Visiting

You don’t need to bring anything, but if you have one, you could bring a Bible. Don’t worry if you don’t have one, as there are some available in the church. The words to hymns are projected onto large screens at the front of the church.

The people who come along to Glenburn Methodist are generally friendly and you will be welcomed as soon as you walk in. We try to make sure that everyone regardless of age or outlook are welcomed in our church, however we know we do not always get it right, so forgive us up front. There’s also a chance to chat and get to know people after the service, visitors or prospective members are more than welcome to stay with us during this time – we’d love the chance to get to know you. Most people generally turn up a few minutes before the service starts. There is no seating allocation so take a seat wherever you feel most comfortable, whether it’s the back row or right up at the front.

Absolutely, we welcome people of all ages and backgrounds at Glenburn. If you have young children, the church has a crèche which is available during most Sundays in an adjacent room equipped with speakers so that you can still hear the main service. Children are encouraged to come along to JIGSAW, which takes place during the service, with the older children attending the Bible study.

It can vary but normally the service starts with a hymn followed by prayers, some church news and announcements. An offering is usually taken, but there is no pressure to give money if you are visiting. After some more singing or music, young people go to their relevant groups – where they can enjoy fun and relevant Bible teaching suited to their age group. A reading from the Bible is usually given which is followed by more prayers and then a sermon is delivered. A closing hymn wraps up the service, which is normally over by 12 o’clock. At this point there is an opportunity to chat or discuss issues in more depth.

Singing is something Christians do as part of their worship of God, none more so than Methodists. Through singing we try to adore, exult and celebrate all that God is, all that He has done and all that He will do. The style of our music can vary from modern to classic hymns; we also have a praise band that sometimes leads us. We always try our best to reflect the rich diversity of people and tastes within our church.

The teaching is uncompromisingly based on the Bible, and you will almost certainly feel challenged. You will in all probability know people who think the Bible is largely irrelevant and out of touch with contemporary life and culture. On the contrary, the Bible is our highest authority for faith and life, we believe that today more so than ever, God speaks to us all through His Word. It has a lot to say about contemporary issues and can greatly benefit individuals as well as our society as a whole.

We believe that God hears our prayers and that things change when people pray. We are all encouraged to meet together to pray and ask God to intervene in our lives, the lives of those in need, our church, our city, our nation and in our world. Please give us the opportunity to pray for you, whatever your situation. If you would like someone to pray with you or if you just want to know that someone is praying for you, please contact us by phone or e-mail – you don’t have to leave your name or contact details, just a simple explanation of what you would like us to pray for – use the ‘Contact Us’ button above. There is also a prayer box in the church foyer, where you can note down your request anonymously or with your details.

As part of our worship service an offering plate is passed around. As Christians, we believe that all we have comes from God, financial giving, then, is an act of worship – our response to what God has done for us. If you are a visitor please do not feel embarrassed to pass on the plate without contributing.