New era for Southwark and Deptford Methodists

More than 300 people attended the inauguration service for the new Southwark and Deptford Circuit of the Methodist Church which was held in Southwark's Anglican cathedral at London Bridge.

The five churches which belong to the new grouping are Bermondsey Central Hall in Bermondsey Street, Walworth Methodist Church, Christ Church in East Dulwich, Herne Hill United Church and Deptford Mission.

Guests at the Southwark Cathedral service inlcluded Simon Hughes MP, the Mayor of Southwark Cllr Eliza Mann, Anglican Bishop of Woolwich Rt Revd Christopher Chessun and Roman Catholic auxiliary bishop Paul Hendricks.

The service opened with a colourful procession of banners made by members of the churches in the new circuit. Revd Jenny Impey, co-chair of the London district, led the inauguration of the Southwark and Deptford Circuit and the induction of Revd John Chambers as its superintendent.

A choir, drawn from all the churches, sang "Achieved is the Glorious Work" by Haydn.

"This is an exciting time for Methodists in Southwark and Deptford," says Revd John Chambers who is based at Walworth Methodist Church.

"Our new circuit gives us opportunities for new ways of working as the Methodist Church in Southwark and Deptford and responding creatively to the needs of our local community.

"We shall all gain from each other's experience. Two of our churches are ecumenical partnerships with the United Reformed Church and several churches already work with secular organisations.

"We aim to develop further our relationships and ways of working with ecumenical and secular partners."