What to expect at Methodist service

[Celendine]

Can anyone tell me what to expect at Sunday service order of service, communion etc. in Method is church. Am baptised so can I go or do I need permission. Thanks

Anyone can take communion, anyone - baptised, Methodist or not.

We only have communion once a month (that's pretty common in the Methodist church)

The order of service looks like this often:

Stand up when person running service is introduced
Call to worship - sing first song (stand as people are able)
Prayers (adoration and praise) followed by Lords Prayer - (congregation sits praying)
Second song (stand as able)
Bible readings - 2 or 3 readings usually (sometimes not all at once)
Children's talk if there are any (if a big church they may go out to Sunday school/craft session)
Third song (stand as able)
Sermon (sit)
Prayers (of intercession) - congregation sits praying
Notices, offering (most stand when the offering is collected and moved to the front)
Preacher prays over offering (stand as able)
Last song
Usually remain standing for 'blessing' (preacher says have a good week)

Occasionally we mix it up with communion, shaking hands and saying the peace "peace be with you"

There is often tea/coffee/biscuits after and a nice chat

Please ask any questions if I've not been clear (services are an hour or very close to)

Thank you so much it helps to have some idea as would like to attend, but afraid I would be doing things wrong, and disrespectful

I'm a non-practising Anglican and don't go to church very often. When I do, it is the local Methodist church. The only thing I struggle with is that they sing familiar hymns to unfamiliar music - they like different music

You will be welcomed. There is usually someone inside the door greeting everybody. Don't worry - just do what everyone else does, and if you aren't sure then ask. Say you're new and aren't sure what to do, the services are pretty informal where we are.

Thanks Dustibooks , I miss hymn singing but hopefully I won't be remembered for the one singing out of tune 😁