Thornbury

Thornbury is a market town in South Gloucestershire which has had a Methodist presence since 1789 when John Wesley preached in the "neat and commodious preaching house." The original building was vacated in 1878 when the congregation transferred to the present neo-Gothic building in the High Street.

Since the 1960's the town has grown to a population of some 15,000 and serves as a commuter base for Bristol and district. Development has left the former mediaeval centre in tact with the addition of a pedestrian shopping centre and all the usual amenities.

The town is fortunate to have excellent educational facilities.

The Church is at the northern and rural extremity of the Circuit and currently has a membership of 89. The Church premises has a two storey annex which provides upper and lower halls, kitchens, toilets, vestry and the Minister's office. All the buildings are in good order.

The congregation is heavily weighted towards the middle aged and retired. The Church has developed a lay leadership and committee structure which is well able to deal with most of the administrative aspects of church life. Members are involved in a range of community activities, play a significant role in Circuit and District functions and there is an active group of Local Preachers. There is an ongoing commitment to provide financial support for a children's home in Zimbabwe. A pastoral system is in operation and a quarterly newsletter is published and circulated. The Church plays its part as a partner in "Thornbury Churches Together" and share a ministry to the local hospital.

There is a small Junior Church at the present time, and this is run by a group of volunteers on a rota basis. A Scout Group, covering the usual age range, meets weekly; and a few of them attend our Family Services. A Brownie Group and Guide Group also use the premises. The premises are in use each day of the week. During the daytime, apart from a mid-week service and a meeting of the Women's Fellowship (united with the U.R.C.) the halls are rented to community groups. The evening sees a Wesley Guild, a Healing Fellowship, a Keep Fit Group and a Drama Group meeting regularly. A House Group and Bible Study group are both currently meeting, and members have been involved in the "Fresh Expressions" course. A Banner Group meets, usually in member's homes, to design and prepare banners for display.

As far as development goes we have now completed our disabled facilities including a lift to the Wesley Hall, disabled toilet and disabled access at the front. We have also developed and increased size of the vestibule at the front of the church to make it more appealing and welcoming. This will hopefully enable us to concentrate evangelism towards attracting younger people. At the same time the wish would be to continue and enhance a caring and concerned fellowship for the older members.

There is no longer a regular Sunday evening service. The Wednesday morning shoppers service is popular and well supported and now meets in the new Vestibule area.

Weekly Activities in the Church and Halls

Mondays

10am Church Prayer Meeting
7.10pm Keep Fit Group

Tuesdays

7.45 pm Drama Group
7.30pm Wesley Guild (1st and 3rd Tuesdays)

Wednesdays

10.00 am Coffee served followed by Midweek Shoppers service at 11.00
6.00 pm Beavers
6.15 pm Cubs
7.30 pm Scouts

Thursdays

2.30 pm United Ladies Guild (alternative months)
7.30 pm Service of Healing (1st Thursday only)

Fridays

11.00 am Prayer along side the Minister
6.00 pm Bible Study Group