AT the beginning of October a significant journey took place in Skipton. The congregation which had worshipped at St Andrew’s on Newmarket Street for over 100 years left that building to join friends on Westmorland Street, the former home of Trinity Methodist Church.

The two churches have now become one worshipping community and are called Trinity St Andrew’s church.

At the final regular service on Newmarket Street we reflected on travelling light. We were reminded that it is not the buildings in which we worship that are important but the faith we carry in our hearts. The only thing we carried with us as we moved was the large church bible as a reminder of God’s word which guides and inspires us as we go forward in mission.

Change is never easy and for both these churches in coming together there has been upheaval and uncertainty. Yet we have been reminded that it is often in stepping out in faith and trust that new opportunities to serve God arise.

There is no doubt that for all of us life is full of change and challenge, and it is important to be reminded that in the midst of all of this God is unchanging.

As Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us ‘The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.’ Your prayers for our new church will be appreciated as we discern our future mission in the community of Skipton.

As the banner on Newmarket Street says ‘We are alive and kicking’ and both buildings on Newmarket Street and Westmoreland Street continue to house a whole variety of community activities.

Rev Andrew Webb