As we move into the year of prayer for growth and renewal, the Diocese is seeking to enabling renewal across the whole diocese. To reflect this the  ‘Parish Renewal Programme’ will become  the 'Diocesan Renewal Programme’.  The significant award of SMMIB funding earlier this year has, amongst many other things, enabled a significant expansion of the programme over the next 3 years. Our hope is that the majority of clergy and parishes across the diocese can benefit from the various elements of the programme between now and the end of 2027.

To deliver on that expansion, Janet Sanderson and Rev’d Sarah O’Donoghue have joined recently joined me to form a Diocesan Renewal Team. Janet will be responsible for operational planning and support, as well as being PA to Carolyn Barton. She will take over and expand the role Ramsay Lunn occupied before his move to the Growing Leaders team. Janet will be the person in touch about bookings and arrangements for the various events. Janet is a member of St James’ Clitheroe, serving on the PCC and leading the welcome team there.

Sarah has recently joined us a Diocesan Renewal Officer, to add capacity to the work I have been doing since spring 2022. Sarah has moved to us from the Diocese of Liverpool, where she was Vicar of Christ Church Aughton. Under Sarah’s leadership, the church grew significantly, and Sarah was also responsible for co-leading Liverpool’s LyCiG follow-up programme. She is also on the national LyCiG teaching team. She comes with a wealth of experience and passion, that I am sure you will appreciate as you get to know her.

In addition to Janet and Sarah, Rev’d Karen Herschell will join the team as Rural Renewal Officer in February 2025. Karen will be half time in that role, whilst also serving as half time Rector of The Hodder Valley parish. Karen will be responsible for developing a separate stream of the programme for rural parishes, having done a wonderful job of bringing renewal and growth to the rural benefice she currently serves.

In addition to all of this, many of you will know that Bishop Joe, Bishop of Burnley, is now responsible for overseeing the work of the programme as lead Bishop for ‘Being Witnesses’.

We are all encouraged about what the Lord is doing amongst your parishes this Christmastime, and excited for the year ahead as we seek to see more and deeper followers of Christ across the region.

Rev'd Steve Haskett
Diocesan Renewal Lead