Lindisfarne Methodist Church - Christon Bank

Springfield View, Christon Bank, NE66 3DQ

 

It is with heavy hearts that the trustees and leadership of the Christon Bank Methodist Church announce the permanent cessation of services. This difficult decision comes after several years of intensive efforts to revitalize the church and integrate its mission more deeply into the local community.

A Season of Effort and Investment

For many years, the church building has faced significant challenges regarding its long-term survival. In a proactive attempt to secure its future, the Circuit Leadership Team organized a community-wide gathering several years ago to draft a sustainable plan for continuation. This initiative sought to empower the local community to lead day-to-day activities and to foster a space that belonged to everyone.

To support this vision, the Methodist Circuit committed significant resources to the mission, including:

• Deep Financial Investment: Substantial funding was directed toward the upkeep and improvement of the church building.
• Dedicated Personnel: The efforts of a professional lay worker were pivoted toward community outreach and engagement.
• Operational Flexibility: Many people worked tirelessly to navigate logistical hurdles to ensure the doors remained open for as long as possible.

The Decision to Close

Despite these exhaustive efforts and the tireless work of those within the larger Circuit, the community activities did not generate the engagement or sustained interest required to maintain the fellowship. With a regular Sunday congregation now numbering only three people, the leadership has concluded that the current model is no longer sustainable.

"This is a decision we have wrestled with for a long time," said Revd Timothy Moore, the superintendent minister for the Circuit. "We have worked around countless difficulties to make this building a home for everyone. While we are deeply saddened by this outcome, we must acknowledge the reality of our current situation and our changing culture."

Looking Forward

The leadership understands that this news will be difficult for many in Christon Bank. The church has been a fixture of the village for generations, and the decision to close was not made lightly.

The final service will be held at 3pm on Sunday 3^rd May with Revd Stuart Earl as the guest speaker.