Ask people what 'the church' is, and you will get many answers.

Those who think that it's just a building, and the people (usually very ancient) who meet there on a Sunday when other people are lying in, washing the car, or shopping would be surprised how many different activities, places and people make up the church.

When they move out of their comfort zone, Christians express their faith in many fresh ways, and here are some of those 'Fresh Expressions'.

Places, for instance, like 

THE METHODIST CENTRE, Midland Road, Bristol
After the closure of the Methodist Central Hall in Old Market many years ago, there were those who maintained the witness and caring ministry in the city by opening the Methodist Centre, with a charity shop front, but a ministry exercised to many needy people in the premises.

The Manager is Ian Webb, helped by a team of volunteers from around the city, many from the churches in our Circuit.

FAITHSPACE
is a new mission venture in
South Bristol

A place to touch the love of God
A space for Life
A space for Dreams
A space for Art
A space for Family
A space for Faith

 
Right in the heart of Southville is an undiscovered gem.
faithSPACE is a new way of seeking God in the community. We want to walk with our neighbours as they journey through life. We've got some flexible premises which are open to a range of possible uses and our interest in the arts, the environment and families is opening up some interesting conversations.




BETHESDA COMMUNITY ARTS CAFÉ
on the main road in St George Bethesda Community Arts Café is a not-for-profit project and is a company limited by guarantee. 
It operates from Bethesda Methodist Church in Redfield and is open
Tuesday to Friday 10am-2pm every week.
"We seek to provide a relaxed, friendly, informal atmosphere in which local people can meet, eat and enjoy a little time away from the demands of their daily routines."
 

Many other churches have been kept, transformed from the old, cold and often beautiful vast buildings into fresh and welcoming places. In some cases, after faithful and devoted care by members, buildings have been closed. Some of them join and bring fresh life to other existing churches.

And services are not always 'traditional' - there are several 'Messy Churches' and 'Early Bird' services, for instance.

In the Circuit there are several

CHAPLAINCIES

to Bristol University and the University of the West of England

and also to five hospitals
2 prisons
1 MHA establishment
The Bristol City Council
Rolls Royce and Airbus
Railtrack
and, at Midland Road (see above), there is a unique ministry to those who have many social needs

OTHER EXAMPLES ARE

Drama Groups

at least one Orchestra

several Choirs like the Gospel Group at Parkway and

Horfield's Music Group

at least FOUR Puppet Groups
at Potters Wood, Kingswood, Hanham and 'Handstands' at St Andrews, Filton

There has also been a Banner-making group which produced the special New Circuit Banner

and many churches and the New Room are kept bright by Flower Arrangers

HISTORICAL SITES are also places where our faith is expressed in fresh ways, following the maxim 'Mission through Heritage' and a reminder that our Methodist witness is based on times when the Gospel was brought to life in fresh ways

Hanham Mount
This historic site is preserved by the local Council and under the oversight of the Friends of Hanham Mount The new green beacon which shines out from Hanham Mount, commemorating a special place from which the Gospel has been preached by early Baptists, George Whitefield, and John Wesley, was formally dedicated on Sunday, 20th July, 2008.

After a service led by Rev. Dr David Hardy (right), the Chair of the South Gloucestershire Council, Councillor Brian Freeguard (left), unveiled a new plaque to mark the occasion. (Also in the picture, Councillor John Goddard (centre), Chairman of the Friends of Hanham Mount.)

 

THE NEW ROOM
the first Methodist place of Worship in the World is in the Centre of the City of Bristol, and offers a unique place where visitors from all over the world encounter the reason why John Wesley created one world parish.

Charles Wesley's House

A Georgian house in Charles Street in which Charles Wesley -the Hymnwriter, poet and generally good guy lived -is in the care of the Trust which looks after the New Room. Visits require special arrangements, and you can find out more by going to the
New Room Website

Other special places are to be found within our Circuit boundaries, but the humblest chapel to the major churches all seek to welcome and serve