Forest Church Manchester

Forest Church Manchester April 5th 2020 – 10am – A Lament

Amazingly, we’ve been Forest Church, Manchester for almost two years. So we thought we’d do something a bit special to mark the anniversary.

Pendle is one of the most beautiful areas in the country – and the first place that I, Tim, walked on my own. I love Pendle Hill. But there is a darker side to this area. Infamously, a dozen people were tried and hanged for witchcraft in the 16th Century.

Whilst details and facts are scarce, we want to remember that the church to which we belong has a long and shameful history of mistreating those whose views are somewhat different to our own.

So, as well as enjoying some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, we will remember the Pendle Witches, offer lament, particularly for our treatment of women, and renew our pledges to work for a church that includes all.

So, all will be welcome to join with us – whether you call yourself a Christian, a Witch, a Wicker or just a human being. Whether you are 50 or 5, you will be welcome. Forest Church, Manchester is about re-connecting that which is broken.

On this occasion, though, Forest Church, Manchester will involve a bit of a walk. As far as I am aware, there is no buggy or wheelchair friendly route up Pendle Hill. The route we are planning to use is a 5-mile circular route from Barley and climbs 380m.

However, if you don’t think you can manage the whole walk, Barley village is tiny, but beautiful. If a gentle stroll is more your thing, there is a lovely sculpture trail so whilst you might not be able to join us at the summit, you could meet with us and then share lunch with us when we return to the car park.

We’ll gather, as usual, at 10am – and aim to end by 1pm. Bring some lunch to share.

We’ll meet at the car park at Barley – BB12 9JX. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Openshaw. There are buses, but Barley is very rural, so I’m not sure how reliable these would be.

We try to make Forest Church as inclusive as possible. Children of all ages are more than welcome, but please let us know if any children will be with us so that we can ensure we have resources prepared.

If you have any questions – or are intending to be with us, do please get in touch via the Facebook site or, if your browser will allow it, by leaving a message here.