Word on the Street… at St Barts

Meet… Karen from Colne

How long have you been coming here?

“I started coming when I was 13, so almost 50 years now!”

What is special about the church?

“I’ve been here since I was young, I met my husband here through the youth group, we brought our family up here – this place has grown into something integral to our family life. But it’s not the building that I love; it’s the people. They give you a real sense of belonging, and you feel rooted in a community that is interested in you and cares about you. I really hope that the people who perhaps feel less rooted, less loved, less like they belong can find some comfort with us here. That sense of belonging is central to this place. You could have the finest worship, the best music, the richest building… but if people didn’t feel welcome, if they didn’t feel like they belonged or were accepted, then we’d all be wasting our time.”

How does the church benefit the community?

“I think for a lot of people, it can bring a sense of purpose – gradually, they become more involved in the community and the things that are going on. Belonging and purpose are the things we really focus on; they’re the reasons why we get out of bed in the morning! We’re involved with other church groups in a very collaborative way, too – and through that, you meet a variety of people, all with different skills and characters. Just accepting people for who they are really has an impact, and it’s the best way to build relationships with people.”

Meet… Susan from Colne

How long have you been coming here?

“Three years now!”

What is special about the church?

“With the knitting club, I think it’s the camaraderie and the encouragement. Sometimes, you don’t want to finish your garment, but the people here always encourage you. We’re all like-minded people, and it’s great to have a space to sit around and chat – there’s more talking than knitting usually!”

“This is an important space for a lot of people.”

How does the church benefit the community?

“This is an important space for a lot of people. For example, I’m part of Colne’s Mother’s Union, which is made up of people from my church, Holy Trinity Colne, and St Barts. Together we collect and take things like toiletries and bedding for the Women’s Refuge in Burnley.”

Meet… Janet from Nelson

How long have you been coming here?

“For the past nine years.”

What is special about the church?

“We’re very lucky to be on the main street – it makes it accessible for people walking past, and, even if it is initially daunting or scary to enter, once you’re inside, the people are so welcoming. There are people from all sorts of backgrounds at all different ages, and everybody gets on well together. I also love being able to come to church and sing as part of the choir.”

How does the church benefit the community?

“We have services to suit people from a variety of backgrounds; there’s so much going on – some weeks I could spend every day up here! This knitting club, for instance, is welcoming of anyone: even if you have no prior knowledge, you can still come and learn; there are lots of people with lots of experience who are always there to guide you.”

Meet… Patricia from Cottontree

How long have you been coming here?

“It must be about five years now.”

What is special about the church?

“It’s such a lovely church – and it’s so old. To think of all the people who have been coming here all these years. And it’s not changed! Even in old photos of the town, it’s still the same.”

How does the church benefit the community?

“It lets people know they are welcome. Groups like this are a space to meet friends and have a chat – there’s a real sense of community. Plus, I really love sewing and knitting – I’m making something almost every day, so it’s been lovely to have this space where I can do things I enjoy. For the King’s Coronation, I knit a crown letterbox-topper, and through that, I was lucky enough to meet Princess Anne when she visited Trawden!”

Meet… David from Colne

How long have you been coming here?

“I started bellringing here four years ago.”

What is special about the church?

“I’m Catholic, but I tend to come to the services here because they’re very welcoming to children and families. Plus, we have the bell tower. I really enjoy bellringing. We have eight bells here, and often, if we have open days, we’re able to tour people around the ringing chamber and take them up to the tower, which has fantastic views over Colne!”

How does the church benefit the community?

“We do all sorts for the community – there’s a café, Louise runs a child’s playgroup on Tuesdays during the holidays, there’s the knitting group on Thursdays, and other worship opportunities during the week. We also have the food bank, which I help with, which is a really important resource for people who struggle. We’re always here to help people, regardless of whether they’re members of the church or not. What we have is a huge, caring support network: it doesn’t matter if you’ve been here before or not, you’ll get the same warm welcome.”

ColneLife Sep/Oct 24