Wesley's Chapel and Methodist Central Hall - part 2

Just a few words alongside Richard's blog of yesterday. Preaching at Wesley's Chapel and then presiding at the evening healing service at Westminster Central Hall make a wonderful way to spend the first Sunday of the new connexional year.

I have preached at Wesley's Chapel before, and you cannot really share in its worship without becoming profoundly aware of the history of which you are a part and the huge world-wide Methodist family to which you belong. The celebration lunch (to which the whole congregation was invited) marking our welcome of Nhyira into the family of the Church, was a great occasion and gave everyone a chance to meet and relax.

The baptismal cakes (see picture right) were much appreciated.

The evening healing service at Westminster Central Hall was a new experience for me, and one I found deeply moving. The words of the service, the music, the atmosphere, and the way the worship was led, all contributed to the creation of the kind of 'safer space' I had spoken of in my presidential address at the Conference. People were able to share in the service to the extent that felt right and comfortable for them and many sought specific prayer for healing for themselves and others. This was gently and sensitively offered.

One final word. As an assistant organist at Muswell Hill Methodist Church, I very much appreciated the organ playing at both services. It was superb and did what I believe it should do - it enriched, enhanced and enabled the worship. So, many thanks for that!