Our Mission
Our Mission Statement:
Old Newton Methodist Church is a warm, friendly and caring church. Our Mission is to be a church focussed on spreading the Gospel to all age groups, by practising what we preach to one another and in outreach to the community.
We seek to fulfil this mission by:-
- an approach in which all people are appreciated, valued and welcomed
- engaging in activities which are Christ-based
- by providing activities that are both socially and spiritually engaging, where people can relax and enjoy fellowship through the Cafe, Meal Out and coffee mornings, which are used mainly, but not exclusively, in this approach
- by encouraging and deepening faith through fellowship and study groups including 'Pause for Prayer' and 'Look at the Book'
- by welcoming families into our fellowship and providing suitable activities for children
- by close, formal and informal ecumenical work with the village Parish Church
- By offering pastoral care within the Church Fellowship and the wider community
- By regular weekly worship services in various styles in the morning and the evening on Sundays
- By maintaining church finances to sustain the life, witness and worship that we seek to fulfil
The Hospitality of the Meal
Hospitality at Old Newton!
Jesus loved getting to know people by sharing meals with them and we try to do the same.
Tuesday Lunch
This is held monthly on Fridays. The meal is a two course lunch with tea or coffee afterwards. The cost is deliberately kep low to encourage folk to attend. It is designed for all who want to come from the village and other churches. We are especially pleased to welcome folk who live alone or find it difficult to get out and mix with others.
We also have a "greeter" at the door to help folk feel welcome and comfortable.
We have a 'Chapel Taxi' which transports folk, and a take away service for anyone who is unable to come to us.
The Minister is usually around to take the opportunity to have an individual, friendly word with our diners. Our monthly Newsletter and invitations to our activities are on each table.
There are many benefits to the Friday Lunch:
▪ It makes the church better known in the community
▪ It gives folk the chance to socialise
▪ It makes the Minister better known in the village- it gives her contact with people in the village beyond the church family
▪ It gives us a chance to welcome folk to our services and activities
▪ It makes a little money for the church
Pause for Prayer and Coffee Time
These are held on the first and third Tuesday mornings of the month. Pause for Prayer is a short prayer time led by a different person each time. It is organised by Christine Newton who takes requests for prayer and produces a new card each month with details. Pause for Prayer is advertised in the village magazine, "The Crier", and our Church Newsletter. Different sections of the village are specifically prayed for each month. Details of how to make prayer requests is published in both magazines. Pause for Prayer is very well supported, and has been one of the first points of contact for new people joining our fellowship.
Pause for Prayer is always followed by a Coffee Morning when folk can enjoy coffee and nibbles and each other's company.
Special Coffee Mornings
On the third Tuesday of each month we hold a bigger Coffee Morning where we try to attract other folk from the village to join us. We alternate a charity support morning with a 'Meet Up with Friends' morning. At the charity morning we support charities which has a general appeal such as 'Help for Heroes' and the local hospice. We provide coffees, teas and nibbles, have fund-raising games and give folk the opportunity to donate to the charity. There is also much natter and laughter. At the 'Meet Up' mornings we are not fundraising at all. Folk are just invited to join us for a time of friendship over the eats and drinks. We are trying to make contact with folk who might be lonely and would appreciate meeting up with old and new friends. Folk are encouraged to bring other people who might like to come or to tell us about them so that the Chapel taxi can call for them.
Winter Warmer
In the colder months we are open every other Monday to welcome folk into a warm space. We offer coffee, nibbles and a light lunch. Folk enjoy getting together to chat, we often have a quiz and there are newspapers, games and jigsaws available. The Chapel Taxi picks up anyone who cannot make their own way.
Church Family Meals
These meals help strengthen our church family and are often held at festival times before or after the morning service.
Good Friday Tea
Anniversary Lunch
Harvest Lunch
After Morning Service Coffee and Chat
In the summer we enjoy Strawberry Tea Garden Parties, Church Barbecues and Garden Relaxations.
Specials
Sometimes we hold special meals usually to support a charity but sometimes in aid of our own church funds. Recently, these have included:
▪ A Soup and Pud lunch in aid of Christian Aid
▪ A Quiz and Supper evening in aid of church funds
A Soup and Pancake Lunch on Shrove Tuesday in aid of All We Can
▪ Our Christmas Buffet after 'Carols and Candles' on the fourth Sunday evening in Advent in aid of Action for Children
Mistletoe Market and Chapel Cafe
This is held towards the end of November. The cafe runs from 10.30am-2pm serving coffee/tea and cakes etc, and lunches 12-2pm.
Folk who come to support the market go home having been fed and watered in a very friendly atmosphere.
Craft Circle
We have a monthly Craft Circle where folk are invited to come to the hall for friendship through shared interests.