THE CIRCUIT

The Staines and Feltham Methodist Circuit is part of the new South East District of the Methodist Church and is situated to the west of London.

Following the reorganisation of the four South East of England Districts on 1st September 2006 the circuit decided to remain as a unit and join the new 'South East District'. The reorganisation created a 'London District' based on the London Boroughs bounded largely by the M25.

The 'South East District' generally comprises circuits from the South Coast as far north as the River Thames but excluding the London Boroughs. It stretches as far west as Chichester, Alton, Farnborough, Maidenhead and Slough.

Another new district Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire was created mainly from the former London North East and London North West Districts outside London, but with some modifications to the former Oxford and Leicester District, (now Northampton).

There are ten churches in the circuit which fall into three well defined sections.

The eastern section comprises two Methodist Churches (Southville and Ashford Common ) and one joint Methodist / URC church (United Free Church of Feltham (Christ Church)). Christ Church and Southville Methodist Church together with the Anglican Parish of St Dunstan's formed The Ecumenical Parish of Feltham in 1978. This section endeavours to have an alternating Ministry from either Methodist or URC sources.

The central section, comprises of three Methodist Churches (Staines Methodist Church, Laleham Methodist Church, Ashford Methodist Church). A Methodist Minister is responsible for this section.

The western section consists of two small Methodist churches (Wendover Road and Virginia Water) and one large Methodist/URC church (United Church of Egham). The Englefield Green Church has recently united with the Anglican Parish of St. Jude's to form the St. Jude;s United Church. Plans are in hand to develop the former Methodist Church, which is subject to a Preservation Order, into a set of premises to serve the local community. Links are maintained with Royal Holloway College, part of London University. This section, which is known as the Forum Section, usually has an alternating Ministry from either Methodist or URC sources but currently is served by a Lay Pastor.

An equal opportunities circuit with strong Ecumenical links throughout. A policy of maintaining and encouraging local churches is strong and resources are provided where necessary. A movement exists within the Circuit to encourage work among young people. There are seventeen active local preachers and trained worship leaders are present in many of the churches. The circuit actively encourages lay participation in worship.