About UsOur Churches
St Paul's and St Barnabas
We are two churches that offer a warm welcome to all ages.
We love helping people discover the life transforming love of Jesus Christ.
We meet each Sunday to sing God's praise and encourage each other as we learn more about Jesus from the Bible.
Both churches regularly hold events for families and are Foundation Schools for St John's Brinscall and St Michael's High School in Chorley.
Rev Ben Clayton is our vicar and is supported by Rev Gary Bullock our self-supporting minister and our curate (minister in training) Chris Metcalfe. Members of both churches serve as school governors and Rev Ben enjoys being involved in the life of St John's, leading Collective Worship and offering support to the school as we seek to shine with the light of Jesus.
To find out more email: heapeyandwithnellchurches@gmail.com
St Barnabas
Find us on Chapel Lane in Heapey
Sunday Service from September 2026: 9.15am - Family Friendly Service
St Paul's
Find us on Bury Lane in Withnell
Sunday Services from September 2026: 10.30am - Family Friendly service
Midweek: CY - Youth Group for School Ages 5 and Up (Thurs, 7pm) Term time only
Jammy Little Fingers Toddler Group (Most Fridays, 10am)
Hillside Methodist Church
At Brinscall St John’s CE/Methodist Primary School, we are very proud of our strong Methodist heritage and our close relationship with Hillside Methodist Church, which is situated in the heart of our local community on Parke Road in Brinscall.
Our relationship with Hillside is an important part of who we are as a Church school. Together, school and church seek to help our children understand what it means to live out Christian faith through worship, learning, caring for others and serving our community.
This partnership supports our school vision:
“Shine with the light of Jesus”
We want every child to recognise that they have something special to offer the world and to develop the confidence, compassion and courage to let their light shine.
Our Methodist identity
The Methodist Church believes strongly in God’s love for everyone and in putting faith into action. Its calling is centred around Worship, Learning and Caring, Service and Evangelism.
These principles complement the Christian vision and values that run through life at Brinscall St John’s. Our six school values of Kindness, Respect, Resilience, Courage, Friendship and Forgiveness help our children explore what Christian faith looks like in the choices they make, the way they treat others and the contribution they make to their community.
Methodism also places great importance on inclusion, justice and service. We encourage our children to understand that faith is not simply something we learn about: it is something that can inspire us to make a positive difference.
Our partnership with Hillside
Our connection with Hillside Methodist Church helps children experience Christianity as part of a living and active faith community.
Throughout their time at Brinscall St John’s, children have opportunities to develop their understanding of the Methodist tradition and to build relationships with members of our local Christian community.
Our partnership contributes to the wider Christian life of our school through worship, prayer, special celebrations, community events and opportunities for children to explore faith, spirituality and service.
It also helps children understand that our school belongs to something bigger: a local, national and worldwide Christian family.
Church, School and Community
We believe that our relationship with our churches is particularly special because it connects school, family, church and community.
As a school, we want our children to see that Christian values extend beyond the classroom. Through worship, courageous advocacy, charitable work and service to others, children are encouraged to think about how they can bring hope, kindness and light to the lives of others.
This reflects the Methodist commitment to loving our neighbours, seeking justice and helping individuals and communities to flourish.
Everyone is welcome
Hillside Methodist Church is part of the Chorley and Leyland Methodist Circuit and the wider Methodist Church in Britain.
The Methodist Church describes the local church as a place where people can feel at home and welcome, and this sense of belonging reflects the inclusive Christian community we seek to nurture at Brinscall St John’s.
Whether children and families already belong to a church, follow another faith or have no particular faith background, everyone is welcomed and valued within our school community.
Hillside Methodist Church
Parke Road, Brinscall, Chorley
Families can find further information about Hillside Methodist Church, including current church information, through the Methodist Church in Britain’s Church Finder.