As well as the worship services each week, the Church has a wide variety of groups and activities that meet and provide fellowship and fun for all ages including community groups that regularly use the premises.

This Church is constantly looking to ways of working in the community and reaching out to those in need both locally and further a field with more than just donations. We have committed to supporting Fairtrade products and the Make Poverty History campaign.

Everyone is welcome to come to this Church and it is prayed that they will find rest, refreshment and peace in a caring, praying community and our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Message From Our Minister

Latest Manse Musings

Greetings from the manse at Matlock,

The last Manse Musings saw us through spring and Easter; now we're heading towards summer in full bloom and yet full of change and promise. School holidays seem within reach, which means for our younger people and families with children, there's a chance to get away from it all. For the rest of us whilst our thoughts may drift towards holidays, going away is not an option. Yet summer gives an opportunity to do something different for a while. With less church business meetings, there's perhaps more time to spend visiting family (or having the family visit); sitting in the garden just being, instead of doing; a chance to re-charge your batteries for a while. Whatever your plans are, I wish you long enjoyable days and balmy restful nights!

For many young people leaving school, or simply moving up a year, summer indicates this time of change. In our Church life, which goes on albeit at a slower pace, there is also change in the making. The special Circuit Meeting on June 24th takes another step in looking towards the future in a pro-active way. Instead of reacting towards what happens to us as part of the whole church of Jesus Christ, we are all able make informed decisions and plans for life, mission and outreach; spreading and living out the love of God and the good news of Jesus here in the Matlock area. Do you have a vision for the future that you want to share?

We are also holding a Linking Together event for this Church on Saturday 13th June 10:30 until 12:30, which includes our Annual General/Family Meeting. Everyone is invited to come along, enjoy a cuppa and a bun and hear about what's going on in the many different groups connected to our Church family. God gives us so many gifts and talents, perhaps its a British trait that we don't share news of the good things as often as we share our concerns and worries. I'd love that to change. I give thanks to God that He blesses us, and that He does call people to give of themselves in service. God certainly blesses and equips those who answer the prompting of the Holy Spirit with a YES. There are areas in our Church family which need people-powering; it may be that someone out there is able to get involved, take part or offer yourself.

Well, those are some things to consider whilst sitting in the shade, sipping your cooling drink during these summer months. Enjoy a break from routine, and get away from it all if you can. During the summer our prayers must continue for those who are ill or anxious, so please keep in touch with the prayer chain, prayer ministry team and each other. The Lord's work never ceases. God doesn't go on holiday thankfully, or we'd be in a right pickle! Words from Psalm 121........ He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you; the Lord is your shade at your right hand..... the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore.

Every blessing and love in Jesus,

Rev Lyn Houghton <><

Church Membership

The Church has a membership that has been between 100 and 150 in number in recent years. We are always pleased to welcome new Members and to have the opportunity to encourage non-Members to consider membership. Membership is transferable between Churches so when Church Members move to and from an area they can transfer their membership to their local Church if they wish so that they can fulfil their obligations as Church Members.

Membership of the Methodist or United Reformed Church is not a requirement of attending worship services or any of the regular meetings or activities held in the Church premises. Church Membership is for when an individual has reached a decision in their faith life that means they are prepared to commit themselves to following Jesus Christ in their daily lives.


As a Member of the Methodist Church you are called to: -

• Worship within the local church, including regular sharing in Holy Communion, and through personal prayer
• Learning and caring, through bible study and meeting for fellowship, so that you may grow in faith and support others in their discipleship
• Service, by being a good neighbour in the community, challenging injustice and using your resources to support the Church in its mission in the world.
• Evangelism, through working out your faith in daily life and sharing Christ with others.

Church Membership preparation classes are held for Christians of all ages and the Church provides the ongoing support and infrastructure for Church Members to fulfil their commitment to the Church and to Jesus Christ our Lord.

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