New Year in London

Sunday September 1st was the beginning of the Methodist Year and I spent the day in London with Daleep. This was the first time we had been together since sitting next to each other at Conference, it was good to see him again.

Our day began in Wesley's Chapel where we were warmly welcomed by the Stewards and by the pastoral team (The Revd the Lord Leslie Griffiths, Revd Jennifer Potter, Revd Brian Goss  & Kido Baek). It was my joy to preach and then to be invited with Daleep to serve communion from the table at which the first Methodist Communion was celebrated and which was used by John Wesley. 

I have found during this last year that it has been important to me to rediscover and explore my Methodist roots and rootedness, and what better place to do that!

The history was all around us but clearly this is a vibrant Christian community. Eight young people were received into membership on Sunday morning and among the visitors were a group of Methodist Bishops from South Africa. The singing refreshed the soul and I found it especially moving when people were coming forward for communion and singing from the depths of their heart.

In the congregation were Peter and Winnie. Winnie is one of our Venture FX Pioneers and Peter is a lay employee and they had been married in Wesley's Chapel on Saturday by Jennifer.

Winnie, Jennifer and Peter

 After lunch and a chance to visit the refurbished museum and John Wesley's house, Daleep and I left to travel to Methodist Central Hall. I may have an Oyster Card but I am not at all used to travelling on London buses so was glad that Daleep was there to guide me. 
 

Daleep at a bus stop - somewhere in London!

We arrived in time to meet the team at Central Hall and share tea with them. It was good to be there again and to be able to thank some of the people who had helped the Conference to run smoothly and had been so helpful to all the representatives.

Daleep and I were sharing in the healing service and this time it was Daleep's turn to preach. Revd Martin Turner (Superintendent Minister) invited me to preside and, together with the healing team we participated in the ministry of prayer and the laying on of hands. This monthly service attracts a growing number of people and now takes place in the Great Hall, having outgrown the smaller chapel in Central Hall. The Spirit moved with healing grace among us.

Sunday was a special day of varied worship with committed people who were generous in their hospitality towards us. It has been a good start to the Methodist year.
 

Daleep, Jennifer and me with Mr Wesley