Saturday 31 August 2024 marked the day of the welcome event to launch our newly formed North West England District (NWED), which included the welcome service for Revd Dr James Tebbutt, the District Chair, alongside the wider District Leadership Team.
The new North West England District launched on 1 September 2024 and encompasses the former Manchester and Stockport, Liverpool, Lancashire, Cumbria, and Bolton and Rochdale Methodist Districts.
The senior leadership of the Methodist Church in Britain attended the launch event. Revd Canon Helen Cameron, the President of the Methodist Conference, preached and led the congregation in promises of renewal and commitment on the formation of the new District. Also in attendance was Mrs Carolyn Godfrey, the Vice President of the Conference, who offered a reading; and the Revd Dr Jonathan Hustler, the Secretary of the Conference, who welcomed and led the induction of the leaders of the new District.
Revd Dr James Tebbutt, the District Chair, says “The launch of the new North West England District is a historic and exciting occasion. After many consultations and much hard work over the last three years, it is wonderful to have reached this point.
We are delighted that so many joined us in person or online, and that the senior leadership of the Methodist Church, the Mayor of Bolton and many ecumenical leaders were able to join us to mark this special occasion.
It is a privilege to have leadership responsibility for working with others to take the District forward. We are committed to collaborative and inclusive working, and I look forward to working both with those whom I already know and with many others in the North West Region whom I also look forward to getting to know in the months and years ahead.”
450 people attended the service at Victoria Hall in Bolton, with many more watching the livestream online. Worship was led by a group of musicians specially gathered for the celebration and was accompanied by the Revd Darren Garfield on the organ, who wrote a special hymn for the service: ‘From the Dawning of Creation’.
Mrs Carolyn Hothersall, Synod Secretary, was also present, representing the many lay officers and volunteers in the new District. She says “having been involved so intensely for so long in the preparation for the NWED to be formed, it was so wonderful to be part of the launch service at Victoria Hall. The atmosphere was uplifting, with many familiar and new faces, all with eager excitement for what the future in a larger district will bring.
There is something special about Methodists collectively singing hymns, and this was an occasion which lived up to that experience, with such encouraging musicians and a wonderful choice of traditional and new hymns.”
Working alongside James, the new District Leadership Team consists of Revd Philip Gough, District Secretary for Ministry & Vocations; Ms Heather Fergusson, District Secretary for Administration & Compliance; and Revds Caroline Ainger, Alan Bradley, David Newlove, Sharon Read, and Dr Katie Smith, who are Mission Area Leads and Deputy District Chairs.
You can watch the livestreamed service here.
You can watch the Dawning of Creation here.