Exciting news from the Otley New Places for New People discernment group

Over the past few months, members of our circuit have been engaged in a deeply prayerful discernment journey, seeking to understand how God might be calling us to become involved in the Methodist Church's commitment to New Places for New People (NPNP), with Otley at the heart of our focus.

The imminent sale of the building that has housed Otley Methodist Church for over a hundred years has brought a time of transition, with the opportunity for the existing congregation to redefine their identity beyond those walls and for the circuit to engage with people not yet involved in any established expression of church.

Between April and July, a small discernment group met together regularly to report on their conversations within the local community in Orley. These gatherings were marked by openness, creativity and a shared longing to respond faithfully to the needs and hopes held within this town.

Through this process, a clear and compassionate call began to emerge: to develop a community focused on wellbeing in Otley, with a particular focus on mental health support for young people and their families. The need is real, and the invitation from God feels unmistakable, particularly in the context of our circuit's year-long commitment to pray for "young minds." We believe this hub can become a place of inclusion, empowerment and belonging – a space where lives are nurtured and hope is restored.

We are thrilled to share that the Connexion has confirmed matched funding to support this vision. This means we are now able to appoint a full-time Missional Wellbeing Pioneer, who will lead the development and implementation of the NPNP in Otley over the next few years. The post has been advertised, and we ask for your continued prayers as we seek the right person to help bring this vision to life.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed, listened, and supported this journey so far. Your faithfulness has helped shape something beautiful and necessary. We look forward to sharing more in the months ahead--and to walking together as this new place for new people begins to take root.

With gratitude and hope,

Rev Wendy Walker