A reflection on our Pilot Roadshow in June 2026…
On the 9th June, 2026, we were delighted to visit Bakewell Methodist Church in beautiful Derbyshire for our very first ARC Roadshow.
We were astounded at how many chose to join with us, expecting perhaps 10 to 15, but where we were actually joined by nearer 40 leaders from across the county and just beyond.
We started the day with a warm welcome, followed by poignant worship led by Revd Carole Marsden, Warden at Cliff College,
who spoke of the Well dressings in Derbyshire, and how this related to Jesus meeting the woman at the well.
We then spent time hearing from one another, with a deep desire to help people locally to connect with one another and reach across the denominations to hear the wonderful works and mission taking place locally. Many spoke movingly of their work, their love for the countryside and their joys and concerns here.
This was followed by a whistle stop tour of everything ARC, led by Trisha, Sarah and Matt.
We were delighted to then be wowed with deep insight from Howard Petch CBE, who crossed the Yorkshire/Derbyshire border to bring us his life lessons on leadership, and how this linked to encouraging leaders to join the Germinate Leadership programme from The Arthur Rank Centre.
After taking a short sip of water, he then led full flow into the precarious state of farming across the UK, and how vital it is for churches to understand this (even a little), and to reach out and offer support for local farmers and their families.
Then followed an opportunity to network further over an excellent and bountiful lunch from a local supplier Brook Bottom Catering, and receive a goody bag with an array of helpful literature, including a free copy of How Village Churches Thrive.
Our time was drawn together giving thanks to the church for their generous hosting, the team who brought the day together, to all who attended for their time and openness, to Westhill Endowment for their generous funding of the day, and ultimately to God in collective prayer.
Watch this space for more news of ARC coming to other countryside locations in the days ahead…
Would you like us to visit your area? If so, please do get in touch…
