Barnard Castle and Teesdale Methodist Circuit |
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A celebration of God's goodness
Just how do you approach a final service in the Methodist chapel that has seen 114 years of worship and service in Winston? Yes, it's a time of sadness and regret but it's also a celebration of all that God has done through His church in that village. One might be tempted to think of it in negative terms but that's not how the decision was reached. After long and prayerful consideration the members came to the courageous conclusion that closing the chapel represented the best use of resources. It would have been easy to continue with the chapel as a place of worship but members recognised that the time, energy and finance being used in maintaining the premises were limiting the time available for the roles of learning, caring, service and evangelism that are central to Methodists' calling. Closing the chapel will enable Christians in Winston to continue to serve the community, Methodist and Anglicans together, focusing resources and energy where they are most needed. |