Ahead of Christian Aid week 2013, we are hosting a lunch and speaker session on Saturday 27 April. Laura Mead, regional coodinator for Christian Aid in Surrey will be leading a morning of prayer, action and learning, exploring whether we really have enough food for everyone.

The session runs from 11am - 2pm, and all are welcome. Light lunches will be provided and donations are invited.

Rest & Reflect is continuing with a new start time of 9.45am, every Tuesday during term time, and takes place in Room F4 of the Community Centre. It's free for anyone to attend (aimed at age 16+). Each 30 minute session begins with meditation, based on the Christian Ignatian tradition, and is led by Rev. Clive McKie.

Once again we are running the “Come as you are” course this spring for anyone who is interested in deepening their faith. It is essentially a Confirmation Course but is open to everyone whether you have been confirmed or not.  The course is aimed at those who are already familiar with the basics and who would welcome the opportunity to think more about their faith.  Whereas the course is good preparation for Confirmation, it works best with a group that represents a wide range of Christian experience.  The course starts on Wednesday 23^rd January (8.00-9.30pm).  Why not bring a friend?  If you would like to come or to find out more, please let me know on 01737 242167.  Alternatively there is a signing up list at the back of the Church or one in the Community Centre Office. 

We are running an Alpha course at Reigate Community Centre, with weekly sessions starting Wednesday 26th September from 7.45pm to 9.45pm.

The evening begins with soup and a roll, which is followed by a talk on a subject such as “Who is Jesus?” “Why and how do I pray?” or “How does God guide us?” We then have tea or coffee and dessert and discuss our reactions to the talk and where we are on our own personal journeys.

Alpha provides an enjoyable, friendly environment in which every question is welcomed and every Alpha attendee is valued.

If you would like to come along to the first evening and see what you think, you will be most welcome. Feel free to contact Rev Clive McKie on 01737 242167 if you have any questions.

Entering the church from the High Street, you might have noticed the smart new notice board and finger-post just behind the railings. These replace the rather delapidated wooden boards and give the church a more welcoming and up to date entrance.

Chairman of the Property committee John Hill is seen here beside the new board, which has frequently been a subject of debate on the committee. In fact John remembers the issue of replacement being discussed 20 or 30 years ago, although it must be said that some of the delay is due to planning permission rather than indecisive committee members !

As in previous years, a series of short lunchtime services with different speakers has been arranged during Lent. These will take place on Tuesdays at 12.30pm, starting on 28 Feb. More information about each service will be available in the 'Coming soon' events calendar, and the church will be open for quiet reflection beforehand.

A 10-session course is starting on 25 Jan, for anyone interested in deepening their faith. The course is called 'Come as you are' and is aimed at those already familiar with the basics and who would welcome the opportunity to think more about their faith. The course is a good preparation for Methodist confirmation, but is open to everyone whether or not they have been confirmed or intend to be. It will be run by Rev. Clive McKie and Rev. Sheila Purdy

Shoeboxes filled and decorated by members of the congregation for Operation Christmas Child were collected and dedicated during the morning service, which was led by Rev. Sheila Purdy. The boxes will now be passed to the local OCC collection point, and eventually distributed to children overseas.

 

You are invited to join us to explore the big questions about life and faith in an enjoyable and relaxed setting

The next Alpha course begins on Wednesday 28 Sept in the Hub Cafe, in the Community Centre behind the church, and runs for 10 weeks.

Each session begins at 7.45pm with a light supper, which is followed by a talk. We then have dessert and tea or coffee before the open discussion. The evening finishes at 9.45pm and attendance is free. So why not come along to the first session and see what you think ?

On 21 July the church was filled with representatives of local organizations and churches, for a service to mark the opening of the new Community Centre. Councillor Brian Stead, the mayor of Reigate and Banstead attended, as well as Ralph Ball the architect, and representatives of Hystar Construction.

The congregation was addressed by Rev. Clive McKie, and also by Stella Bristow, former vice-president of the Methodist Conference, who had attended Reigate Methodist as a teenager and was married in the church.

An augmented choir performed 'Climb every Mountain' and other pieces. After the service visitors were able to tour the centre, enjoying a buffet lunch in the Clarke Hall.