Patterns of worship

Methodist ministers are appointed to a group of churches. Our minister, Revd Neville Simpson, has pastoral charge of Heworth, Stamford Bridge and St George's, which means he cannot be here every week. Mrs Jenny Powley, our part time lay worker, gives us day-to-day pastoral care and, as a lay preacher, leads some services. She is also authorised to celebrate baptismal, wedding and funeral services. Sunday services may be led by another minister or a local (lay) preacher. A three monthly rota (the preaching plan) gives us advance notice of who that will be. This changing pattern makes for a stimulating variety in styles of worship but, if you are making your first visit to a Methodist Church, you might be surprised to find the minister absent or be told that there will be a different preacher next week. It is the members of the congregation who take responsibility for welcoming the newcomer, sharing information and listening to pastoral concerns that need to be communicated to the minister or lay worker. Do feel confident in asking someone, especially one of the stewards, for any help or contact you need. Holy Communion We follow the open policy of the Methodist Church in welcoming members of other churches or none who "love the Lord Jesus Christ or, in sincerity, are seeking him". Children of all ages are welcome either to partake or receive a blessing as their parents choose. Christian faith in word and action