Opening Service
Opening Service Celebrated By A Full Church
The official opening service of our new building took place on Sunday 24th April and was attended by well over one hundred guests. The service was taken by our own Minister, Rev. Sarah Knebel, with contributions from our Junior Church, Rev. Paul Martin (Chair of District), Rev. Stephen Radford (former Superintendent), Rev. Darren Garfield (current Superintendent), Gill Dascombe (former Methodist Vice-President), and URC Deputy General Secretary and former Minister at WCL, Rev. Philip Brooks. The service opened with a short film showing the evolution of the new building, followed by the Junior Church singing I Have A Dream, which was the last song at the closing services of both Wharton URC and Cleggs Lane Methodist Churches. The service included the official handing over of keys, the blessing of the building and a variety of hymns both old and new, to reflect the heritage and future of our church. The service was live-streamed and can be viewed on our Facebook page or by clicking here.
The service was followed by a wonderful buffet lunch, courtesy of Margaret Rothwell and her team, and the planting of a blossom tree in the church gardens.
Thank you not only to everyone who attended the service, but anyone who has, in any way, helped us in our journey towards our new building. We couldn't have done it without you all.
