St Johns Hill Methodist Church
In Spring 2006, St Johns Hill Methodist Church relocated from their historic Methodist Chapel on St. Johns Hill to share with the Church of England congregation in St. Chad's Church round the corner. The event itself is historic and uncommon. The 120+ Methodist members will be bringing their own distinct Methodist traditions with them; at the same time sharing buildings, fellowship and, on occasions, will unite with St Chad's congregation for appropriate worship and joining together for evening worship.
History and tradition divide the Methodist Church and the Anglican Communion. The Methodist Church is a separate denomination, with a different system of church government at a national and district level. Methodists do have distinct traditions of worship, which includes a ministry of Local Preachers, whose role is very similar to that of Licensed Lay Readers in the Church of England. We also tend to have a more informal 'style' of prayer and worship - but that is by no means universal throughout Methodism. Our sacramental worship is very similar to the Church of England liturgy. Ministers are ordained for life and trained in the same way, often together with, Anglican colleagues.
Recently, congregations in all denominations are loyal to a diversity of styles of worship - from the loud and noisy mass gathering to the quiet early morning reflection of the few. Few churches offer only one style of worship these days. It is in this spirit that the regular Sunday Methodist worship at St. Chad's at 11.15am will take place. Some Sundays it will be the liturgy of Communion; on other occasions it will be non-sacramental worship led by a Local Preacher.
In our diversity there will also be a unity. Our two fellowships have a great deal more than our common Christian discipleship in which to share with each other. It may be as simple as sharing a cup of coffee together, or a Bible study. It may be that we have many opportunities for witness and service together. We move forward as a pilgrim people, seeking God's blessing and guidance for the future.
Your sister-in-Christ
Rev Caroline Homer (Superintendent Minister)