WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday Morning 10:30am
Sunday Evening 6:00pm

Generally the morning services are more lively than evening services. Evening services are generally quieter and more reflective.

Services may be lead by the Minister, a Local Preacher or by Worship Leaders.

Most services are conducted by local preachers - that's ordinary men and women (like you) that are trained by the Church in leading worship services and preaching the Gospel.

Occasionally services are conducted by one of our Ministers. Our full time Minister is Rev. John Morton but, we are privileged with having retired Ministers in our congregation who lead worship and services.

Music
The music is mainly organ or piano based and we sing anything from traditional hymns to the latest modern choruses and songs.

Baptism
From time to time there are special Baptism services (Christenings) These are ordinary services with part of it dedicated to the baptism of one or more people.

Communion
Communion is where bread and wine are given to all who wish to receive. Everyone is welcome to take communion at Staincross Methodist Church. You don't need to be a Methodist or have been confirmed or anything like that. YOU are welcome to take communion with us.
A communion service is just like any ordinary service but with time set aside in the service to share the bread and wine. They take place about once a month and are always presided over by a Minister, though the Stewards may assist the Minister.

Refreshments
After the morning service feel free to stay for refreshments and a chat.

Local Preacher
Ordinary member of the church that has undertaken several years of training. Preachers don't wear a gown or collar but you'll recognise them as the one at the front explaining about the Gospel of Jesus.

Preachers at Staincross may belong to a different church in the area. They are known as circuit preachers who move from church to church each week. Several members of the Staincross congregation are local preachers and this may explain why you don't see them every week - they are often at a different church.

Preachers don't have a title and so should be referred to by their first name or Mr / Mrs Surname whichever you like.

Worship Leaders
Ordinary members of THIS church who lead worship only in this church. Generally they will lead prayers and songs but don't preach a sermon. Generally when worship leaders lead the service a preacher or Minister will stand at the appropriate time to preach the Gospel.

If there is a music band and one of the musicians is leading the service then typically he or she may be a worship leader.

Minister
Our Minister is the Rev John Morton. Recognisable in worship services by the special ministers gown (called a cassock) and a white "dog collar"

The Minister is addressed as "John" or "Reverend Morton" or "Minister".

Other than in exceptional circumstances baptisms and communion are performed by a Minister.

Steward
The worship in the Methodist Church is managed by "Stewards"
Stewards are ordinary members of the congregation who look after the church. Stewards invite preachers and arrange all the details of services.
There is a Steward in charge of every service. At Staincross they usually wear a name badge to identify themselves to first time visitors.
If you have any questions regarding church issues these should be directed to the Stewards.

The Stewards may also introduce and welcome the preacher at the start of the service.