New beginning for Methodism in Shap.

When members of the Methodist Church in Shap learned that the chapel where they worshipped would close at the beginning of 2006, they set about seeking a venue where they could meet for worship. Peter and Anna Walker who run Walkers Coffee Shop on the Main Street were approached by representatives of the chapel, and were delighted to offer them space, as it was their vision that their coffee shop should also be a central meeting place in the village.

So it was, that on a rather chilly Sunday morning, members of Shap Methodist Church stepped out in faith into a new venture and a fresh expression of church in the 21st century, gathering for fellowship and worship in the cosy and warm venue. The congregation shared a coffee and chat sitting around the tables in the café. They stayed in this informal setting before moving into prayer, music and singing, reading the Bible and exploring what God might be saying to the world and his church today.

This included three very apt readings; Psalm 43 which encourages all to put their trust in God, a passage from Romans which tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God, and from Paul’s letter to the Philippians encouraging the early Christians to look forward, not back.

In his address Nigel Smith said that he had many happy memories of worship in the chapel, and these should not be forgotten for they form part of the life of Methodism in Shap. He then addressed the congregation on the passage from Paul’s letter to the Romans that nothing can separate us from the love of God found in Jesus. He encouraged everyone to let God guide them as they take a big step forward in faith to do His work in Shap.

Mr Holland led prayers before announcements, which included a letter of thanks that had been received from the National Childrens Homes for the £128 donated from the Candlelight Carol Service. Gratitude was also expressed to Mr and Mrs Walker for their hospitality.

Methodism grew up as small groups of people meeting weekly to worship and to encourage and support one another in their Christian faith and life. This new venture seeks to provide a new and modern expression of church for today that stays in keeping with the traditions in which Methodism developed.

Rev Michael Holland, the minister for the Shap congregation said, “While there is understandably some sadness at losing our chapel which has played an important part in many people’s lives, there is also much excitement at the opportunity to explore this new way of being church. Meeting in a café keeps us at the centre of the local community but places us also at the heart of the modern day culture. We look forward to being able to welcome people to join us to share a coffee and explore the relevance of Christian faith today in a relaxed and informal setting.”

Shap Methodist Church will meet at Walker’s Coffee Shop, Main Street, Shap every Sunday at 10.30am. Rev Michael Holland may be contacted on 01768 890465 / 862787