Types of Sunday Worship
We have a range of worship at Patcham, from services especially for families, with other churches, or even including a picnic!
The table shows which type of service is coming up, and below are descriptions of each.
Normal Sunday Morning Services
Our Sunday morning services aim to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to worship God and learn more of him. They are taken either by the ministers of the circuit or by the lay Local Preachers. With a number of people taking these services they often differ in style. However, many elements are in common - with most consisting of several items of music (with a mix of modern and traditional), some readings from the Bible, some reflections and thoughts based on these and some prayers. These services start at 10.30 and usually last just over an hour.
Our children spend the service in their own teaching groups and then join the final part of the service, showing the adults what they have been doing.
All Age and Parade Services
Special children's groups are occasionally replaced with special All Age services. The traditional format of church services is often replaced with games, discussions and even messy painting! The crèche continues nevertheless.
In our Zone Services, we split into different activities which might include craft, cooking, games, Bible Studies and discussions. If none of that suits, we also have the Sunday papers and lots of coffee.
For four Sundays a year, we are joined by the Girls' Brigade.
SA@PMC
Is Sunday morning inconvenient?
Traditional church not quite right?
On the second Sunday afternoon of each month we meet in a very informal way. These times are particularly aimed at families and children all together. Activities include indoor and outdoor games, walks, craft and something thought-provoking.
We meet in the coffee bar at 3.30pm and finish at 5pm (after some cake!).
Cafe Services
Once a month we have an informal evening service (6.30 pm) in our coffee bar. This combines discussion, worship, prayer and food, often considering topical issues.
Throughout the hour long service, (free) food and drink is served. The services typically include three or four songs, group discussion and prayer.
Churches Together in Patcham
Occasional special services are organised with other neighbouring churches. At Advent, in January and for Good Friday, we join with St Thomas More (Roman Catholic), All Saints (Church of England) and The Ascension, Westdene (Church of England) churches.
​These are times to meet with other Christians worshipping nearby, and to learn more of each different church and congregation.
Joint Services
...with other Methodist churches in Brighton and Hove.
As a Methodist church, we value being part of a circuit. As such we share ministers, resources and from time to time meet together in worship. Roughly once a quarter, the whole circuit will gather for particular festivals or occasions (e.g. Ash Wednesday, Ascension Day).
We have particularly strong links with the Methodist Church at Stanford Avenue, with our evening services often being combined (alternating between the churches). These more traditional services give us an opportunity to worship with Christians from other parts of the city.
