NEWS

From 1st July, the new parish will officially unite nine local churches under one parish structure, with a shared vision to better serve their communities and grow their mission.  

The move is part of a wider vision across the Diocese of Liverpool to respond to the challenges facing churches today, including fewer clergy, declining congregations, and increasing financial pressures, by working more closely together.  

While Sunday services and local church life will continue as normal, the new structure aims to strengthen each church’s ability to serve its community while benefiting from shared support across the parish. Behind the scenes, significant work has already taken place to prepare for this new chapter. A Support Services Team has been appointed to help with administration, finance, safer recruiting and buildings, allowing clergy and volunteers to focus more fully on ministry and mission. 

Launch event and special public meeting   

A special meeting and launch event will take place on Sunday 19th July at 6.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Grassendale, where the new parish will be formally established and Parish Wardens and members of the new Parochial Church Council (PCC) will be elected. Archdeacon, Miranda Threfall- Holmes, will be presiding to declare this new PCC.  

The meeting is open to anyone, and those on the electoral roll of the participating churches can be nominated for the PCC, to be Parish Warden and vote in the elections. All are warmly encouraged to attend and be part of this important moment as we celebrate the past and look forward to the future. 

Growth and community engagement  

Alongside structural changes, the new parish is already seeing encouraging signs of growth and community engagement. Recent highlights include Prayer Ministry Training at All Souls Church, a well-attended 150th anniversary event at All Saints Speke, ongoing celebrations across the area, new worshipping community plans in partnership with local schools, and investment in church buildings to support future ministry.  

Celebrate Recovery, was also launched in June as a Christ-centred recovery ministry that helps people find freedom from life's hurts, habits, and hang-ups through biblical principles, supportive community, and God's transforming grace. It is the only one of its kind service based in Halewood.  

Phil Saltmarsh, Team Rector of Christ Our Light Liverpool, said:  

“This is an exciting and hopeful step for our churches and communities as we seek to serve alongside each other so that every congregation can thrive and not just survive.  

“We believe God has given each person gifts to serve their community, and this new parish will help release people to use those gifts in new ways.  

“As we come together, we want to be a parish that speaks and acts with compassion and creativity, especially in places where people experience injustice. We’re excited to see what God will do as we take this step together.”  

The Ven Dr Miranda Threlfall-Holmes. Archdeacon of Liverpool, said: “Christ Our Light builds on a great deal of faithful work already offered, shaped for its local context while holding a clear commitment to introducing people to Jesus, deepening discipleship, developing Christian leaders, and working for justice. There is real hope for the fruit that God will bring.” 

Christ Our Light will continue to build on the unique identity of each church while creating stronger collaboration across the parish.  

Anyone interested in learning more or attending the launch event can find further details at: Christ Our Light - Special Meeting (Launch of New Parish) (19-Jul-2026) · ChurchSuite Events