SOUTHLANDS Methodist Church in the historic city of York welcomes you to its website.
We believe we have a special calling to work in the community in which we are set and this includes actively witnessing for our Lord and maintaining an active programme of work with children and young people (see under "Children and Youth") and students (see "Students" under "About Us") as well as with older people in the area (see under "Church Groups").
To this end we have appointed a part-time paid Children and Families Worker (see Latest News under the News drop-down menu). The interview panel made a shortlist from the applicants and after interviews on 7th & 14th November we have appointed John Hattam, who has now started work.
We are working with a group at St Chad's Church, in Campleshon Road, to put on Messy Church on a number of occasions during the year. The next will be at Southlands on Saturday, 25th February, from 16:00 to 18:00, following the success of our Messy Christmas event on Tuesday, 20th December (pictures can now be viewed under Photos), which was attended by more than 140 adults and children. Messy Church is a new, informal kind of church where people of all and any age can come together. There are lots of hands-on activities on offer, including various crafts. There is food provided for everyone, and there is no charge. So come and join us and see what the mess is all about.
The fourth Southlands Christmas Festival featured an exhibition over the first two weekends of December with the theme this time of the A to Z of Christmas (see pictures under Photos). Local groups, businesses, schools, churches and individuals were invited to submit exhibits, and there was also a display of Nativity scenes from around the world.
Southlands marked its 124th church anniversary and the start of its 125th year on the weekend of 19th and 20th November. We had our birthday party on the Saturday, with games, competitions, a ceilidh and food. This event was free to Southlands folk and those who attend the various Southlands groups and clubs, enabling us to thank them for their help and support through the past year. On the Sunday we had our anniversary service at 10:30 when our special preacher was the Rev Dr Elizabeth Smith, chair of the neighbouring Leeds District of the Methodist Church.
Mission Statement
Our Church Council adopted the following as the mission statement for Southlands in March 2011:
Empowered by God's Spirit, our mission is to demonstrate our love for God through Jesus Christ, our love for each other and God's love for the world.
Our church
At first sight our premises are typical of those built in the Victorian era, but we have a modern, welcoming worship centre, a useful suite of meeting rooms and a community centre which is home to most of our work with children and young people.
You may be a visitor looking for a church in which to worship or you may be a resident looking for a church which meets your needs. Either way you will find a warm welcome at Southlands.
Our minister
Our minister is the Rev Jennifer McKenzie, who came to us from the Manchester Circuit in 2010. She is also circuit superintendent.
Worship
Sunday services normally take place at 10:30 and 18:30, but there is no evening service at Southlands on 29th January.
We are part of the York South Circuit, and services at Southlands are led by our own minister, and other ministers and local preachers appointed to preach the Gospel of Christ.
Where to find us
Southlands is just a few minutes walk outside the city walls and 15 minutes walk from the railway station. For the precise location see under "About us".
Room bookings
Rooms are available for hire for meetings, groups and events. For further information, see under "About us". Our room bookings secretary is Wyn Lawrence, at 3 Nunthorpe Drive, York, YO23 1DY (tel 01904 639231) or email wyn@southlandsmethodist.org.uk.
Visiting groups
Church groups visiting York, or organisations planning one day conferences are invited to try Southlands hospitality. Our catering team can provide lunches and teas on the premises by prior arrangement. Contact room bookings secretary Wyn Lawrence, at 3 Nunthorpe Drive, York, YO23 1DY (tel 01904 639231) or email her on wyn@southlandsmethodist.org.uk.
Updates on this website
Major updates of this website usually take place on or about the first Sunday of the month to coincide with publication of OUTLOOK, our church magazine. The magazine gives news and information about what is going on at Southlands, and in the York South Circuit to which this church belongs. Pdf versions of pages from the January issue of the magazine can be viewed on this website under "News".
This page was updated on 16th January, 2012. Look out for further updates.
January 2012