THE CIRCUIT

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

When the four former London Districts and parts of surrounding districts were reorganised on 1st September 2006 to create a new London District based on the London Boroughs bounded largely by the M25 the circuit decided to remain as a unit and join the new 'South East District'.

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 but is currently served by a Lay Pastor.

The central section comprises three Methodist Churches (Staines Methodist Church, Laleham Methodist Church, and 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. The former Methodist Church, which is subject to a Preservation Order, has been redeveloped 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, endeavours to have an alternating Ministry from either Methodist or URC sources and is currently served by a Methodist Minister.

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. 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.

Following guidance from the Charity Commission the circuit has recently registered as a Charity in its own right.