High Street Methodist Church Open Day

8 May 2010

High Street Methodist Church opened its doors again for another Open day on Saturday 8th May. The premises were refurbished just over a year ago with considerable work being carried out on the church hall, kitchen, entrance to the main part of the church, and a new youth centre at the back of the site. A band welcomed people coming into the foyer, the hall was open for lunches, Wesley's coffee shop was open, and tour guides were on hand to guide visitors round the church and youth centre.

The hall is in use regularly during the week. On Sunday mornings, a service of informal or contemporary worship is held here at the same time as a more traditional service in the church. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the Building Blocks toddler group meets in the hall while on the other days, the hall is in use by the church for meetings and by other community groups.

The church itself has had a makeover with new windows at the back bringing more light in from the foyer, and the dais at the front extended to give more performance space for drama or musicians. A computer projector and screen provide AV facilities and a lift provides disabled access to the dais.

Outside, behind the car park, a new youth centre has been built. This comprises a coffee bar and games facility on the ground floor, a cosy meeting room in the basement, and a light and airy meeting room on the first floor with large patio windows and doors opening onto a terrace. The youth centre is currently used by small groups including 'Oasis' - a Bible study group with crèche facilities which meets on Tuesday mornings.

Other facilities at High Street Methodist include Wesley's, an attractive coffee place, open Mon - Thurs 10.00 - 12.00pm, Friday 10.00 - 4.00pm and Sat 10.00 - 12.30pm. This is the venue for Café Church, which meets on Thursday evenings for informal discussion of topical issues, and 'Outlook', an afternoon meeting for women with a varied programme of speakers. A library is available off the foyer with a wide variety of Christian books and resources.

Everyone is welcome to visit and look round the refurbished premises. The building is open when Wesley's is open and there is usually someone in the foyer to direct you. You can also pick up a copy of the church's bimonthly magazine 'High Street News' here. The church itself is open every day for private prayer and reflection and provides a quiet space in the centre of the busy town.

For more information about the church and its activities, visit the website at www.highstreetmethodist.org.uk