A NEW minister has joined Tynedale Methodist Circuit.

Rev Gareth Sherwood will be formally introduced at a special welcome service due to take place on Sunday, September 5 at Hexham West End Methodist Church.

Rev Sherwood has arrived from Lincolnshire and will serve as lead minister for Hexham West End and Acomb.

“We feel very privileged to be able to live and work in such a beautiful part of the country,” said Rev Gareth, who has arrived with his wife Hannah and daughter Eleanor. “The welcome we have received so far has been wonderful and I personally look forward to joining in with whatever God has planned for this area.”

Tynedale’s superintendent minister, Rev Paul Dunstan, added: “I am thrilled that we have Gareth and pleased to welcome him, as well as Hannah and Eleanor, as part of the church.”

The service at Hexham West End Methodist Church will begin at 10.30am. A pre-recorded video version of the welcome service will be screened at Hexham Trinity Methodist Church, also from 10.30am.

The video service will also be made available for anyone unable to attend, to watch online at their convenience.