In May 2006 The Crossing Church and Centre was formally opened by John Mann MP (now Lord Mann) in Worksop. Sir Andrew Buchanan also took part in the ceremony.
As 2026 is their 20th anniversary, many special events are in the planning stages, along with some of their regular events so now is the time to ‘save the date’.
So far these include:
- Model Transport Exhibition – Saturday 14th March
- A Flower Festival – Weekend of 16th and 17th May
- Rev Mark Pengelly will be the visiting preacher on Sunday 17th May
- Anniversary Meal – Saturday 23rd May
- Organ Concert by Keith Hearnshaw – Saturday 20th June
- Model Transport Exhibition – Saturday 5th September
- Gospel of Mark event – Saturday 26th September
- Autumn Fayre – Saturday 21st November
Some background information
The past
The Crossing is a joint congregation of the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church (URC). In 2000, the two churches combined and became known as Worksop United Church. In the following years, a vision developed to create a new church building, demolishing the two existing church buildings and school on the site and selling off some land, to create a building which would engage the whole community and touch the lives of the wider community.
Championed by new minister in 2023, the Reverend Mark Pengelly, fundraising began, with both local events and grant funding bids.
Finally, the congregation moved into the new Church building in March 2006 and the name ‘The Crossing’ was chosen. The URC building was offered to local community groups for use as a community theatre and the Acorn Theatre was launched.
When launched, the church building was home to the Church (a charity) looking after faith-based activities and the property, the Social Enterprise Company Ltd (SEC, a charity and not-for-profit’ company) and the Café (a company).
Sadly, The Crossing Café became no longer viable during the 2020 pandemic and it had to be wound up. Then, as the building started to reopen when restrictions relaxed, the decision was made to also wind up the SEC and run all operations in the Church. All operations were run by The Church Trustees (all volunteers) along with a dedicated team of volunteers.
The present
By 2022 the Trinity Methodist Circuit offered support and helped with grant funding applications in order to employ a manager. Clare Biddle is the Community and Facilities Manager for both The Crossing Church and The Grove Methodist Church in Retford.
The building is, once again, busy on most days with many rooms booked out either as permanent office space or ad-hoc community space. The focus is still on wellbeing, with the majority of users being either charities, community groups or organisations who provide community support.
Deacon Emily Hoe-Crook is the current minister serving The Crossing, and during her term of service has built links with the local schools, organised events aimed at young families, provided pastoral support to all within the church family and to visitors alike.
The website www.thecrossing.co.uk is updated weekly.
Happening in March
March is going to be a busy time at The Crossing with groups for all ages
Friday morning coffee
10.00am to 12.00pm. All are welcome. They are currently seeking another volunteer for Friday coffee mornings, just for one Friday per month. The next date they need help for is 13th March but other volunteers may swap if you can help on alternative dates. Full training will be given. The next charity coffee mornings are:
- 10th April: MND (Motor Neurone Disease) Rob Burrows Centre
- 29th May: SENSE – National Deaf Blind and Rubella Association
Transport Exhibition
Saturday 14th March from 10.00am. £5.00 entry.
Our Dementia Choir Concert
Wednesday 25th March at 2.00pm. Joining The Crossing family for a fun afternoon of singing will be Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir (as seen on TV). Entry is just £2.00 including refreshments, donations to local dementia charities would be warmly received
5th Worksop (Methodist) Brownies
The group has 20 Brownies at present but new leaders are needed. All leaders are volunteers and it is a big commitment. If you know of anyone who would like to either run or help with Brownies or would like more information, please email jeanhoward1@aol.com. If you’d like to visit them, they meet on a Tuesday evening at The Crossing, from 6.00pm to 7.30pm.
For more information please contact clare.biddle@trinitycircuit.net.