Rev Peter Knight

Revd Peter Knight had been unwell for some time and sadly succumbed to his illness over Christmas.  Peter was Superintendent Minister in the Vale of Stour Circuit having previously served as a minister in Southport and Blackpool and a Local Preacher in Oldham.

Peter will be greatly missed by so many who valued his gracious friendship and creative and lively ministry.  We know that in answering God's call to ordained ministry, Peter was used by God to bring the Good News to the churches he served and neighbourhoods in which he lived. Even in the midst of illness, Peter's faith has been as strong as ever, with his confidence in the assurance of life eternal through Jesus shining through.

Most significantly in his life, Peter was a loving husband to Felicity and devoted father to Simon, Aimee, Josh, and father in law to Ali, and a delighted grandfather to Penelope, born within the last days of his life; Peter was a dedicated son to Graham and Carol, and a proud brother of his sister Angela, all of whom we will remember in our prayers, together with Peter's wider family.

We know that Felicity and the family are so appreciative of the support and good wishes they have received during Peter's illness and in these most recent of days; and for this they send you their heartfelt thanks.


A big hello to all!

It is a great place to live here in this part of the Black Country. Along with myself there is my wife Felicity, our son Joshua and we also have a daughter Aimee who lives and works as a Sports Therapist in Preston. I arrived here from Southport circuit where I had been a minister for thirteen years serving in as many as four, but for most of the time in two Methodist churches. The post included a large suburban grade two listed building, a diverse group of ministry and activity to a small rural chapel which also hosted the local Post Office.

In the past 20 years of ministry I have supported local primary schools, Street Pastors and lead developments into Fresh Expressions and outreach work and in the circuit I seek to develop these through the brilliant existing ministry and those we develop together in the future.

In my first role as a minister in the Blackpool Circuit along with local schools and also several community programmes, I got the chance to be chaplain to Blackpool FC for 5 years. Also during this time I was gifted the opportunity to work as a chaplain to the venues at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, an amazing time. As I guess you can work out I do have a great love for sport and you may hear a few stories and comments linked to this throughout preaching etc. Personally I support Liverpool FC, although Blackpool still hold a part of my heart.

Originally we come from Oldham, near Manchester (but really Lancashire!), Felicity and I growing up together and now being married for over twenty five years. I came into ministry when still in my twenties. My accent remains though, so there are available classes for those who find the loss of vowels and punctuation difficult.

I believe these are exciting times with so many rich insights and resources from the past and new and imaginative opportunities opening up for us as a circuit. I feel like one of Mr. Wesley's original helpers seeking how we as Christians we can truly serve the present age with the sacred flame rekindled. If you want to know more, I look forward to meeting with you, sharing God's blessings and facing the challenges which will come our way.

It is an exciting privilege to serve here with all the staff, the circuit stewards and each member of the churches as we discover together that God is not finished with us as the people called Methodist in this amazing circuit.