Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What time are your services on Sundays?
A: Our individual church service times are all listed on their respective church pages. Please go to the menu to select which church you need.

Q: If my local church is travelling to another in the circuit for their Sunday worship, is it held at our usual time or the host church's time?
A: Always the host church's time.

Q: How long does a Sunday service last?
A: Typically, the service lasts an hour, but there are occasions we overrun (Christenings or special services like Christmas Eve), and there are always optional refreshments after each service, so allow for 1.5 hours in total to enjoy the whole experience.

Q: What other activities go on in the Methodist church?
A: Each of our chapels provides additional activities, including walking groups, singing, prayer groups, crafts, coffee mornings, soup and sweets, warm spaces, Easter Egg and children's activities, bible study, prayer groups, social groups, eco groups, lunch clubs... These can be viewed on each chapel's home page.

Q: Who else uses the chapel?
A: Each church has additional user groups that rent and use their facilities, such as scouts, guides, WI, gardening clubs, language classes, exercise groups, IT tuition, musicians, etc. Details are available on each church's home page.

Q: Who can hire the chapel?
A: Anyone can apply to hire the chapel. We don't usually refuse a request, but we do have a few stipulations: (non-Christian faith groups are not permitted to hire the chapel; anything occult-related, gambling or activities that go against our Christian values would not be permitted to use the space. In addition, as Methodists, we do not allow alcohol on the premises, including as raffle prizes, and birthday parties. Thank you.

Q: How much does it cost to hire the chapel, and where can I enquire about hiring?
A: Each chapel has several spaces that you can hire, such as the chapel itself, school rooms and kitchen facilities. The price, therefore, depends on how much of the space you require. All queries can be sent to the named property rental steward listed on each chapel's home page.

Q: Is Methodism the same as the Anglican church?
A: Methodism and the Anglican church are related but with distinct differences. John Wesley was an Anglican minister who broke from the church to bring Christianity to the ordinary people in the villages to make Christianity more accessible to all. The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission. We are all made in the image of God; each and every one of us is of equal value, and worthy of dignity, respect and kindness. Methodists strive for social justice, especially for those in greatest need. The Methodist Church affirms and celebrates the participation and ministry of its LGBTQ+ members.
Q: Where can I find out more about the Methodist Way of Life?
A: You can find our National Website here:

Q: Do you believe in a Trinitarian God?
A: Yes, we believe in 1 God in 3 persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe God gave his only Son, Jesus Christ, to live as one of us and to be a living sacrifice so that we may be forgiven of our sins and, through Him, take our place with God the Father in Heaven.

Q: Do I have to be a member to attend your church?
A: No, anyone can attend our church services. In fact, we would encourage you to try out our chapels to see which is the best fit. The best way to discover your church home is to spend a few weeks in each to ensure you feel at ease. If you would like to have someone join you on your first visit, we have that service available. Just click the NEW HERE button below to book in.

Q: How do I become a member of your church?
A: We have a wonderful group of clergy (both retired and visiting) as well as lay and worship leaders who are on hand should you wish to discuss membership. A short course and friendly chat to discuss your membership, followed by a welcome at our next membership service, would be the pathway you'd follow.

Q: What is expected of me if I become a member rather than just a visitor?
A: Honestly, we do not stand at the door counting your church visits! We would love to see you at Sunday services, as this is our main focus for worship, but we have many members who worship with us in our other group activities throughout the week. Your membership may look as unique as the gifts you bring to our community. When you find the right church family, expectations become joyful experiences and opportunities.

Q: Do you have outreach programs at your chapels that I can get involved with?
A: Currently, our outreach involves local projects that serve our immediate county. We are traditionally a farming and military county, but more recently have seen Eastern European and wider communities coming to work and settle to help harvest crops. We run projects to offer language, work and cultural integration, which have many facets that you may be able to add to. We have groups that provide crafts, singing, food, and friendship to those who are lonely and displaced or just new to the area. We also have plans at each chapel for further expansion and outreach with new ways of funding and staffing these to rely less on Sunday contributions and our older population volunteers who have served all their lives.
We run full checks on volunteers who are working with vulnerable people to ensure our safeguarding measures protect everyone. We also have training for those projects that require more than making a nice cup of tea, though we still employ tea-making to open conversations!

Q: Do I have to volunteer at the church?
A: No, we don't force anyone to do anything they don't want to. We ask you to pray about what God is asking of you and be guided by His word. We all have times of rest and nourishment and times of service. Take your time.