Coronavirus

Posted on by

The Methodist Church has now updated its’ guidance for churches during the coronavirus/ Covid-19 pandemic, and excerpts from this are below:


“It is with sadness that we recommend that worship services in Methodist Churches are suspended for the time being in line with Government guidance. We would encourage people who lead services to think about how worship might be offered in different ways, including online and using worship at home sheets.

You can find the full guidance here: https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/coronavirus-guidance/ 


The Church is also making available a number of resources for worship in the home:https://www.methodist.org.uk/our-faith/worship/singing-the-faith-plus/seasons-and-themes/worship-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/ including a weekly service sheet and links to churches which stream services online.  There is also a list of upcoming worship broadcasts on TV and Radio available via https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?resid=9794450737E6583D!8825&ithint=file%2cdocx&authkey=!AIRgxFvQjbE2rYY  created by Paul Parker- you may like to pass this information on to those who are less comfortable with computers.

All other church activities, and other room bookings at Central have also been cancelled for the coming weeks.


Please do continue to pray for the situation and for those dealing with it, particularly our health services, and remember that we have faith in a God who is in control – even when the situation is difficult.  

God of all hope we call on you today.
We pray for those who are living in fear:
Fear of illness, fear for loved ones, fear of other’s reactions to them.
May your Spirit give us a sense of calmness and peace.

We pray for your church in this time of uncertainty.
For those people who are worried about attending worship.
For those needing to make decisions in order to care for other
For those who will feel more isolated by not being able to attend.
Grant us your wisdom.

Holy God, we remember that you have promised that
Nothing will separate us from your love – demonstrated to us in Jesus Christ.
Help us turn our eyes, hearts and minds to you.

Amen

Residents’ festival 2020

Posted on by

Central Methodist Church is open for visitors on Saturday 25th January from 11am-4pm. This is officially part of the York Residents’ Festival weekend. The inside of our chapel is usually a wonderful surprise for residents who visit during the festival.

You’ll be very welcome to pop in and have a look around the chapel; some of us will be around to answer any questions you may have.  We hope to have a number of organists playing during the day too, so it’s an opportunity to hear what is generally regarded as one of the best organs in the city.

There’s no need to book in advance and you don’t even have to be a resident. Share the news and invite your friends and family to come and take a look at the inside of our fabulous building and listen to our impressive organ.

There will also be a space for prayer and reflection.

Details of other unusual locations open to visit for free can be found on Visit York’s website: http://www.visityork.org/residents-festival-attractions.aspx

Covenant services 2020

Posted on by

‘I am no longer my own but yours.
Put me to what you will,
rank me with whom you will;
put me to doing,
put me to suffering;
let me be employed for you,
or laid aside for you,
exalted for you,
or brought low for you;
let me be full,
let me be empty,
let me have all things,
let me have nothing:
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things
to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours.’

The Methodist Covenant Prayer

We’ll be holding two covenant services at Central this year, the first on the 12th January in the evening and the second in the morning on Sunday the 19th January. It is a form of service which many Methodists celebrate as one of the most important in the year. You can find more information about the tradition on the Methodist Church website.

Everyone is welcome to join us whichever of the services is most convienient for them, whether you are sharing in a Covenant Service for the first time, have done it annually for many years, or simply want to watch what others do. Both the services will include communion to which everyone is invited to take part.

Refreshments and chat available after the morning service on the 19th.

Advent and Christmas 2019

Posted on by

Advent is the season of preparation for the celebration of Christmas. It’s an important time in the life of our church. Here is a selection of activities during Advent and Christmas at Central.

Sunday 1 December 10am – Bread Church Christmas Special – meets in Carecent room.

Sunday 1 December 10:30am – Worship led by local preacher Dr Stephen Leah. Gift service – if you are able please bring gifts of suitable food items for York Foodbank.

Sunday 1 December 6:30pm – Evening worship led by Rev Rory Dalgliesh including holy communion.

Monday 2 December – 12 noon Oasis open church followed by Footsteps through Advent with Godly Play 1 – 2.15pm. ‘The Holy Family’

Sunday 8 December – 10:30am – Morning worship – Leslie Newton will be preaching after participating in the Little Big Sleep Out in the courtyard the night before.

Monday 9 December 12 noon Oasis open church followed by Footsteps through Advent with Godly Play 1 – 2.15pm. ‘Creation’

Sunday 15 December 10:30am – worship led by Rev Rory Dalgliesh including holy communion.

Sunday 15 December 3pm – Community carol service led by Deacon Judith Stoddart.  Gather from 2.30pm for mince pies and mulled wine (non alcoholic).

Monday 16 December – 12 noon Oasis open church followed by Footsteps through Advent with Godly Play 1 – 2.15pm. ‘The Flood and the Ark’

Sunday 22 December – 10:15am – Morning carols at St Columba’s URC 

Monday 23 December 12 noon Oasis open church followed by Footsteps through Advent with Godly Play 1 – 2.15pm. “The Great Family”

Wednesday 25th December 10am – Christmas day service led by Deacon Judith Stoddart.

Sunday 29th December 10:30am – Morning worship led by Local preacher John Freeman

 

Our banner for Advent
Our banner for advent