On Sunday, 31st August 2025, the Cumbria Methodist Circuit Launch and Welcome Service was held as the eight Methodist circuits in Cumbria combine into one circuit from 1st September 2025. The service was held at Penrith Methodist Church and the church was full with people who had travelled from across the new circuit. Rev Dr James Tebbutt preached on Luke 8:26-39 reminding us of the need to own both our fragility and power, to recognise in one another our common humanity, and our common goals for the flourishing of the world. James encouraged us to commit to making space for God within our good works and not to treat others as the enemy when their views, experiences or faith differ from our own. He offered that humility and compassion are key characteristics of our faith, and they will be important to us as we journey together as a new circuit.
After hearing James’s words, we launched the Cumbria Methodist Circuit by pledging to work for God by not only encountering but also sharing his love. We promised to support and care for each other and our ecumenical partners across the Cumbria Circuit, and we committed to living out the good news in word and action through our daily lives. We then welcomed our new Ministers Rev Emma Holroyd, Rev Marie-Anne Kent, Rev Julia Reid, Rev Nigel Rodgers and Rev Ros Watson to Cumbria and they made their promises. After the new Ministers had been welcomed we also welcomed our new Superintendent Rev David Newlove, the three new Deputy Superintendents Rev Dr Helen Hooley, Rev Nick Baker and Rev Stephen Radford, and two new lay workers Sheileagh Wilkinson and Celia Ramnath. Words of welcome were given by representatives of Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness Councils as well as the Mayor of Penrith and some ecumenical friends. An offering was taken for the Cumbria Circuit Benevolent Fund.
The service was filled with joy and love, starting us off well as we journey together to discover what God has in store for Cumbria in the years ahead. The service was also successfully live streamed to several other churches within the circuit, with some sending photos of their gathered congregations!
