Midsomer Norton Methodist Church Centre
Welcome to Midsomer Norton in the pleasant County of Somerset, England.
We meet for Sunday Worship Services at 10:30am and 6:00pm (Youth Church and Creche at 10:30am), Breakfast Praise, normally the 2nd Sunday from 9:00am for breakfast, start 9:30am.
Do come and join us!! 150th Anniversary Celebrations
This year's PROJECT Welcome from the Minister.
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Ecumenical resources
The Church maintains regular contacts with the other Churches and Christian Groups in the Town. Regular clergy meetings are held as part of 'Christians Together'.
Recent Ecumenical events have included ‘Whitfunday’ (an area gathering held at Somvervale School on Pentecost Sunday), a town Passion Play and groups including Lenten Courses and Men’s Breakfast Fellowship.
More information - Historical Note - Who Are We? - Where we are - Other Events - What do we do?
Historical Note:
The original name of the town was 'Norton Canonicorum', there being a priory established with links to Oxford colleges.
In 1248 the town was known as 'Midsomeres Norton' after the Midsummer festival of St. John the Baptist, patron saint of the local parish church. However, when John Wesley first visited the town in September 1767, the spelling had changed to' Midsummer Norton' and, because the roads in the area were so bad, Wesley wrote humorously in his Journal: "It is so called, I suppose, because formerly it was accessible at no other time of the year!" In 1775, the first Methodist chapel was built in the town and this remained in use until 1859 when it was replaced by the present building.
Like Wesley, we believe that Jesus died and rose for us all!
More information - Ecumenical Resources - Who Are We? - Where we are - Other Events - What do we do?
Who are we?
We are a congregation involving people who come from a wide range of backgrounds and worshipping communities. Our mission is to reflect God's love in everything we do so that all may be encouraged to come to faith in Christ.
Some of our number work in the town and locality, while others work in the neighbouring cities of Bath (10 Miles), Bristol (16) and Wells (10). Others have chosen to retire in the town. Midsomer Norton, Methodist Homes for the Aged.
The Church building was erected in 1859 with the adjoining hall opened in 1957. We took a bold step to completely renew the entire premises with the refurbishment of the Church in 1994 and the Hall (including the construction of a link building) in 1996. See inside!
We have recently upgraded to a Makins Westmorland digital organ. See the Organ
More information - Ecumenical Resources - Historical Note - Where we are - Other Events - What do we do?
Where we are MAP
The town nestles in the foothills of the Mendips where for over 200 years coal mining was the main industry. Together with its neighbouring town of Radstock (1 mile), Midsomer Norton reflects the national trend of old industries ceasing and the growth of new small enterprises. We are close to the Roman City of Bath, the Cathedral City of Wells and the port of Bristol with their vibrant life and recently transformed shopping developments. The combined population of Midsomer Norton and Radstock is now close to 25,000 as a result of continuing housing development.
More information - Ecumenical Resources - Historical Note - Who Are We? - Other Events - What do we do?
Other Events
As a result of the upgrading of the premises in the 1990s, the church and hall are well used. In addition to concerts held for and by local choirs, bands and groups, the church has been the venue for Christian musicals and plays. We were pleased to host an Ordination Service for Methodist Ministers in 1995.
As part of the Bath International Music Festival, two memorable concerts were held, one of them featuring in 1996 the Chamber Orchestra from Belarussia’s Music Lyceum in Minsk, and the other, a Chinese solo instrumentalist on a Chinese harp.
The church has welcomed North American choirs and groups during their tour of the United Kingdom, as well as the African Children’s Choir and more recently the national Methodist Youth Orchestra and Singers. Groups using the hall on a regular basis include a day centre for the elderly and young children’s activities as well as a venue for local choirs to practice.
More information - Ecumenical Resources - Historical Note - Who Are We? - Where we are - What do we do?
What do we do?
We provide facilities for Church based Youth Groups and there is even a Methodist Cricket Team.
We seek to encourage Groups of all kinds in our Church, from pre-school Toddlers, Youth Church and Creche, Wives, Women's Fellowship (Network), Wesley guild, regular and seasonal housegroups to weekly meeting for prayer, Tuesday and occasional Sunday Lunches, Friday Coffee Morning with Fair Trade stall. More about activites
The 'Big Friendly Group' meets regularly on the first Sunday evening of each month. More Information on BFG
Contact the Reception Desk for further details, please. Contact Details
Churches Relief Fund
A fund has been established in conjunction with other town churches to help agencies help local people in distress. The contact person is the Minister.
North East Somerset & Bath Circuit - click on the logo to visit the Circuit Website
Midsomer Norton Methodist Church
More information - Ecumenical Resources - Historical Note - Who Are We? - Where we are - Other Events
War Memorial
Please see our seperate page on the war memorial by clicking here...