Palm Sunday 2020

Join Richard for another digital act of worship this Palm Sunday, as we continue to do over the course of the current COVID-19 lockdown.

This week, the first hymn is played by John Collis (organist at Forest Hill) and the Gospel, Matthew 21: 1-11 i,s read by Taiwo Dayo-Payne (local preacher).

Traditional Love Feast cake recipe

Hymn: Make way, make way

Make way, make way,
for Christ the King in splendour arrives;
fling wide the gates and welcome him
into your lives.

Chorus:
Make way (make way),
make way (make way),
for the King of Kings (for the King of Kings).
Make way (make way),
make way (make way),
and let his Kingdom in.

He comes the broken hearts to heal,
the prisoners to free;
the deaf shall hear,
the lame shall dance,
the blind shall see.

Chorus

And those who weep with heavy hearts,
who weep and sigh,
with laughter, joy and royal crown
he’ll beautify.

Chorus

We call you now to worship him
as Lord of all,
to have no gods before him,
their thrones must fall!

Chorus

– By Graham Kendrick

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Passion Sunday 2020

Join Rev. Richard Grocott for a virtual Passion Sunday act of worship, with readings from the Revised English Bible, read by Chris Watkins (Ezekiel 37: 1-14) and Rev. Rohama Asif (John 11: 18-45).

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Hymns

Be still, for the presence of the Lord

Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy one is here.
Come bow before him now with reverence and fear.
In him no sin is found, we stand on Holy ground.
Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy one is here.

Amazing grace

Amazing grace – how sweet the sound – that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found.
Was blind but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
‘tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

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Mothering Sunday 2020

As we cannot come together at Wesley Hall to celebrate Mothering Sunday this year, due to the government advice to slow the spread of coronavirus, we would like to share the prayers that would have been part of the service: Prayer Sheet 22 March 2020

Rev. Richard Grocott has created this video to share with you on this special day, in a difficult time.

 

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and Wesley Hall

We extend our best wishes to all during this unusual and trying period.

Please be aware that church services and all other gatherings at Wesley Hall have been suspended with immediate effect.

Our Superintendent Minister, Rev. Richard Grocott, states in a letter to the Blackheath and Crystal Palace Circuit (of which Wesley Hall is a part):

‘It is with great sadness that I have to tell you all that in line with government advice that we should limit social interaction in order to slow down the progress of this virus, the Methodist Church, at Connexional and District level has recommended that all Methodist worship, with the exception of funeral services, should be suspended for the time being.’

You can read the letter in full on the Circuit website. We will of course keep you updated as to any changes in the situation.

For more information, please visit the Methodist Church Coronavirus Guidance and Resources – including service sheets and details of livestreamed services for those staying at home.

If you are a current Girls’ Brigade or Boys’ Brigade member at Wesley Hall, your Captains will be in touch directly when meetings are due to resume. Otherwise, keep an eye on this website.

If you are in need of pastoral care, please contact the Minister, stewards or anyone else on our Contact Us page.

Here is the latest NHS advice regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Message last updated 18 March 2020

March 2020

A letter to the congregation

My dear friends,

It is a privilege to be asked to write a word of greeting for your ‘Church Chat’. And it is a privilege to be asked to have pastoral charge of Wesley Hall, as a ‘part time’ Minister, until your new Minister arrives at the end of August. As you may be aware, I have recently retired from the active work, having served for fifty-one years in various appointments throughout British Methodism. Thank you for making me feel so welcome among you.

Wesley Hall stands in a very prominent spot in Sydenham, at a junction where thousands of people have to stop at the traffic lights immediately outside the main entrance to the church. In the past, I gather, there was a large noticeboard that said ‘WESLEY HALL – THE CHURCH OF THE HAPPY WELCOME’. Why isnt it there any longer? The claim is still true, even if you don’t get the great crowds of the past, in the big hall with the great organ and choir!

In the short time that I am among you, I see my priorities as twofold.

One is the centrality of worship, Sunday by Sunday. It’s that that distinguishes us from being simply another community centre with lively social activities taking place. But it must be worship that is focussed on the God who made himself real in Jesus, and therefore lively, relevant and life-changing. Sending us out in the world motivated, rejuvenated and thankful.

My other priority is the pastoral care of young and old alike. That was central to Jesus’ ministry. He treated all people with dignity, compassion and honesty. There wasn’t an ounce of snobbery in him, because all people were of equal worth, having been made in the image of God.

This is what Wesley Hall stands for – today, as much as ever it did when it was first opened. And I’m glad to be able to share that challenge with you for the next few months!

Rev. Paul Hulme

Dates for your diary

The Wesley Hall Sunday Service details for March to May 2020 have now been added to the online calendar.

The calendar also includes other events including Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade meetings plus relevant circuit-wide gatherings. All are welcome to our fundraising Film Night on 7 March, and in April there are several special services as we celebrate Easter. Later in the season we have our annual Spring Fair.

Do come along to any and all events!

Take a look at the calendar and if there’s something you expect to see but don’t, or if there’s anything you’d like to find out more about, do leave a reply and we’ll get back to you.

Quiz Night!

The next Wesley Hall Quiz Evening is on Saturday 1 February – come along to exercise your brain, or just to have a laugh!

Time: 7.00 for a 7.30pm start
Teams: Maximum 6 people
Tickets: £7 per person
Supper, tea and coffee provided during the evening
Please bring your own nibbles
There will be a raffle
All proceeds go towards Church Funds

Contact us for more info and to book your team’s place. See you there!