Lower Wyke, Yorkshire - March 2026
2025 at Lower Wyke began on a sad note as Sr Sheila Mallinson, following a life of faithful service, was called to higher service on 13th January. Having met and married Br Graham she made the giant leap of moving from the south of England to become fully integrated into Yorkshire life – a fact that she never stopped reminding us about! We thank Sheila for her enormous contribution to church life.
There have been many other changes throughout the year due to the hard work and new visions of some members. Merging the new with the old sometimes causes friction but working together is in progress. Coming together could be a theme for this update.
The usual round of Coffee Mornings started the year supporting the MWA, The Wyke Foodbank, The Men’s and Ladies Fellowships separately. It is always good to share life’s experiences over a cup of coffee!
We joined with our fellow Christians in Wyke at the annual United Service at the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Coming together continued as we celebrated at Pentecost, this time with our Moravian brothers and sisters in the District. The ‘Come Alive in 2025’ weekend was an excellent celebration when we joined together in singing, praying and eating (at a BBQ) always a good combination!
Lower Wyke Church is situated in the centre of a small hamlet surrounded by beautiful countryside but its influence travels far beyond what the eye can see. It truly serves more than the local community. If you are interested in sewing, keep fit, gardening or eating a hot meal with friends instead of alone, there are monthly meetings for you. Prayer and Bible Study are not neglected as House Groups have been formed following the Holy Habits programme where friends discuss and reflect on the message delivered at recent services while sharing food and drink in an informal setting. Lent and Advent Studies have also been integrated into the year where appropriate.
Our large well established social events still attract a wonderful number of visitors; The Art Exhibition and Festival Meal, Scarecrow Festival, Proms in the Paddock and Craft Fair are days not to be missed. The Fun Day and Heritage Weekend in September provide fun for the young and historical information for the not so young dating back over two hundred years.
2025 saw the introduction of ‘Forest Church’ – a time for the young to enjoy our outdoor space, experience nature at first hand and interact with God’s amazing creation. Toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate round the fire pit are usually on the menu. Families attending have increased each meeting. How incredible is that!
As Christmas drew near, we welcomed The Choral Festival to Lower Wyke on what was an incredibly atrocious evening weather wise but with the strains of Christmas music and familiar carols filling the air we blotted out the weather and enjoyed an evening of warmth and fellowship. The Christmas Gathering, Christingle Service and Christmas Morning celebrations followed quickly. As we lay Jesus in the manger Sr Claire, dressed as Claudia Winkleman in a large hooded black cloak, brought us right up to date when she likened Mary and Joseph to the ‘faithfulls’ and Herod, of course, as a traitor!
Looking forward to 2026, new initiatives are still on the horizon. A new build housing estate offers the possibility of friends we have yet to meet and plans to strengthen our relationships with the local primary school are being discussed.
If you have a ‘creative soul’ a new monthly meeting invites you to pause and reflect on Bible Texts through painting, drawing and simple activities. Please join us if you can.
Certainly a busy year, trying to merge the old with the new, hoping to move our church forward and always keeping Jesus at the centre of everything. Don’t give up! The future can look bright!
Sr Diane Thornton
