Peace and joy, is the Christmas message being sent to you by Churches Together in Ilkley (CTI) from their recent Annual General Meeting.
“It’s been an unexpectedly difficult time” said Michael Faulkner, the CTI events secretary, “yet love and hope has still been shown and it continues to be so”.
A call to churches to deliver some simple Christmas goodies for 225 asylum seekers, recently arrived in Bradford, also went out from the meeting. “Providing Christmas cheer to men who are on their own at this time and have only the most basic of existence” was the request that came from a group supporting refugees and asylum seekers in our District. CTI were pleased to respond to this and 200 plus pairs of warm gloves have been purchased to put in simple Christmas parcels.
Rev Roberta Topham, the minister at Christchurch, was installed at the meeting on December 9 as the new moderator. Taking the chair, Roberta thanked Simon Myers (Smylers) as outgoing moderator for his contribution and looked forward to further opportunities for the churches in Ilkley to serve the community.
“In the last year we have worked to help the food bank, which was started by CTI, to become an independent charity with its own trustees and charitable status, enabling this important work to develop on a clear footing” said Roberta.
The spiritual life of Ilkley had also been taken into consideration during the various lockdowns of the pandemic when Roberta represented CTI on the Ilkley Corona Response Group. “Ilkley has been great at pulling together and CTI now has a place on the Ilkley Community Forum” Roberta explained.
Welcoming two new church leaders to CTI, Adam Roebuck, the curate at All Saints, and Alex Crawford, the vicar at St. Margaret’s, prayers were said for all the ministers and for our town.
CTI consists of All Saints Parish Church, Ben Rhydding Methodist Church, Christchurch Methodist/URC, Church of the Sacred Heart, Ilkley Baptist Church, Ilkley Friends’ Meeting (Quakers) St John’s Parish Church Ben Rhydding and St Margaret’s Parish Church.
Christmas services are being held this year in person with some also available online. Details of events can be found on church notice boards, websites and through social media. Our prayer for Ilkley at this time is that, whatever clouds may gather, “the everlasting light” of Christ may shine out and love be born again in our lives this Christmas.
Anita Lall appointed Principal at Craven College
Police step up patrols after vandalism in Glusburn
Wharfedale Scout District celebrates St George’s Day
Ilkley dental practice new Principle Trust patron
Classical music to stay at Ilkley & Keighley stations
Northern trains named among least reliable operators
One year anniversary for “invaluable” forces Breakfast Club
Date set for Ilkley's Annual Town Meeting
Medal haul for Ilkley Swimming Club
Be part of this historic moment in Ilkley’s story
Addingham man conducts wedding in German in Skipton's twin town
Visionary composer Andrew Wasylyk to perform in Ilkley this September
Calls to 'respect the moorland' following theft of signs on Ilkley Moor
Fourth event in the CAI series Your World, Your Vote
St George celebrated in Keighley
Keighley Playhouse Presents: Jack Popplewell's Hilarious Comedy "Busybody"
Friends of Ilkley Rail Station holds first volunteer day
Spring opening announced for Ilkley Lido
Go behind the scenes with 'Mr Bates vs the Post Office' writer
Plans approved to bring former Skipton department store back into use
