As we welcome the new year, it is worth recognising that the end of the festive season can often bring hardship for folk - and supporting people through these difficult times are our local churches.
Over the past few months, I've had the privilege of visiting a number of exceptional churches here in Barnsley, including in Grimethorpe, Wilthorpe and the town centre.
These visits highlighted to me the incredible work being done for local people and the sense of community and togetherness our churches foster.
Emmanuel Church is a good example of this, serving as a community hub and providing a warm space for those in need and hosting a wide range of events including exercise classes for beginners wanting to get fit.
They hosted the extraordinary Grimethorpe Colliery Band’s festive concert last month. It was great to be there to see the band and we have the team at Emmanuel Church to thank for helping put on such a great show.
Since their doors opened, they have supported countless residents and have become a place people can reliably go to in a time of need.
Royston’s St John the Baptist is another great example. The church is one of only a handful across the country to have an Oriel Window.
Dating back to the 1340s, the window was lit up at night to guide lost souls and, very much in that spirit, the church still provides guidance to all those in need.
St Mary Magdalene in Lundwood and St Peter the Apostle and St John the Baptist in Monk Bretton - overseen by the indefatigable Father Blair Radford - also do incredible work.
They host events to combat loneliness, festivals showing off the very best local produce and a free-to-enter fare for all the community. They are making a tangible difference in the community and, under the excellent leadership of Father Blair, they will continue to do so.
In Grimethorpe, St Luke’s Church host their Place of Welcome - inviting people inside for a cuppa and a chat. The church - overseen by the incredible Reverend Canon Paul Cartwright - also organises regular foodbank collection drives and regularly welcomes charities through their doors to support local residents.
All Saints’ Church in Darton regularly holds crafty critters sessions to bring people together to participate in arts and crafts and have a ‘Muddy Boots’ hike each month for those who like to explore the great outdoors!
These churches and the many others in our borough are led by exceptional figures, like Father Tim Stevens, Reverend Louise Carr, Pastor Mark Reasbeck, Reverend Phillip Maries, Father Craig Tomlinson, Reverend Canon Paul Cartwright and many more besides who do brilliant work and deserve our appreciation - I am very sorry I can’t name them all!
These hard-working local leaders, their devoted congregations and the churches they occupy offer crucial support, deliver much-needed respite, and emanate goodwill and decency to all.
Their dedication to our town is unwavering and I am eternally thankful for all they do to enrich and uplift our community.
