We are currently in the season of ‘Lent’ – an important time in the Christian year. Lent starts with Shrove Tuesday (‘pancake day’) and Ash Wednesday, and runs up to Easter. It is a time when Christians remember Jesus taking time to fast and pray in the wilderness, and traditionally it is a time when they might also make space for prayer, study, fasting and service: deepening their connection with God and neighbour through different spiritual disciplines, writes Rev Oli Preston
This Lent I have tried something new – being barefoot as much as possible. The prompt for this came in a church service I was sat in when an ancient story from the Bible was being read – a passage from Exodus about Moses and the burning bush. In this story God calls to Moses from a bush that is on fire but not burning up, saying “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” As I heard these words read I felt a stirring in my heart, and I must confess that I didn’t really listen to much of the rest of what happened that evening!
Being barefoot on the rough, cold ground of Haworth and Cross Roads is perhaps more uncomfortable than it was for Moses on the warm sand of the desert, but it has been a wonderful spiritual practice. I have had to slow down – you simply can’t walk as fast with bare feet! I have felt much more aware of and connected to the places I am – grounded and alert. And I love the echo of the Moses story in my head, imagining what it might mean for each place – for this place – to be holy ground. As the weather warms up again perhaps you too might like to try (even for a few minutes) letting the soles of your feet touch the earth.
All three of our church buildings will be open every day 10am-4pm from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday for quiet prayer and reflection.
In St James’s you might like to engage with the ‘Stations of the Cross’ paintings on the walls around the church. In St Gabriel’s you might like to walk the prayer labyrinth. There will be resources to support and guide you.
Sunday 29th March: Palm Sunday
10:30-11:30am – Palm Sunday united holy communion service at St Michael’s, Haworth.
4-5pm – Stepping into Holy Week. A simple time of prayer together.
Monday 30th March
10am-12noon – Stations of the Cross at St James’s, Cross Roads. A guided time to pray and reflect using the Stations paintings (drop in with led time at 11am)
Wednesday 1st April
4-5:30pm – Messy Easter: a special Messy Church gathering, at St James’s, Cross Roads. Space to connect with and explore the Easter story through art, craft and play.
Thursday 2nd April:Maundy Thursday
5:30-7pm – soup and roll meal with Communion, at St James’s, Cross Roads. Please contact Rev Malcolm Young (07761979650) if you plan to come (so we can cater).
8pm – Compline (quiet night prayer) at St Michael’s, Haworth.
8:30-9:30pm – Pints of View special: remembering the Last Supper, at the White Lion, Haworth
Friday 3rd April, Good Friday
12:30 – Haworth Churches Walk of Witness – setting off from Haworth Park bandstand 12:30 to walk up to St Michael’s church steps for a simple outdoor service. Everyone is welcome, feel free to join the walk at any point. Service begins at 1pm
2-3pm – An hour at the Cross. Reflective service to mark Good Friday at St Michael’s, Haworth.
Sunday 5th April – Easter Day
6:30am – early fire-pit gathering to celebrate Easter morning in the churchyard at St Michael’s, Haworth. Simple celebration with hot cross buns and coffee. (In the south porch if raining).
10am – Easter Communion at St Gabriel’s Stanbury
10:30am – Easter Communion at St Michael’s Haworth
4pm – Easter Communion at St James’s Cross Roads
St Michael and All Angels’, Haworth
(Main Street, BD22 8DR)
St Gabriel’s, Stanbury
(Main Street, BD22 0HB)
St James’s, Cross Roads
(Albion Street, BD22 9EB)
Posted inBlog, Front, Latest News|Comments Off on Holy Week and Easter 2026 in Haworth & Stanbury
This simple, bold, heart-warming phrase appears over and over againin the Bible, in all kinds of circumstances – including on the ?rstEaster Sunday. The women who went to visit Jesus’s tomb carry with them grief at the death of their Master and friend, the trauma of the cruci?xion, and fear for what might happen next – will Jesus’s disciples be arrested next, what will happen to them…?
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“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” Matthew 28:5-6
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Meeting an angel, whose ‘appearance was like lightning’ (v.3) must have been terrifying! But the angel’s message is one of peace: Jesus is alive. Death itself has started working backward. They may not understand yet, there still may be pain and sadness to come, but there has been a shift in reality, and nothing will ever be the same again… Hope is alive
See our separate Holy Week news sheet for details of services and spaces to connect and pray this Easter.
It can be a great time to invite friends, neighbours or family too!
May you know the peace of the Risen Lord Jesus at work in your life in this Easter season.
Sunday Worship Gatherings
St Michael and All Angels’, Haworth
Sundays at 10:30am – Parish Communion: a celebration for everyone
Sun 3rd May service includes Annual Parish Meeting.
Sun 31st May – no service here today: United Service in Stanbury
St. Gabriel’s, Stanbury
Sunday5th April – 10am BCP Holy Communion – Easter Sunday!
Sunday 12th April – No service here today
Sunday 19th April – 10am BCP Holy Communion
Sunday 26th April – 4pm Evensong
Sunday 3rd May – No service here today
Sunday 10th May – 4pm Evensong
Sunday 17th May – 10am BCP Holy Communion
Sunday 24th May – 4pm Evensong
Sunday 31st May – 10am United Service
St. James’s, Cross Roads
Sunday 5th April – 4pm Parish Communion – Easter Sunday!
Sunday 12th April – 10am Parish Communion
Sunday 19th April – Messy Church: Easter Journeys, 4-5:30pm
Sunday 26th April – 10am Service with Annual meeting
Sunday 3rd May – 4pm Parish Communion
Sunday 10th May – 10am Parish Communion
Sunday 17th May – 4pm Messy Church: Messy Mother’s Day
Sunday 24th May – 10am Holy Communion
Sunday 31st May – no service here today: United Service in Stanbury
Sunday 31st May – United Service
United Communion Service at St Gabriel’s, Stanbury – 10am
Followed by drinks and cake in the St Gabriel’s garden. Drinks provided, you might like to bring something tasty to share!
Every week
Coffee drop-in at St James’s every Monday 10-12noon. This now includes a Dementia Friendly Hub
Toddler Praise at St James’s every Tuesday in term time, 2-3pm. Toddler friendly singing, story and prayers, followed by play and snack.
Midweek Holy Communion – Quiet and reflective said service at St Michael’s every Thursday 12noon in the Bronte chapel
Quiet Space (Compline) at St Michael’s every Thursday at 8pm: short, reflective prayer time. Followed by Pints of View from 8:30pm (usually in the White Lion) – friendly conversation exploring big questions.
Garden Angels and Church Angels
Saturday 11th April and Saturday 9th May, 10am-12noon at St Michael’s Haworth. Something for everyone! Always good fun and very satisfying. Contact Rev. Oli or Jonathan (church warden)
Coffee morning at St Gabriel’s, Stanbury
From May we are back on first Saturday each month 10am-12noon. Friendly time together in this beautiful space. Saturday 2nd May.
Annual Parish Church Meetings (APCM)
Meetings to look back on 2025, to give thanks to God for His work among us, to check finance and other key areas, and to elect Church Wardens and Parish Church Council (PCC) members.
Cross Roads: Sun 28th April 10am at St James’s
Haworth and Stanbury: Sunday 3rd May, 10:30am
at St Michael and All Angels’
Our annual meetings will be held as part of our regular Sunday morning services. This gives space to give thanks to God for His goodness among us, bringing all parts of our parish life as part of our worship.
Everyone who is part of our church community is welcome!
As we prepare for these meetings, we are actively looking for people to join our Parish Church Councils (PCCs) – as PCC members, Treasurer, Secretary, Church Warden… Please join in praying, and please consider whether you could joining the team. Talk to Oli.
Giving and Generosity
Most of the budgeted spending that allows us to be present and active as a church community comes from regular giving from church members and supporters. Thank you to everyone who contributes!
If you would like to find out more about giving, including regular giving through direct debit or volunteering opportunities, then please get in touch for a conversation.
Listening and Caring We have people who would be happy to listen and pray with you. Please ask whoever has been leading the service today, or contact Oli
St Michael & All Angels’ Church Tower Clock in Haworth is back marking time after a break of almost two years.
The historic four-dialled timepiece in Haworth’s Parish Church tower stopped working in April 2024 after its mechanism was damaged by water-ingress.
But last week the 155-year-old clock whirred back into action after being repaired and the familiar chimes that mark the hour and quarter-hour resonated around the Worth Valley once again.
As an added bonus the clock no longer needs to be wound manually as the Parochial Church Council decided to have an automatic winding machine installed.
The St Michael and All Angels Church clock was made by John Cryer of Bingley in 1864, and its pendulum was ceremoniously started in Church at four o’clock on 15th October 1870 by George Merrall, who was both a Churchwarden and a major funder.
Barring some short interruptions the clock has kept regular time for the citizens of Haworth until it was damaged in 2024.
Since 1985 the clock has been lovingly wound and cared for by well-known Haworth resident Jens Hislop, (pictured below checking the clock is keeping good time) latterly with a team of helpers, and the repairs were undertaken by the Church’s contractors Smiths of Derby.
Reverend Oli Preston, the Rector of Haworth, said: “The repairs have taken some time because of the complexity of the task, and we’d like to thank our Insurers, Ecclesiastical, for their help in returning our village’s beloved time piece to working order.
“Equally we’re grateful to the Church Land Trustees for their financial assistance in funding the purchase of the auto-winder.
“We’ve future-proofed the clock by having the autowinder installed. For 39 years Jens Hislop and his team have faithfully wound and tended the clock’s Victorian mechanism. Now they can enjoy a well-earned rest safe in the knowledge that the clock will beat time for years to come.”
Repairs to the Clock have cost £26,625 while the new auto-winder added £12,150 to the final bill.
Added Rev. Preston: “People in Haworth have missed the Church clock working and it’s good to know that it’s once again back on duty.”
Posted inBlog, Front, Latest News|Comments Off on Haworth Church’s Tower Clock strikes the right note again
Sundays at 10:30am – Parish Communion: a celebration for everyone
St. Gabriel’s, Stanbury
Sunday 1st Feb – 10am BCP Holy Communion
Sunday 8th Feb – 3pm Evensong
Sunday 15th Feb – 10am BCP Holy Communion
Sunday 22nd Feb – 3pm Evensong
Sunday 1st March – 10am BCP Holy Communion
Sunday 8th March – 3pm Evensong
Sunday 15th March – 10am BCP Holy Communion
Sunday 22nd March – 3pm Evensong
Sunday 29th March – no service here today
St. James’s, Cross Roads
Sunday 1st Feb – 4pm Parish Communion
Sunday 8th Feb – 10am Parish Communion
Sunday 15th Feb – 4.00pm – 5.30pm Messy Church: Pancake Party
Ash Wednesday:
9.30am Service of Holy Communion with imposition of ashes,
Sunday 22nd Feb – 10am Parish Communion
Sunday 1st March – 4pm Parish Communion
Sunday 8th March – 10am Parish Communion
Sunday 15th March – 4pm Messy Church: Messy Mother’s Day
Sunday 22nd March – 10am Holy Communion
Sunday 29th March (Palm Sunday)
10.30am United Parish Communion Service at St Michael’s, Haworth
4.00pm United Prayer service at St James’s, Cross Roads
Every week
Coffee drop-in at St James’s every Monday 10-12noon. This now includes a Dementia Friendly Hub
Toddler Praise at St James’s every Tuesday in term time, 2-3pm. Toddler friendly singing, story and prayers, followed by play and snack. Taking a short break in Feb, back as normal from Tues 24th Feb.
Midweek Holy Communion – Quiet and reflective said service at St Michael’s every Thursday 12noon in the Bronte chapel
Quiet Space (Compline) at St Michael’s every Thursday at 8pm: short, reflective prayer time. Followed by Pints of View from 8:30pm (usually in the White Lion) – friendly conversation exploring big questions.
Messy Pancake Party – 15th Feb
Messy Church in February will be a Pancake Party! Sunday 15th Feb, 4-5:30pm at St James’s, Cross Roads (in the hall).
Everyone is welcome for a fun time with tasty treats!
If you are able to help running this event please contact Oli. We need pancake flippers, washer-uppers, games, tidying up afterwards…
Bring a pancake topping to share (unopened please for food hygiene and allergy awareness), or a donation towards costs.
If you have any dietary requirements and are planning to come please contact Oli ahead of time so we can make sure we cater for you 🙂
Small groups (Lent+)
It is wonderful to gather together for worship on Sundays (and other days!), but sometimes it can be hard to connect and share deeply with one another in these big gatherings. Small groups can be a really helpful additional space for connecting as church to journey together: getting to know one another better, sharing the highs and lows of life, praying for one another and growing in faith through questions and conversation.
Through the season of Lent (which begins on Ash Wednesday – 18th Feb) there will be several groups meeting at different times and in different places. Please watch out for regular notices and updates for information, or contact one of the clergy or church wardens if you would like to be part of a group.
Church weekend away Easter 2026
What?
A weekend away with a small group of others from our church community (max 26 people as that is the capacity for this venue).
This weekend will be simple, spacious and informal. We will share in some times of prayer and reflection/conversation together, but also have plenty of time to walk, play, or whatever helps you relax! Get to know others in our church family better, have a short break from day-to-day, explore a beautiful place.
Where?
Barmoor – a fantastic country house just outside Hutton-le-Hole (on the North York Moors), YO62 6UE. www.barmoor.org.uk
When?
The weekend after Easter, Friday 10th April to Sunday 12th April. Arriving from 4pm on Friday 10th, and leaving after lunch on Sunday 12th.
Who?
Anyone who is part of our church community is very welcome to come. The house has 26 beds, so that is our top limit (9 rooms – all single beds, we will allocate rooms and arrange sharing where appropriate as people book on).
Cost?
The weekend will cost £40 per adult, under 16s £30. All food is included, but if you would like a particular treat/snack or alcoholic drinks then please feel free to bring extras and some to share 🙂
Please contact Oli to book on (first come first served).
Please don’t let money be a barrier for coming – we know it isn’t comfortable to talk about money, but if you would like to come but can’t afford it then please do talk with Oli.
Everyone will make their own way there. If you need a lift, or if you are able to offer a space in your car, please say – hopefully we can arrange car-sharing where possible.
Outline plan for the weekend on display in church
Giving and Generosity
Most of the budgeted spending that allows us to be present and active as a church community comes from regular giving from church members and supporters. Thank you to everyone who contributes to this! If you would like to find out more about giving, including regular giving through direct debit or volunteering opportunity please contact us via this web site’s contact form.
Listening and Caring
We have people who would be happy to listen and pray with you. Please ask whoever has been leading one of our services, or contact Oli via this web site’s contact form.
