Everyone knows that churches have pews and organs and hymn books but churches are made up of people, who do all the things that people do in the 21st Century including using the internet. On this website, you’ll find all the usual things you’d expect, like dates and times of services (with a brief description of what goes on), contact details for the church and key individuals, articles on things like baptism, weddings, and other activities we do as a church. There’s stuff to help you, inform you, and hopefully, make you think a little about your life.
Here is the list of the wonderful people who keep the church going.
I first attended St John the Baptist Church, Bircle when I came to live in the area with my two young daughters in 1988. In July 2017 I set up the events group to organise and attend a calendar of events both for socialising & fundraising. I joined the Parochial Church Council also in 2017 to report on event matters and ultimately became a Church Warden in April 2018. I help out with the coffee morning and stay and play sessions when held and enjoy baking cakes for refreshments. I currently put together and send out the Church Newsletter
Lesley Gough, married to Robert (who is now in a care home for residents with dementia), we have lived in Birtle for 28 years and I have attended St Johns for about 9 years. For the last 15 years, we have spent our holiday time in India, since my retirement, some 5 years ago, we have spent at least 3 months there escaping the worst of our winters. I am currently one of the two wardens and love the job, there is something to learn all the time but it is all very satisfying.
I first came to a service at St.John’s in 1990 when my eldest son was baptised and, liking the friendly and relaxed atmosphere, continued attending. I’m a PCC member and currently the Church Treasurer together with being on the refreshments rota. Having worked in NHS Finance since I left school I am now employed by NHS England’s Manchester Team mainly dealing with GP practice budgets. Outside work I love reading, going to the theatre, researching my family tree and drinking good red wine. I’m also loving recapturing my lost youth by visiting animal farms, theme parks and similar places with my grandchildren.
“Hello everyone. I have been associated with ‘Bircle church’ most of my life, having attended Bircle school until it closed in 1954. My husband David and I were married here, as were our two daughters. I felt privileged when I was first invited to join the PCC, and have served as PCC Secretary and Churchwarden”
I’m a retired primary school teacher. I love singing, swimming and the countryside. I volunteer for Christians Against Poverty and Re-engage and I’m St John’s rep for Christians Together in Bury.