News & Stories
Various News & Stories from around the District and the Connexion will appear on this page.
Representative Synod April 2026 - 'Rooted & Rising'
Representative Synod
25th April 2026
Chester & Stoke Methodist District met for their Spring Representative Synod at Swan Bank Church on Saturday 25th April.
The theme for synod was 'Rooted and Rising.' The morning sessions reflected on what it means to be 'Rooted' in the historical sense of who we are as Methodists, what 'Healthy Soil' looks like for growth from having a positive safeguarding culture in our district and churches.
In the afternoon we reflected on observing where God may be causing 'New Shoots' to form so we can work with this and when we need to be able to 'Prune and Let Go' of ministries that have had their season to enable new growth.
4. Rev. Helen Kirk - Chair of District, leads a session on 'Pruning & Letting Go' - when we need to be able to let things go that have had their season to enable new growth.
1. Elizabeth Morris - Englesea Brook Learning Officer, leads a session on what it means to be 'Rooted' in who we are as Methodists.
2. Thomas Simm & Heather Staniland lead a session on what 'Healthy Soil' looks like from having a positive safeguarding culture.
3. Rev. David Willis - District Mission Enabler, leads a session on spotting the 'New Shoots' of God's kingdom and working with this.
The Summit - District Youth Weekend
17th to 19th May 2026
'The Summit' is a Youth Weekend organized by people within and sponsored by the Chester & Stoke Methodist District.
The event took place at Whitemoor Lakes Outdoor Centre near Lichfield this weekend (17th to 19th April 2026). Nearly 100 young people and over 30 leaders attended the event, which was enjoyed by all.
A big shout out to all involved in organizing this event particularly to Nick Jeffries who took on a big part of this!
Looking forward to hearing some of the stories that come out of this...
Beatitudes Chinese Christian Fellowship (八福华人教会)
Visit to Easter Conference at the Hayes Conference Centre
With the generous support of our District and the Dane & Trent Circuit, the Beatitudes Chinese Christian Fellowship was able to join the Easter Conference held at Hayes Conference Centre during Holy Week which was organised by the Chinese Congregations within the Methodist Church in Britain. The subsidised funding towards the overall cost enabled ten of us to participate, either for the full conference or as day visitors. We'd like to express our deep gratitude towards the support received.
Alongside over 400 Chinese Christians, we enjoyed a time of worship, fellowship, and mutual encouragement.
This was a valuable opportunity to build new friendships and explore fresh possibilities for the growth of the Fellowship and its mission. It was also a great joy to be part of the wider community of 12 established Chinese Congregations within the Methodist Church in Britain today.
Rev. Yanyan Case
For more information about Beatitudes Chinese Christian Fellowship, please contact:
Rev. Yanyan Case
📧 yanyan.case@methodist.org.uk | ☎️ 01782 513218
Village Chapel Refurbishment
21st July 2025
Members and friends of a village chapel celebrated the refurbishment of their building at a special thanksgiving service recently. Woore Methodist Church has benefitted from a new roof, an upgraded heating system and internal re-decoration.
The work, which cost around £10,000, was funded by a combination of successful grant applications and donations from the congregation and well-wishers.
National charities, Benefact Churches Trust and the Garfield Weston Foundation, made contributions along with the Chester and Stoke-on-Trent District of the Methodist Church and Woore Parish Council authorized the use of the Community Infrastructure Levy, which is provided by housing developers for improving local facilities.
Church Secretary Peter Goringe commented, “We are delighted that our chapel is now a bright and warm space that can be used both for Christian worship and community activities.”
A well-attended coffee morning is a popular meeting place in the village and, during the winter, around 20 soup lunches are served each week. Card-making and craft groups also make use of the chapel.
The service also provided an opportunity to say farewell to the chapel’s minster, Rev. Robin Fox, who is moving to a new appointment in Rossendale, Lancashire. His sucessor will be Rev. Obeth Thevanesan from Liverpool.