Hall Lane Methodist Church

Hall Lane welcomed Roland Cox and Jenny Blount into membership on 1st September during the morning service. The theme of the service led by Rev Janet Tanner was ‘Welcome’ and the bible passage for the day was taken from Luke chapter 14.

Jenny and Roland chose the song ‘In Christ Alone’ by Stuart Townend to be included in the service and it was sung with great gusto. A good start to the Methodist new year!

At our Passover Seder meal held on Maundy Thursday our minister, Rev Janet Tanner, led us through a story of deliverance, freedom, and redemption. The journey suggested that we should consider ourselves as slaves in Egypt, that we have walked in darkness, so that we might celebrate the deliverance in the Exodus as our own deliverance. It is in that spirit of community that we entered this Passover celebration.

First of all we removed the Chametz, the leaven (loaf of bread), to symbolize our willingness to obey God in preparation for celebrating the deliverance he has already brought to his people.

Our Seder then began with the lighting of the Passover candles symbolising the presence of God and to mark the occasion as sacred time.

God gave promises of freedom to His people and with four cups from the fruit of the vine we celebrated God’s promises to Israel and to us. Each cup represented Freedom, Deliverance, Redemption, and Thanksgiving for fulfilling His promises that allows us to be His people.

Passover is a Springtime festival, the season of rebirth, renewal, and new life. The days are filled with more light than darkness. The earth is becoming green with new life. Janet took a sprig of fresh Parsley and explained that this vegetable, called Karpas, represents life, created and sustained by the Lord our God. We are filled with joy at the goodness of God in loving us and caring for us, and bringing into our lives all good things. Janet then lifted up the bowl of salt water to remind us that we were celebrating the freedom and deliverance that God brought to us as slaves in Egypt. But we must not forget that life in Egypt was hard and filled with pain and suffering and tears. We were reminded never to forget that the struggle for freedom begins in suffering, and that life is sometimes immersed in tears.

We all then all ate a Salad starter

Next Janet uncovered three Matzot (cracker breads), and used the following words:

This is the bread of affliction which our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt.

All who are hungry come and eat.

All who are needy come and celebrate Passover with us.

Now we celebrate it here.

Next year, may we celebrate Passover in Jerusalem.

Now we are slaves. Next year may we be truly free.

On our Matzot (crackerbreads) we tasted Maror (horseradish) to represent bitterness, Karpas (parsley) to represent life, Charoset (a mix of apple, honey and nuts) to remind us of the sweetness that God can bring into the most bitter of circumstances.

We then shared a main course and puddings and lots of chatter.

Our evening ended with the candles being blown out.

Jesus has brought to us a new freedom from the chains of oppression and sin that enslave us. Jesus celebrated Passover with his disciples on the night before he was betrayed and delivered up to be crucified. He commanded that his disciples partake of the bread and the wine as emblems of his broken body and shed blood. We partake of these elements to participate in the new life, in the new birth that God in Jesus the Christ has provided for us.

‘We praise you O Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who in kindness, goodness, and grace gives food to the world, whose love for us endures forever. We praise you, O Lord, who provides food for all life.

May the Holy One, who makes peace in the heavens, make peace for us and for all people. Amen.’

“Posada”is an old Mexican tradition where young people dressed as Mary & Joseph travelled from house to house telling people about the coming of Jesus at Christmas. As we did last year we are joining with many other churches this Advent in “Posada”. Mary, Joseph and Daniel (the donkey) stay in various homes each day/night between Advent Sunday (2 Dec) & Christmas Eve (24 Dec).

In our hearts & minds we remember the journey Mary & Joseph made from Nazareth to Bethlehem at the first Christmas.

Mary, Joseph & Daniel will be arriving at the Stable at Hall Lane Methodist Church on Sunday 24 Dec at 4pm during our Christingle Service to which all are welcome. And Jesus will appear on….. Christmas Day at 10am!

Loving God,

as we start our “Posada” journey this Advent Sunday

we pray that we may all benefit from this focus on the

journey Mary & Joseph made from Nazareth to

Bethlehem.

We especially pray for those whose plans this Christmas

involve travelling.

As we all travel in the journey of life, unite us in your

love and help us to draw comfort & strength from one

another and to grow in love & grace.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

“Posada” is an old Mexican tradition where young people dressed as Mary & Joseph travelled from house to house telling people about the coming of Jesus at Christmas.

As the special year of celebrations for our 50^th Anniversary draws to a close we are joining with many other churches across the country this Advent in “Posada”.

Mary, Joseph and Daniel (the donkey) stay in various homes each day/night between Advent Sunday (3 Dec) & Christmas Eve (24 Dec).

In our hearts & minds we remember the journey Mary & Joseph made from Nazareth to Bethlehem at the first Christmas.

Mary, Joseph & Daniel will be arriving at the Stable at Hall Lane Methodist Church on Sunday 24 Dec at 4pm during our Christingle Service to which all are welcome.

And Jesus will appear on …. Christmas Day at 10am!

Loving God,

As we start our “Posada” journey this Advent Sunday we pray that we may all benefit from this focus on the journey Mary & Joseph made from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

We especially pray for those whose plans this Christmas involve travelling.

As we all travel in the journey of life, unite us in your love and help us to draw comfort & strength from one another and to grow in love & grace.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Lord of Light, in the beginning you separated the light from the darkness, and said it was good. You are the true light, which enlightens all people. May the light that shines through this window be a blessing to us, and remind us of your true light. This window which we now dedicate to you, for the adornment of this place and the inspiration of your people. Grant that as the light shines through it in its many colours, so our lives may show forth the beauty of your many gifts of grace, that through it, your grace may illuminate our worship and our lives; for once were in darkness, but now in you we are light, One Church, One faith, One Lord. Bless all those whose skill and care has designed and built its beauty, and all who look at and through it, seeking to glimpse your glory, and grant that we may be restored in your love and, though now we see dimly, we may see you face to face: We make this prayer through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Vicar of Dad's Army TV series and film talked about his life as a real life vicar and his time on TV and in film.

Everybody loves Dad's Army. Even after 50 years it continues to pull huge viewing figures becoming one of the all-time classic ‘greats’ of television, also enjoying West-End success, a Royal Variety Performance, a national tour, a themed cruise and now the new feature film in which Frank returns as the vicar.

David Croft and Jimmy Perry chose Frank to create the role of the wonderfully eccentric vicar who was always slightly tetchy as he tried to come to terms with the elderly platoon’s invasion of his beloved church hall. We joined Frank as he celebrated a lifetime on Stage, TV, Film and the legendary BBCTV series. In an entertaining trip down memory lane, Frank gave a unique glimpse behind the scenes and stories of the celebrated TV & Film casts of Dad's Army & a host of other TV classics such as Emergency Ward 10; All Gas & Gaiters; Morecambe & Wise; The Two Ronnie’s and many more.

Frank was interviewed by author & entertainer Chris Gidney in a lively evening of television nostalgia and signed copies of his best-selling autobiography, Vicar to Dad's Army.

On September 1^st the National Forest East Circuit celebrated the beginning of the new connexional year for Methodism with a service that took place at Hall Lane. Chairman of the District, Rev Loraine Mellor, preached about the need for churches to move with the times in our approach to mission and how we must ‘repackage’ ourselves. Rev John Hartley was recognised as the Circuit’s new superintendent minister and two new ministers were welcomed into the Circuit. Rev Jacqueline Goaten is a probationer minister and will oversee the Ashby side of the circuit and Rev Janet Tanner will move into the Whitwick side of the circuit. Rev Diane Grice continues to serve the Castle Donington area and Rev John Hartley the Melbourne area.

A good time of praise and worship took place followed by a time of fellowship over refreshments.

Cheques amounting to £1,800 have been donated to a number of local charities over the past year by Hall Lane Methodist Church Ladies Fellowship. Events were organised throughout the year to raise the money which included a fashion show and several coffee mornings.

Charities that have benefitted from a donation have been Olivia’s Journey, Thringstone School House, ADHD Solutions, a new support group for cancer sufferers, Shepshed 1st Responders and a craft group for autistic children.

Our fellowship meets every other week on a Wednesday evening and enjoys a varied programme of speakers, activities and outings. Ladies of all ages are very welcome to join us.

For the past 12 months, the Hall Lane Methodist Church Ladies Fellowship in Whitwick has been working hard raising funds for a local charity called 'Coping with Cancer'. It is a charity that provides practical and emotional support to anyone affected by cancer.

A number of events and projects were organised through the year to raise funds which were all supported by the wider church. These included coffee mornings, card sales, quizzes, and a Ukulele concert to name just a few.

A grand total of £2,220 has been handed over to a representative from the charity at the AGM of the Ladies Fellowship.

A harvest supper was held at Hall Lane Methodist Church on the evening of Saturday 4^th Saturday. Thirty people came along to enjoy a hot supper and to take part in a fun quiz which included rounds of identifying vegetables from around the world such as okra, prickly pear and lemon grass and the price of groceries at a local supermarket.

The eventual winners were Alan and Margaret Clarke with Robert and Natalie Missenden, it was an exciting finish with the last round deciding the top four teams.

The next morning we enjoyed our Harvest Festival and all contributions from members and church groups were distributed within the local area and to Coalville’s food bank.

Methodist Church on the evening of Saturday 4th Saturday. Thirty people came along to enjoy a hot supper and to take part in a fun quiz which included rounds of identifying vegetables from around the world such as okra, prickly pear and lemon grass and the price of groceries at a local supermarket.The eventual winners were Alan and Margaret Clarke with Robert and Natalie Missenden, it was an exciting finish with th last round deciding the top four teams.The next morning we enjoyed our Harvest Festival and all contributions from members and church groups were distributed within the local area and to Coalville’s food bank.

Hall Lane’s Strawberry Fair was a huge success. Held at the beginning of July we were blessed with perfect weather which brought out the crowds looking for strawberry sundaes, home baked cakes, plants, books and lots of silly games to play.

Whitwick Historical Group brought a display of photographs about the history of Whitwick and Mark and Alan brought their model trains and fairground displays. A clown entertained the children and a cake decorating demonstration was enjoyed by the more crafty visitors.

It was a lovely day for sitting around just chatting and enjoying meeting our neighbours from the surrounding area.

On the weekend of 12^th to 14^th October 2012 a group of 24 members and friends of Hall Lane travelled to Willersley Castle in Derbyshire for a church weekend.

There was a full programme planned starting with a beetle drive on the Friday evening that was won by Kim.

On Saturday – after a full English breakfast – the group split into two groups with the more active members going for a walk from Monsel Head to Bakewell while the others went for a more leisurly amble to Tideswell to see the Cathedral of the Dales and then on to Bakewell to feed the ducks (although we later found out it wasn’t allowed). After getting soaked in a downpour we all went on to Haddon Hall where we explored the family home of the Manners family.

In the evening we all took part in a quiz which saw everyone rushing round the castle looking for clues – Mark, Lesley, Jean and Derek won the prize.

On Sunday morning – after another full English breakfast we all went to the Methodist church in nearby Cromford only to find they were having a joint service with the Anglicans so we all trooped along to St Marys which was a church built by Sir Richard Arkwright.

After a three course lunch we travelled on to Crich to ride on the trams and then we all went home several pounds heavier than when we arrived.

On sunday 30th September Hall Lane recieved a Mystery Worshipper form the website Shipoffools.com.

"Dear Hall Lane Methodist Church

I was a mystery shopper 2 weeks ago. For a website called Shipoffools.com. The aim is to improve Sunday worship. Here is an advance draft copy - the editor may make changes. I was not sent to your church it was just the nearest church on our journey, my mobile phone internet connection, my sat nav and of course your website. I like your website but would love to see the worship time more prominently displayed on the home page. Thanks for a wonderful service and warm welcome. I wish you all ... the church members and Minister all the best as we strive to build God’s Kingdom on earth.

Kind regards
Mystery Shopper"
...........................................

Mystery Worshipper: Local Preacher

The church: Hall Lane Methodist Church, Whitwick, Coalville Leicester. LE67 5PF http://www.hall-lane.co.uk

Denomination: Methodist

The building: Hall Lane Methodist Church was built in 1967. The aim was to build the church hall and then to build the church. They ran out of money once they built the hall. They meet in the hall which looks and feels like a place of worship.

The church: The hall is the worship area and the worship area feels spiritual and special. (Iwas far too nervous to take a picture inside so please take my word for it).

The neighbourhood: Hall Lane Methodist Church is situated on the outskirts of the village ofWhitwick on the edge of the town of Coalville. It’s a lovely village with an annual scarecrow festival.

The cast: Reverend Linda Coates and Worship Leader/Steward Natalie Missenden

The date & time: Sunday 30th September 2012 at 10.30

What was the name of the service? Communion Service

How full was the building? 50% full

Did anyone welcome you personally? I was welcomed personally by the couple.

Was your pew comfortable? Very comfortable soft blue individual wide chairs. I could have sat in the chair for hours. Normally the chairs are in straight rows but for this service the chairs were arranged in groups of 5 in a half moon shape facing the front.

How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere? We arrived at 10.28 and they were singing ‘Be still’ which was quietly sang brought a peaceful atmosphere, before the service began.

What were the exact opening words of the service? Welcome to the service today. Today is back to church Sunday.

What books did the congregation use during the service? Methodist Worship Book and Methodist Hymn Book (1979)

What musical instruments were played? Piano

Did anything distract you? A momentary distraction when the Minister said the chairs have been arranged this way so you can move from group to group to talk to eachother. I was looking around thinking do I have to move!

Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what? Traditional worship

Exactly how long was the sermon? There was not a sermon as such. It was more a series of short addresses.

On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher? 9 out of 10. Reverend Linda Coates was filled with the Spirit and she paused and empathised words that she wanted us to remember.

In a nutshell, what was the sermon about? No sermon given, it was a series of short addresses.

The addresses discussed - how there are storms in our lives, the neonatal unit in a hospital and what sustains us through the storm and what builds us up. Between each address we spoke in small groups about our favourite foods and favourite music and hymns. The Minister said ‘I know all of my church members and they have let me share and help in their storms in their life’.

Which part of the service was like being in heaven? In our small groups we picked our favourite hymn to share with the congregation. When each small group feedback their favourite hymn the aim was for us to pick one hymn to sing. The preacher quickly realised there was a problem, we wanted 4 different hymns including ‘And can it be’ and ‘what a friend we have in Jesus’. She thought quickly on her feet and said ‘let’s sing one verse of each of the 4 hymns’ which was like heaven to me.

And which part was like being in... er... the other place? None

What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost? I met many members of the congregation who were friendly and invited me to stay for coffee. As soon as the service ended

I was asked ‘Do you think we are a welcoming church?’ unsure what to say as I was a mystery shopper I paused. She added ‘we worry about how people experience our church from a newcomers perspective’. So I can answer now it is a welcoming church.

How would you describe the after-service coffee? Nescafé style coffee with biscuits.

How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)? 9 out of 10. The congregation was across a wide age range. The music was good and the congregation was friendly.

Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian? Yes

Our Christmas Festival held on the weekend of 3rd and 4th December 2011 was a huge success with hundreds of people coming along to see 'The Journey...'.

There were over 20 decorated Christmas Trees, each one depicting the journey of a person who was at the first Christmas in Bethlehem. There was also a display of Christmas decorations and traditions. Many groups from the church took part in decorating the building including the pre-school and toddler groups, and friends from Marlborough Methodist Church, New Swannington Youth Groups and Whitwick Cubs also helped with decorating trees.

Our two special services led by Rev Lynda Coates were well attended and the Christingles were particularly well received.

Many thanks to everyone who helped to make the weekend so successful.

News & Events at Hall Lane

Charlie Dodd baptism 8 March 2020

Toddler Group 10th Anniversary party

Congratulations to Dorothy and Martin on your wedding day! 8 February 2020

Carol singing 21 December 2019

National Forest East and Sherwood Forest Circuit Holy Land Pilgrimage 2019

Congratulations

Summer Fair 2019 "Carry on films theme"

Easter Garden 2019

Maundy Thursday Seder Meal Easter 18 April 2019

Church Working Party 23 March 2019

Church Lunch 27 January 2019

Christmas Carol Service 23 December 2018

Community Carol Singing 22nd December 2018 (including Posada!)

Loraine Mellor visit 9/12/18

Chair of the District Loraine Mellor Visit 9th December 2018

Circuit Holiday 2018 to Bridlington

Outdoor Service 1 July 2018

Summer Fair 30 June 2018 - Wimbledon

Coffee Morning 16 June 2018

Maundy Service 29 March 2018

Ladies Fellowship Charity Coffee Morning 10 March 2018

Church Lunch 28 Jan 2018

Hall Lane at the Lady Jane; Radio Leicester's Sing Christmas

Community Carol Singing

Hall Lane Nativity Scene 2017

Posada Dec 2017

Safari Supper 18 November 2017

Hall Lane Dedication of the New Window

Quiet Day at the Monastery 7 October 2017

For the Love of Trains 2017

Flower Festival August 11 to 13 2017

Film Night - Viceroys House July 19 2017

Quiet Day 25 July 2017

Street Party July 8 2017

'More Tea Vicar? An Interview with Frank Williams

Coffee Morning 24 June 2017

Happy 10th Birthday Lunch Club

Pentecost Afternoon Tea 4 June 2017

Pam Rhodes, Evening of Hymns & Songs 3rd June

Easter Garden Transformed May 2017

Film Night - Dad's Army - 27th May 2017

BBC Down to Earth May 11th 2017

Paul Field Concert 6th May 2017

Coffee Morning 29th April 2017

Working Party 22nd April 2017

Film Night - A Street Cat Named Bob 22nd April 2017

Easter Garden 2017

Daffodils March 2017

Lent Film Study March 2017

Coffee Morning 25th February 2017

Prayer Labyrinth 17th & 18th February

Film Night - Swallows and Amazons - 28th January 2017

Sunday Lunch January 8th 2017

Happy New Year

Cheque Presentations

Cheque presented to local charity

Coffee Morning

The World's Harvest

A Mad Hatters Tea Party Summer 2014

Summer "Strawberry" Fair Saturday 6 July 2013

Coffee Morning Saturday 16th March 2013

Willersley Castle Holiday 2012

MYSTERY SHOPPER - SEPTEMBER 2012

Coffee Morning

Christmas Festival

Quiz Night

Community Carol Singing 22nd December 2018
(including Posada!)