Leading Worship at Callin Court

“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."      Romans 15:7

Once or twice a quarter, I am planned to lead worship at Callin Court on a Sunday evening. Callin Court is a home for people seeking a blend of independence and community and it is run by the Methodist Homes Association.

We meet at 6pm and the service lasts about 45 minutes. We are usually between 10 and 12 of us. There is a rota of pianists, and Val Campion is usually there to hold the service together.

For the leader of worship, it is a time of sharing, giving and receiving. I normally follow the lectionary with readings, a reflection, hymns and prayers and occasionally some relevant poetry or prose. I do my best to make the worship both relevant and enjoyable.

That’s the giving bit – there is much to receive. Sharing in worship with people in their own home is a joy!

First, there is the welcome. The staff have kindly set out the room and, as the residents arrive, the looks on their faces express the warmth of their welcome. There is the usual gentle conversation as everyone arrives and settles in against a background of music from the piano.

A wonderful sense of fellowship prevails.

Then, we gather for worship, and as we come together, we sense God’s presence in and among us.

This time of reflection enables us all to think about ways in which God meets us where we are and moves among us in the ups and downs of our daily life. There is always eye contact and a few smiles.

It is a privilege to be invited by the residents of Callin Court into their home, because this is what it is, and to be entrusted with the task of drawing us together as we meet with God in praise and adoration, as we share times of silence and prayers of intercession and as we look to the week ahead in thankful expectation.

As the service draws to a close and we bless each other with The Grace, I feel truly blessed.

Sylvia

Local preacher for the North Cheshire Methodist Circuit

The Methodist Homes Association (MHA) was founded in 1943, by a group of Methodists who wanted to improve the quality of life of older people before the creation of the Welfare State.   With decades of experience, MHA is committed to providing compassionate and highly rated care and support, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring dignity, respect, and a positive impact in every community they serve.   There are two MHA homes within the North Cheshire Methodist Circuit – Callin Court in Chester and Chapelfields in Frodsham.

14TH JUNE:  Suzanne Cooper, MHA chaplain, will be joining the service at the Wesley, for MHA Sunday.