A fresh chapter of church life is beginning in Keighley as a new single Church of England parish has been created from the historic parishes of St Mark, Utley, St Barnabas, Thwaites Brow, All Saints Keighley and St Andrew Keighley. It came into effect at the end of May and the appointment of new Team Rector, Revd Mike Cansdale (right), has just been announced.
Bishop Nick says, “The vision behind this United Parish for Keighley is bold and innovative, enabling the churches to have a greater impact on the town.”
The ministry team will consist of three full-time Anglican clergy, two Methodist Ministers and an array of paid staff, self supporting clergy and many volunteers.
The parish church of St Andrew’s stands at the heart of the town centre and is already widely used for serving the local community. The recent ‘Festival of Life’, for example, organised by Keighley Churches Together to be a sign of blessing and good news to the town, welcomed thousands of people for a free barbeque, live music, children’s crafts and activities.
The Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford, says, “There is a sense of unity across diverse congregations in Keighley and a shared vision that places engagement with the local communities at the heart of everything. This is an exciting time for Keighley and I am delighted at the appointment of the Revd Mike Cansdale to lead the team.”
There’ll be a day of celebration for the new parish, including the induction of the new Team Rector, on Saturday 17 September. For the past seven years Mike has been vicar in the neighbouring parishes of Morton and Riddlesden and he knows the area well.
Mike says, “There are lots of great things already happening in Keighley and I am excited to be joining the team as this new United Parish comes into being. I have a real heart for the town and look forward to working with all of the churches, to form the vision for what it means to be God's people in Keighley and to bring the good news of Jesus to our communities.”
The Archdeacon of Bradford, the Venerable Andy Jolley, says, “It’s been great to work with the Parish Reps who have done the parish a great service by their work in appointing Mike. The next great phase for the Church in Keighley can begin!”