Over the past year, Church Wigan has seen some amazing progress. Through teamwork, creativity, and faith, its worshipping communities are coming back to life, showing what can be achieved when people work together.
Some of Church Wigan’s long-standing churches have been given a new lease of life. St Peter’s Hindley, which had struggled with disconnection and financial issues, is now thriving again. Thanks to teamwork and support, attendance has bounced back to over 80% of pre-pandemic levels. The church has also welcomed new members, including asylum seekers, and restarted its Sunday School.
St John’s Abram is another great example. Using the Right Buildings Review, the church found new energy and purpose. This led to the creation of a toddler group, which has brought in young families and fresh faces to worship, boosting numbers and revitalising the congregation.
New ideas and projects have helped connect churches with their local communities. JEDS Pantry, for instance, is more than just a place for affordable food—it’s a welcoming space where people can build friendships, pray, and explore faith. With over 2,000 members and new activities like Espresso Worship, it’s helping people find both practical and spiritual support.
Growing Hope, an outdoor worship community, is another fantastic initiative. Meeting in a community garden, it’s brought people of all ages together to explore faith, care for the environment, and build lasting friendships.
Church Wigan has also embraced new forms of worship to reach different groups. Farsi Worship supports asylum seekers, while The Shed offers a safe space for men to connect over food and faith. Wellspring brings families together, offering activities, meals, and a chance to reflect. These projects are helping people from all walks of life feel welcome and supported.
Behind the scenes, a lot of hard work has gone into making things run smoothly. Financial processes have been tightened up, trust has been rebuilt, and new leaders have stepped up to guide these communities. While there’s still work to do, the progress so far has brought a real sense of hope and possibility.
This past year has shown how much can be achieved when people come together with faith and determination. From breathing new life into struggling churches to launching innovative projects, Church Wigan is proving that change is possible. There’s still more to do, but the future is looking bright for these vibrant and growing communities.
