The Grove and Hallcroft Methodist Churches form the Methodist presence in Retford. Although working together, they are separate units, joining together for some services, to support, to socialise, to share, to work and to come together at special times. As 2025 draws to a close, The Grove has seen the development of The Grove Garden, situated on the right-hand side of the church. Volunteers from the congregation have worked hard to create a space to grow not only flowers to nourish the mind but also vegetables to feed the soul. It is hoped that next year the crop will be even more fruitful. Plans are also well underway for this year’s Star Festival. The committee has been working hard throughout the year to raise funds, with regular lunch and film events. In December there will also be a wreath-making session.
Sunday Services in October
Sunday 5th October
- 10.30am-United service with Hallcroft, celebrating 60 years since Songs of Praise was recorded, led by Rev’d Julie Coates at The Grove
Sunday 12th October
- 10.30am-Open Door Calm Space at The Grove with Bea Hopkins .
- 10.45am-Own arrangement at Hallcroft Chapel
- 4.00pm-Messy Church for all ages at The Grove
Sunday 19th October
- 10.30am-Holy Communion at The Grove led by V Atkins
- 4.00pm-Baptism led by Rev’d Julie Coates at Hallcroft Chapel
Sunday 26th October
- 9.00am-Holy Communion at The Grove led by Rev’d Julie Coates
- 10.45am-Service at Hallcroft Chapel led by Jullian Pratt
Upcoming events
- Film and Lunch Afternoon-Saturday 27th September, 1.00pm at The Grove, organised by the Star Festival Team. Tickets £15.00, available from dianewelchman@gmail.com.
- Songs of Praise-Sunday 5th October, 10.30am at The Grove, celebrating 60 years since the programme was recorded there.
- Star Festival-Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November at The Grove
- Wreath Making-Thursday 4th December. £25.00 including light refreshments. £10.00 deposit payable before 25th November. Register interest via dianewelchman@gmail.com.
Regular events
Mondays
- 1.15pm to 2.45pm, Grove Street Baby and Toddler Group, £2.00 per family including refreshments (term time only).
- 2.00pm, Monthly Book Club (in members’ homes).
Tuesdays
- 2.00pm, Tuesday Fellowship Group, alternating between the two churches (weeks 1 and 3 at The Grove, weeks 2 and 4 at Hallcroft).
Thursdays
- 10.00am to 11.00am, Coffee Morning at Hallcroft Church.
- 11.00am, Midweek Communion at The Grove.
12.00pm, Thursday Lunches (hot meal, pudding and drink) at The Grove. - 2.30pm, Bright Hour (most Thursdays) at The Grove.
Saturdays
- 10.00am to 12.00pm, Elevenses at The Grove (often supporting a charity).
- 2.30pm to 3.30pm, The Listening Place (last Saturday of the month) at The Grove.
The churches also host a wide range of community groups covering interests such as singing, dancing, jewellery making, poetry, art, and music for wellbeing.
A warm welcome awaits everyone at all services and events. For more information, visit http://www.the-grove.org.uk or the Facebook page . Alternatively, contact Clare Biddle, Facilities and Community Manager, on 07895 553224.