Fit for Mission” project. Its aim will be to provide a secure framework of finance and expertise to enable the stronger and combined deanery parish to meet the challenges facing many of today’s churches. The churches who decide to join will benefit from financial support and expertise provided by the diocese plus professional assistance with the setting up of new management systems which will enable the church network to function efficiently and provide more time for the mission care the church provides.
The churches involved will be asked for their decision on whether to take part in October this year after which there will be a two year lead in of intensive planning during 2026 and 2027 to prepare for the introduction of the new, functioning parish.
