A CHURCH in Melksham has suspended midweek and Sunday services due to financial pressures.
St. Andrew’s Church based on Church Lane in Melksham, sent a letter to the congregation on Sunday 19th February saying that the services are cancelled until Easter Sunday.
A service will be held on Easter Sunday at 9am and after that, the church says services will only run on some key dates in the year.
Rector Charlie Thomson said in the letter, “St Andrew’s has faced an increasing number of challenges recently, especially since the Covid pandemic, when the church was closed for services for a year.
“During that time, the congregation has understandably but sadly dwindled. And while a committed core remains, the church’s income has reduced, at the same time as running costs have dramatically increased. Over the past weeks and months, we have explored different options, but regrettably, this has now reached a point where running St Andrew’s is no longer financially viable.
“The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has therefore taken the difficult decision, on the recommendation of the Archdeacon, to suspend Sunday and midweek services at St Andrew’s, while we take time to discern the next steps.
“This decision was not an easy one to make. Since coming to Melksham 18 months ago I’ve witnessed first-hand the love and loyalty that many in our community have for St Andrew’s, and so we know that many who love the church will feel disappointed. We are however thankful that the PCC, along with St Andrew’s Local Church Committee, were of one mind, united in the desire to move forward as a team.
“There will be a service at St Andrew’s on Easter Sunday at 9am to look forward to, and occasional services at special dates in the future. However, we’re praying that this would be an opportunity to come together as a parish, and it is the strong hope of the PCC that all St Andrew’s members will feel welcome to join with us at St Michael’s or St Barnabas.”
Church services will continue as normal at St Michael’s Church and St Barnabas in Beanacre, both at 10:30am. For more information, please visit www.melksham.church
