A month of firsts
April is going to be a month of ‘firsts’ for the Grove Methodist Church and Centre.
After months, and seemingly more months, of having builders, plumbers, heating engineers, decorators, joiners, electricians, hi-tech experts, not forgetting masons and roofers, on the premises, the church will at last be able to close the door behind them and appreciate fully the beautiful new space that they, together with the architect, have created.
For the first time in a long time, people can stand in this stunning building and know that they can use it safely and comfortably. It is now a multi-purpose space to be used fully by church and community alike. It will be ideal for drama, dance, exhibitions, concerts of any size, conferences, meetings, children’s play as well as being used as a quiet space – as a space to find yourself and God.
It will be the first time that the congregation is able to worship in this ‘new’ sanctuary. The front area has been designed to hold small, large and extra-large services; a group of half a dozen or three or four hundred, café church, church in the round, messy church or a small meditative group. All will be at home here.
The first Open Day of Prayer will be on Sunday 14th April. This follows in the footsteps of church forefathers, as they opened the church in 1880 with a day of prayer. The day will be open to all to pop in and out – An Open Door Calm Space – a time to be still, a time to be thankful, a time for individual and collective prayer, a time to use the prayer stations around the church and will evolve into prayer activities for Messy Church families later in the day at 4.00pm.
On Sunday 21st April another first will take place as members of the Retford Little Theatre join for the morning service at 10.30am to help celebrate the History of Methodism in Retford, with a presentation especially written by them for the occasion.
Another first sees the church welcome the Retford Art Society for their Spring Art Exhibition, which will run for two weeks from Tuesday 29th April to Saturday 11th May. The Grove is a new venue for them; it is hoped it will be the first of many more exhibitions. Refreshments will be served in the foyer most days.
The Grove invites you into this new space. If it’s a first step over the doorstep for you, they hope there will be many more.
The Grove and Hallcroft Methodist Churches form the Methodist Church in Retford. For more information on the below or on services at either church, visit www.the-grove.org.uk, search Grove Street Methodist Church on Facebook, or phone 01777 702330. You will find a warm welcome at any service or event at both churches.
Regular events
- Tuesday Group, fortnightly alternating between churches
- Tuesday afternoon meeting, fortnightly at Hallcroft
- Thursday Coffee Morning, weekly at Hallcroft
- Thursday Lunch, weekly at The Grove
- Saturday Elevenses, weekly at The Grove
- Bright Hour, weekly at The Grove
- The Listening Place, last Saturday of the month at The Grove
CommuniTea, Tuesday 9th April, The Grove
Come and share a good meal and good company. Donations welcome. Contact 07807 679006.
Charter Day, Monday 13th May, The Grove
Refreshments and entertainment throughout the day, plus stalls, guided tours of the church and a Retford Art Exhibition.