Methodist minister to say farewell

A farewell service will be held on Sunday to mark the departure of the superintendent minister of the Newark and Southwell Circuit and his family.

The Rev Philip Macdonald is leaving after seven years and moving to the Goole and Selby Methodist Circuit.

He has been a Methodist minister for 30 years and came to Newark from Melton Mowbray.

His initial appointment in Newark was for five years but he was invited to stay on and agreed to an extra two.

"I have been very happy in Newark and really enjoyed my ministry here," he said.

Mr Macdonald has been the minister for three churches in Newark — Barnbygate, Charles Street and Hawtonville.

He said each had special highlights.

Charles Street was pro-active in helping residents of Wright Street who had to leave their homes after a gas explosion in 2013 in which two people died. It has introduced messy church sessions, a community lunch and film sessions and developed links with the Barnby Road Academy.

Hawtonville Methodist Church, which also has messy church sessions, has built links in the community, runs a summer holiday event for people who may not otherwise get away, and recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its new building.

Barnbygate Methodist Church was used for a Great Christmas Giveaway, Easter New Life events, has held nativity festivals, and celebrated its 170th anniversary.

"All of the congregations are different but all have very dedicated people passionate about their church," said Mr Macdonald.

He said they have always been keen that their churches are used by the whole community.

Newark Foodbank is based at Barnbygate Church, which was also used by the Quakers before they found their own premises.

For two years Mr Macdonald has been supervising the minister at Southwell, Sutton-on-Trent and North Muskham, the Rev Peter Hibberts, who has just been ordained.

Mr Macdonald is a past chairman of Churches Together. He is also the chairman and chaplain of the Newark Methodist Homes Live At Home Scheme and is on the chaplaincy team at Beaumond House Community Hospice.

His wife, Ellen, is a nurse and has been working at the hospice.

The farewell circuit service will be held at Barnbygate Methodist Church at 10.30am. Everybody is welcome.

The new minister will be the Rev Nathan Falla, who is moving from Stafford.

It has also been decided to appoint Deacon Al Henry, from Manchester, to work in the community.

A welcome service for them both will be held on September 2.