Goodbye to Mark, ‘man of the people’

Years of happy memories were shared on the departure of an inspirational minister who helped build The Crossing Church from the ground.

The Rev Mark Pengelly and his family have left Worksop for a new life in Liskeard and Looe, in Cornwall.

They leave behind a decade of love and appreciation from the Worksop community.

“Mark really is a man of the people. He is hugely respected not only within the church and the local community but he has done a lot to put The Crossing on the map nationally,” said David Jordan, church organist and project co-ordinator during the Church’s formative stages.

“The Crossing is regarded as a mould breaking venture. But the success of the place is not down to design alone. It is down to Mark.”

Mark Pengelly arrived in 2003 at a crucial time for both the Methodist and United Reformed Churches, when they were still looking for a suitable site to build their new home.

David described how their new minister ‘rolled up his sleeves’ to get the job done.

He said: “Mark is able to adapt to any circumstances and get on with anybody at all.”

“We felt we had got both a leader and a founder.”

Beyond his relaxed leadership style and ‘no frills’ approach to ministry, Mark’s IT and audio visual skills were put to great use through the centre’s varied programme of arts and entertainment.

He also brought his Devon farming roots to Worksop, in the form of his beloved John Deere tractor, which he was once known to ride through town wearing his dog collar.

Said David: “We must also thank his wife Sheridan who is a tremendous support and became very involved as a church volunteer.”

The Crossing will welcome new minister The Rev Geoffrey Clarke at the end of August.

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