Is anyone a methodist?

[crouchingtigeress]

What are the services like?

[marthamoo]

I was brought up a Methodist. The services I've been to (and I've not been to church for years) - generally very simple and low key - not at all high church. The Minister does his/her sermon - not usually too long or preachy, there are hymns, Sunday school for the kids. Methodist churches aren't ornate - the modern ones are quite plain, and the services I've been to the Minister just wears normal clothes and dog collar - no robes. As churches go - Methodists are pretty low key.

[marthamoo]

This might help

[zippitippitoes]

we went to a free church for quite a long time when I was still with exh..in fact the two dds were baptised there..

it was a plain and simple approach and friendly as we went there having been to the c of e which we didn't feel comfortable with..but quite evangelical and youth orientated

I'm now veering back to the high church, in some respects even prefer Catholic but i think that is aesthetic not faith

[Enid]

I am 'officially' one

can't you tell

[marthamoo]

You give off a definite air of sobriety, Enid

[emsiewill]

I was brought up as a methodist, and although not a regular church goer now, feel most comfortable in a methodist / united reformed type church. Very simple, no ritual, ministers in normal dress.

I always go back to my church when I'm staying at my parents, and feel very at home there...happy memories.

[Yorkiegirl]

Message withdrawn

[crouchingtigeress]

Thanks all, I went to a toddler group in one and liked the simplicity. I was raised a catholic but didn't feel comfortable with the rituals and physical distractions in the church (i.e. statues). I went to a local unitarian church but as it did not have a creche my active toddler and I did not feel welcome ( a mainly elderly congregation)- the minister stopped the sermon and asked me to bring him in to the back - I left in tears. Now planning to visit the local Methodist church this Sunday.

[MaryBS]

Good luck. I am happy in my (high C of E) church, but there is also a Methodist church in our village, and the preacher there is such a holy spiritual lively man, I feel if I wanted I could go there too (maybe even just for a change!). Its nice to have the choice of two good churches!

[purplefraggle]

i am!

[magnolia1]

My girls go to a crusaders group once a fortnight which they love and we go to the Mothodist church near to us although not as much as we should/could

Really informal and welcoming, kids have a sunday school at the same time unless its a childrens service and thats great coz they get to really join in

Tea and cake after which is always great

[magnolia1]

Ok, its a Methodist really

[PinkyRed]

Me too! Me too!

Our church is quite small, and mostly elderly but everyone is hugely welcoming to me and BabyRed (8 months). To be honest I don't take her that often because I find it hard to concentrate when she's there, and she's too young to go into the sunday school, but whenever I have taken her it's been fine.

Our services tend to be quite informal - visiting preachers are sometime quite surprised to be joined in the pulpit by James (aged 3) but no-one's ever complained

[PinkyRed]

Me too! Me too!

Our church is quite small, and mostly elderly but everyone is hugely welcoming to me and BabyRed (8 months). To be honest I don't take her that often because I find it hard to concentrate when she's there, and she's too young to go into the sunday school, but whenever I have taken her it's been fine.

Our services tend to be quite informal - visiting preachers are sometime quite surprised to be joined in the pulpit by James (aged 3) but no-one's ever complained

[crouchingtigeress]

Hi cat64, Yes I went and TBh I didn't enjoy it, in fact I couldn't wait to leave. The service was exactly how I remembered it going to Catholic service (very solemn and routine) except much smaller congregation (about 15) and no statues, which was good.

I think I'll have to keep looking.

[crouchingtigeress]

Yes there is quite a few Methodist churches in the area that I could try. What is URC? TBH my pluralist approach to faith really matches the Unitarian church, but my local (apart from the one where I left crying) is two buses away. I suppose if it matches my belief distance shouldn't be an object.