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Dear Friend, Welcome to Ashbourne Methodist Church’s website. Here you will find details of our Church and it’s many activities. You’ll find links to our sister Churches in the Ashbourne Methodist Circuit and the national organisation, or “Connexion” of the Methodist Church of Great Britain. You’ll also find links to other Christian Churches with whom we share a common mission and ministry locally. There is news about our involvement in organisations such as NCH (National Children’s Homes), MHA (Methodist Homes for the Aged), matters concerning the world church (including our link with the Patna Diocese in India), and also our commitment to being part of the Fairtrade movement and other local and global issues. All this speaks of what we are about. A local church, living on a large map. We are a group of Christians, organised through the Methodist Church, each with our own story to tell, but sharing a common faith in Jesus Christ. People come from many different Christian denominations/heritages and none. What we are all challenged to do is try to work out our faith in the world around us – that means we are not just interested in what goes on within the four walls of the Church on a Sunday, but we care about what takes place in our lives and the world around us during the rest of the week. Being a Christian isn’t about being “so heavenly minded as to be of no earthly use”. I believe that when the ‘worship’ finishes the ‘service’ begins. That is because our faith should lead us to action. Through the life of the Church you’ll see many examples of our work with children and young people, older people, lunch clubs and many other activities that are part of the out-working of our faith. These are part of our corporate work. But each member is involved in working out their faith in the world they live in and the life they lead, whether that be at work, at home, at school, or college – indeed wherever they are. We are a family church, a friendly church, a welcoming church and we hope a God-centred Church. A group of ordinary folk who are trying to live out the message of the Good News of Jesus – to love God and love our neighbour. You are welcome to join us as we share one another’s journey and serve the community we live in. We offer the hand of Christian friendship to all. in Jesus be so sweet, what heights of rapture shall we know, when round his throne we meet!”. Charles Wesley (1707-1788) Superintendent Minister of the Ashbourne Methodist Circuit |