Cleckheaton is a town in West Yorkshire, a few miles south of Bradford. It’s a place where Anglicans and Methodists have come together for the benefit of local people.
At Christmas they send Angles out across the town. In 2023 they produced more than 750 hand knitted Angels which were given to people in the street or distributed to care homes and day centres. The Angles have been appreciated – and started a few conversations. On a few occasions, church members were asked to pray with people which was a very humbling experience.
The Knitted Angles carry a message of Good News to the people of Cleckheaton, but action is also important, particularly in times of need or division.
During the cost of living crisis the churches started a Warm Welcome hub where anyone could come to get warm and enjoy home-made soup and company – which they have found to be just as important as the warmth or the soup!!
When local MP Jo Cox was killed, they organised a Great Get Together in the local park.
They have raised more than £130,000 through Acts435 and launched a separate Community Fund to help with food and utility bills.
The best friendships are not exclusive, and this has been true in Cleckheaton. The partnership began with Anglicans and Methodists but now includes Catholics, Quakers and Moravians. As the partnership grows, they hope to reach more people with Good News that the Angels proclaim.