Some 50 people representing all the Benefices and groups of churches across Wensley Deanery in the Ripon area came together recently for a day of encouragement linked to our Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence work.
The Revd Gillian Lunn, Curate in the Benefice of Leyburn and Bellerby said: “The day included some time of worship, praying for all that is happening across the deanery, and a time of sharing where we see God at work in our communities and in our churches.
“This includes our schools work, new congregations, pastoral care and missional work.
“We also shared where we could appreciate support and encouragement from each other, and the wider Diocese of Leeds, including in areas of buildings and governance.”
Wensley Deanery stretches from Ainderby Steeple to Hawes, and Wath to Leyburn, covering an area of 240 square miles, made up primarily of villages, market towns and rural areas.
The Revd Jude Smith, Diocesan Director of Church Revitalisation, said: “It’s so encouraging seeing how the Wensley deanery is working together to see how they can make Barnabas and the support it offers work for them.
“The team are really happy to support other deaneries or groups of churches who are trying to work out how they make Barnabas a reality where they are- please do get in touch!”
Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence is our work to support churches to move forward in mission, ministry and sustainability, in a way that is prayerful, intentional and, within the grace of God, possible.
Barnabas offers every church resources and support at different levels, with a view to us all working towards the diocesan vision of Confident Christians, Growing Churches, Transforming Communities.
Please click here to find out more.