Parkway Methodist Church, St. Werbergh's

Parkway is an Inner City Church situated in the St. Werburgh's area of Bristol, adjoining St Paul's, with Easton a little further away on the other side of the M32 motorway.

It is at the heart of a community of people of many different faiths and cultures, in an area with many social problems, including high levels of unemployment and drug abuse.

Our membership is 61, but we touch the lives of many people who come in large numbers to Baptism, Wedding and Funeral Services. Many of our congregation and lay leadership have their roots in the Caribbean and we rejoice in the richness of our differing backgrounds and cultures. We seek to be a Church family where all may come and where we can love and support each other and grow together in faith.

We also seek to look outwards into the community to show Christ's love and concern for people in their day to day lives: Youth Clubs, Fellowship Meetings, Social Club and Lunch Club and in the Parent and Child Project. The Youth Clubs and Lunch Club are using an increasing number of volunteers from the local community. The volunteers are offered support and encouragement.

We are building up the work of the Junior Church.

We are blessed with large buildings, including a separate Church Hall, which together with the manse stands in the church grounds. This is leased to the Health Trust for a community based mental health project.

We enjoy good ecumenical relations with other churches in the area through Ashley Churches Together Serving (ACTS) and particularly with our neighbours at St. Agnes Parish Church with whom we often share worship and special events.

Our Community Worker helps the churches to be proactive in many community organisations e.g. St. Paul's Unlimited and St. Paul's Carnival.