New Look for High Street Methodist Church

Many people will have visited High Street Methodist Church for their Open Weekend on March 14 and 15 to see the newly refurbished premises. Balloons, lunches, music and tour guides were in evidence for this celebration weekend which represented the culmination of many months of fund raising followed by building work at a total cost of around £900,000. The aim of the project was to improve the premises, maximise the use of the hall, build a youth centre and enable all the worship facilities to be used more flexibly.

Facing the church, the hall is to the left of the building, and has undergone major transformation with the stage being removed to create more floor space, a raised platform created at the side for leading worship, the stained glass windows at the far end moved to the wall above the platform and a new kitchen and storage facilities built at the far end. A new door now connects the hall with the main church.

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. The church is hoping to employ a youth worker.

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