Thornbury Methodist Church and Hall

Thornbury Methodist Church is at the northern and rural extremity of the Bristol North Circuit and currently has a membership of 89. The Church premises has a two storey annexe which provides upper and lower halls, kitchens, toilets, vestry and the Minister's office. All the buildings are in good order.

The congregation is heavily weighted towards the middle aged and retired. The Church has developed a lay leadership and committee structure which is well able to deal with most of the administrative aspects of church life. Members are involved in a range of community activities, play a significant role in Circuit and District functions and there is an active group of Local Preachers.

There is an ongoing commitment to provide financial support for a children's home in Zimbabwe. A pastoral system is in operation and a quarterly newsletter is published and circulated. The Church plays its part as a partner in "Thombury Churches Together" and share a ministry to the local hospital.

There is a small Junior Church at the present time, and this is run by a group of volunteers on a rota basis. A Scout Group, covering the usual age range, meets weekly; and a few of them attend our Family Services. A Brownie Group and Guide Group also use the premises.

The premises are in use each day of the week. During the daytime, apart from a mid-week service and a meeting of the Women's Fellowship (united with the U.R.C.) the halls are rented to community groups. The evening sees a Wesley Guild, a Healing Fellowship, a Keep Fit Group and a Drama Group meeting regularly. A House Group and Bible Study group are both currently meeting (the House Group meets fortnightly), and members have been involved in the "Fresh Expressions" course. A Banner Group meets, usually in members' homes, to design and prepare banners for display.

As far as development goes we have now completed our disabled facilities including a lift to the Wesley Hall, disabled toilet and disabled access at the front. We have also developed and increased size of the vestibule at the front of the church to make it more appealing and welcoming. This will hopefully enable us to concentrate evangelism towards attracting younger people. At the same time the wish would be to continue and enhance a caring and concerned fellowship for the older members.

The Wednesday morning shoppers service is popular and well supported and now meets in the new Vestibule area.