Contained in these pages is information about the life of God’s church of St Stephen’s in Lindley. It contains official reports, summaries of the life of groups that make up our church community and information about our direction and work over the calendar year of 2023. I invite you to read through this document, prepared and collated by volunteers from our church community, to give you the opportunity to know more about the ministry and mission of our church, and to give thanks to God for this.

Whether you feel you are new to our church community, an interested party or a long-term member of the church, these pages will contain information and stories of aspects of our church life which will be of news to you. I have certainly learned new things about our church community from these pages!

We are blessed with a wide variety of community activities, an active church council and many volunteers who ensure that God’s parish church in Lindley is a beacon of light and faith in our community. During 2023, some of the memorable events were

* held a superb Flower and Music Festival raising thousands for the works needed to our roof

* celebrated the King’s Coronation

* Inaugurated our St Stephen’s Concert Season

* Developed and refined a church vision statement to focus our future direction and calling

* held a confirmation service and reception to confirmation before communion led by our new Bishop of Huddersfield, Smitha Prasadam

* launched our roof works fundraising appeal and applied for grants to protect the future of our historic building

* participated in one of the busiest Lindley Scarecrow Festivals ever

Please take the time to read the reports which follow, particular for the aspects of church life you are less familiar with. It highlights the breadth of activity, ministry and witness St Stephen’s has going on. I feel truly blessed to be the Priest-in-Charge of such a vibrant, faithful and caring community.