"Our mission is to know Jesus and make Him known"
Kirkby Stephen and Westmorland Dales is one of 8 areas which make up the Cumbria Methodist Circuit. Our area has 14 churches and is looked after by two ministers. We are an ecumenical district through Churches Together in Cumbria.
We hope the information here will tell you a little more about our area, its Churches, Activities and people.
Kirkby Stephen and Westmorland Dales is situated in a deeply rural area between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. The greater part lying in the beautiful valley of the River Eden, and the remainder in the Upper Lune Valley.
ABOUT THE CIRCUIT
Who's who in the area?
Below you will find a list of Staff who are involved in the running of the area. For information on those involved in specific churches or to see which ministers cover what areas, please visit the individual church pages. Some staff below have written extra details which can be seen by clicking the 'show more' button.
Rev Stephen Radford
Lead Minister
Rev Stephen Radford
Rev Stephen Radford is the Superintendent Minister of the Kirkby Stephen, Appleby & Tebay Methodist Circuit. I am in my seventh year, based at Kirkby Stephen, with my wife Heather, a local preacher. I have pastoral oversight of ten chapels from Brough to Tebay and the ‘Class’ at Shap; two of the chapels are Baptist/ Methodist LEP’s. We are in a time of change and challenge as we pray for growth (with an emphasis on prayer and spirituality) and there are signs of God’s Spirit moving in the Circuit – our Mission statement is ‘To knowJesus and to make Jesus known’.
A Shepherd Pastor focused on collaborative ecumenical working. The Heart of Westmorland Mission Community (HOW) and Churches Together are centralto our Ecumenical working, which includes all of the other denominations inthe area. This is a shared vision with faithful
Rev Ros Watson
Minister
I'm Ros and I come into the area as a part–time active supernumerary presbyter. I cover 4 churches in the Kirkby Stephen and Westmorland Dales area and 4 churches on the East Fellside. I am excited about meeting everyone and, together, discerning what God has planned for us as we seek to serve God and spread the Good News of the Kingdom.
In my free time I am looking forward to exploring this beautiful part of the world and in particular, the history and prehistoric features of the landscape.
Celia Ramnath
Local-Lay Pastor
Hi there, I'm Celia
I look forward to meeting you. To share your stories and mine as we discern God's mission for us. So, I am thankful to God for prayers answered to be your full-time Local Lay Pastor in this beautiful part of the UK. The Upper Eden area will be my home and workplace among 8 church communities – Alston, Gamblesby, Kirkoswald, Langwathby, Appleby, Dufton with Knock, Kings Meaburn and Warcop.
God has blessed me with life experiences to love and care for others, with a passion and willingness for lifelong learning, and a faith with compassion for God's creation. We will share stories of God's mission in our walks, talks, listening, and just being present. Being part of change though challenging will bring God's kingdom into action. Let's do it together.
Donald Marston
Lay Baptist Pastor
Leagh Wilkinson
Youth & Children's Worker
Hi everyone!
I am originally from East Lancashire and moved to Appleby in 2019 after living in Cyprus for 2 years with my husband and two children.
I love being outside, appreciating God's wonderful world and exploring new places.
My background is in education and I am thrilled now to be able to use my gifts and talents in more opportunities to share my faith with others – and have a lot of fun too!
What is a circuit?
On this page we will explain the structure of the Methodist Church of Great Britain and where our area fits in.
The local church is the place where Methodist members and friends meet together for worship and fellowship on a regular basis. Church policy is discussed and agreed at the church council meeting, which is convened on a regular basis.
A circuit is a group of local churches, served by a team of ministers and we are part of the Cumbria circuit. The superintendent minister carries overall responsibility for the circuit, including lay and ordained staff, and together with lay and ordained colleagues, facilitates and encourages mission throughout the circuit. Our superintendent minister is Rev David Newlove. Circuit policy is set at the circuit meeting which meets twice a year.
A number of circuits together form a district which is led by a district chair. We are part of the North West England Methodist District and our Chair is Rev James Tebbutt. Districts hold a twice yearly synod which sets district policy.
The districts collectively make up the Connexion. The British Methodist Connexion consists of districts which meet annually at the Methodist Conference. Conference is the supreme decision making body of the Methodist Church and is presided over by a President and Vice-President.