Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions you may wish to ask if you have not been here before.
Where should I sit?
Anywhere you feel comfortable.
Do I need any books?
Not always. The words of hymns, songs and prayers are often shown on the screen at the front of the church. Hymns may be from various books which you will be given when you come in. For some services we use the Methodist Worship Book or a sheet produced for the occasion. There are copies Bible in the book rests on the back of the chairs.
What if my eyesight is not very good?
We have large print copies of the hymn-book. Please ask as you come in.
What about standing and kneeling?
We usually stand for hymns, when the collection is brought forward and for parts of Baptism and Communion services. Otherwise we sit for prayers. Follow your neighbour!
Will we sing psalms?
No, but we sometimes read them from a section at the back of our Hymns & Psalms book.
Does your church have a vicar or a priest?
No, we have two ministers who look after this congregation and the Methodist church at North Harrow. They are the Revd. John Swarbrick and Deacon Jackie Fowler. More details are given on our contacts page.
Who will lead the service?
It could be one of our ministers, a visiting ordained minister or a lay preacher from this or another church. A steward will introduce them at the beginning of the service. Details are set out in a quarterly Plan for the Circuit, copies of which are free and available from the stewards.
What is the Circuit?
Methodist churches work together in Circuits. Ours covers 17 churches in Harrow and Hillingdon. We are part of the London District within a national and world-wide Methodist Church in the Protestant tradition of the Christian Church. Click here for more details >>
How long will the service last?
Usually about an hour. After morning services, coffee and tea are usually served in the Montrose Hall. Please join us for some refreshment and a chat before you go home. Every other Sundary morning fairly-traded goods are for sale after the service in the welcome area.
Is there a hearing loop?
Yes, in the main church. Set your hearing aid to "T".
Where are the toilets?
In the welcome area on your right as you leave the church.
What is the candle on the communion table for?
It comes from a tradition, begun in Russia in 1986, of giving a candle to a visitor to take home to their own church as a symbol of peace spreading across the world. We have other candles at Christmas and Easter.
What happens to the collection?
Unless the collection is announced for a specific purpose, the money given by the congregation goes to support the work of the Methodist Church locally and elsewhere. Many people give anonymously in sealed envelopes or pay by standing order (with the tax benefits of Gift Aid) so you will see them "pass" when the collection bag comes to them. We will be pleased if you wish to contribute but it is not compulsory!