to the web site of the Wiltshire United Area

Wiltshire is a totally United Methodist/URC Area, a Local Ecumenical Project (LEP) in itself. The Area has now been in existence for some 30 years. We understand that it is one of only three such United Areas in the UK. It covers a mixed urban/rural area of Wiltshire and includes the expanding towns of Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury, Devizes, Calne , Corsham, Bradford-on-Avon and Melksham, together with the surrounding villages of Whitley, Winsley, Bromham,  Semmington, Seend, Steeple Ashton, Market Lavington, Monks Chapel, Chittoe Heath, Holt and Hilperton.  

The question of Methodist and United Reformed Churches working closer together, beyond local church unions, had been raised in the Trowbridge area of Wiltshire during the 1970's.   It was not until November 1979 however that a meeting was convened in Trowbridge, of representatives from the Methodist and United Reformed Churches in the area of the Trowbridge and Bradford-on-Avon Circuit - together with representatives of the South-Western Province of the United Reformed Church and the Bristol Methodist District -to consider how this idea might be implemented.

At the same time, a similar question had been raised for the area of Melksham, Corsham, Devizes and Calne (Mid-Wilts) and observers came to the meeting at Trowbridge.   The constitution created at that time can be seen by clicking the link in the index.

In 2008 a major re-organisation of the Methodist Churches and Circuits in the Bristol District created larger circuits and in Wiltshire the move was initiated to combine the two adjacent United Areas of West Wiltshire and Mid-Wiltshire, to be re-named THE WILTSHIRE UNITED AREA.   Following much prayerful considerations, the new Area came into being on 1st September 2009. An inaugural service was held at Trowbridge United Church on Sunday 6th September, 2009.  ( Click HERE for pictures taken at that event)

We are committed to:-

•         worshipping God in meaningful ways

•         drawing upon the power of prayer

•          recognising, receiving and sharing the love of God

•         encouraging Church growth in town and village churches

•         developing ecumenical links

•         reaching out to the wider community

•         seeking to meet the needs of all age groups

Lay Leadership and Ministry Survey

The Area is undertaking a survey of present Lay Ministry and Leadership within each of its churches as part of its ongoing work on ministry and leadership across the Area.  The churches have all been provided with copies of the survey to use and it also being made available for download here.   The survey is in the form of Bible study that encourages them to record present ministry and leadership in their local church, their perceived weaknesses in ministry and leadership, and invites them to begin to identify how they might develop their leadership and ministry.

VACANCIES

In August 2011 there will be two ministerial vacancies in this Area.  The Policy is to maintain a balance of ministers from the two parent organisations; The Methodist Church vacancy has been filled and the Revd. David Ellis will be taking up his appointment on 1st September.  The United Reformed Church vacancy remains available and an abbreviated version of the  Pastorate Profile can be viewed on the link below. The formal appointment process  is progressing.      

Click HERE for the URC vacancy in .pdf format and are best viewed at a 75% zoom setting in your Adobe Reader.. 

Click Here for the United Area safeguarding policy.

 

The Wiltshire United Area are pleased to welcome the Revd David Ellis to begin his ministry with us from September 2011.  We also welcome his wife Ceri.  David will have pastoral care for Trowbridge United Church, Hilperton Methodist Church and Holt United Reformed Church.  He will also be the Area Chairman and Methodist Superintendent.  David comes to us from the Reading Methodist Circuit and brings a wide experience of ministry.  His service of welcome and induction will take place on Tuesday 6th September at 7-30 p m at Trowbridge United Church.  We wish God’s richest blessing on his ministry with us.

 

The Wiltshire United Area World Church 2011-2012 Appeal. Money will be raised for the Christian Aid Climate Justice Campaign. 18 months of fundraising with each church holding at least one event to support this fund. Click HERE for further information.