Spalding's Rev Frances prepares for a new start as term ends

A Methodist minister who has guided churches in the area through a number of twists and changes is preparing to move on to pastures new.

The Reverend Frances Ballantyne, who has served methodist churches within the South Holland Circuit, will be moving to another part of the country soon.

During her five year term, Rev Ballantyne has had pastoral responsibility for Gosberton, Gosberton Clough and St Thomas’ Road.

Rev Frances had previously worked as a mental health chaplain before taking up the role, serving within the Leicestershire Partnership Trust and working within mental health units within Leicestershire and Rutland.

She said: “Church ministry is different to chaplaincy, and Lincolnshire is different to Leicestershire, but the pastoral care in recent months through continuing contact by various means such as Zoom bible studies, virtual prayer walks,phone calling and emailing contacts has been priority. We were concerned that regular contact was made so that people didn’t feel isolated or lonely.”

During her time here, Rev Frances has assisted the transfer of St Thomas’ Road, combining with an existing congregation at Broad Street in order to make a significant new united church in Broad Street.

She says that she was “in the right place at the right time with the right pastoral skills” to achieve this.

Rev Frances has also seen huge transformations taking place at the Broad Street church as part of the £800,000 ‘Vision 21’ project.

The work, which has now been completed, saw the addition of a new kitchen, new cloakrooms and new foyer.

Rev Frances says the pandemic also benefited the church as it encouraged a new digital presence which has facilitated worship throughout.

She said: “I was amazed at the enthusiasm of the church to want to develop the building so that’s it’s ready to be more accessible. It is a massive achievement, the facilities are superb and we await the next minister to build on the last five years of work.”

While some parts of the church’s work, such a Bible readings, continue to be held online, cautious moves to return to normality, including singing during services, are taking place. Rev Frances added: “We wait to see the church come alive again after all the Covid limitations.”

A leaving service will take place in August at the Broad Street church before a new minister takes up the circuit appointment at the start of September.