REV MICHAEL WOODS LEAVES ST PETER & PAULS

Rev Michael Woods is leaving St Peter and St Paul's Church and conducted his final service in Rishton on Sunday 25th October. Michael has been vicar of the parish for almost ten years and is making what is expected to be his final move to Croston.

The church was filled to capacity and Michael was presented with a carved Alpha-Omega symbol as a leaving gift at the end of the service. Rev Phil Hunt will serve as interim vicar until a new appointment is made.

Michael said, "It has been so welcoming here in Rishton for nearly a decade so it was a very difficult decision for me and Pam to move on. Please all work together to support Phil until a new vicar is found and know that you will always be in my prayers."

Cllr Ken Moss said, "Michael has brought people into the church who wouldn't normally have come here. In particular, he has been fantastic with the children and really engaged with the local schools. His services are always welcoming and usually contain a bit of humour so that it isn't all terribly serious. He will be sadly missed by the parish but we wish him well in Croston."

Michael's institution at Croston will take place on 19th November at 7.30pm and all are welcome to attend.

Enquiries during the vacancy should be directed to Rev Hunt on 01254 889808 or to the Church Wardens on 01254 885845 or 884958.