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Barking Methodist Church

News
&
Events

ACCREDITATION SERVICE

Mr Alfred Mensah &
Mr Matthew Walton-Thorne

Sunday 13th July, 6.30 pm
Gantshill Methodist Church

Preacher:
Revd Dr Leslie Griffiths


LAY EMPLOYEE VACANCIES:

Pastoral Lay Worker
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Youth Lay Worker
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Minister's Monthly Message

July 2025

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Dear friends,

 

Some weeks in ministry stretch you thin, with a voice cracking, body aching, and spirit dragging. This was one of them. Laryngitis had stolen my voice, and the cough clung like a stubborn guest. But what I remember most about that week is not the discomfort. It is the kindness.

 

My colleagues in the Circuit rose to the occasion with grace. They chaired the Circuit Meeting, led prayers, and ensured everything ran smoothly so I could rest. Congregants sent messages of encouragement, shared home remedies, and one even brought me a jar of honey, a small, golden offering that soothed more than just my throat. That act, and the many others, reminded me that ministry is not carried alone. It is held by a community of love.

 

This is the body of Christ in motion:
the one who chairs when your voice is gone,
the one who brings the honey,
the ones who whisper, “Rest. We’ve got this.”

 

Bible Month: A Time of Rich Encounter

We give thanks to God for the deep engagement across our churches during June’s Bible Month, as we journeyed through the Gospel of John. Through worship, preaching, and study, we explored themes of divine presence, radical love, and the hour of transformation. Participation was high, the questions were thoughtful, and many shared how spiritually enriched they felt. A heartfelt thanks to all who led, attended, and prayed us through this meaningful month.

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Families and Youth Day – 13 July

Looking ahead, we are excited for our Annual Families and Youth Day on Saturday , 12th July 2025. This is a free event for children and young people across our Circuit and beyond. Expect fun, laughter, food, games, and time to reconnect. Please see flyers in your churches for more details and don’t forget to invite others.

 

Methodist Conference 2025

By the time you read this, the Methodist Conference will be drawing to a close. We give thanks for the induction of the new President and Vice President, and for all new presbyters and deacons ordained and received into Full Connexion. We hold them in prayer as they step into new seasons of leadership. May we all continue in our shared calling, as a church seeking justice, proclaiming good news, and living out the love of Christ in every place.

 

A Blessing for Summer

As summer arrives, bringing sunshine, school holidays, and the hope of rest, we wish all who are travelling a safe journey and joyful return. Whether you are venturing far or finding stillness close to home, may this season be one of renewal.

 

With deep gratitude for the kindness we share and the Gospel we live,

 

Mmasape

Barking, Dagenham and Ilford Circuit

We are a friendly family of eight churches and one community centre: Barking, Ilford, Goodmayes, Gantshill, Barkingside, The Drive, Beacontree Heath and Old Dagenham Methodist Churches and Grange Hill Methodist Church Project. We serve communities across Barking, Dagenham and Ilford with membership that spans all ages. Our members come from many different countries and backgrounds and we aim to help everyone feel at home. We are part of the wider Methodist Church in Britain and belong to London District of the Methodist Church. The Circuit oversees, supports and resources local churches in living out our mission and calling. Our Circuit office is located at Beacontree Heath Methodist Church. Methodist Circuits are also grouped into Districts, and this Circuit comes under the London District (headquarters in Westminster).

Our Vision

To be welcoming congregations where all (young, families and elderly) grow in the knowledge, love and service of Christ; speaking and living out a unified vision of God’s kingdom within the BDI Circuit in line with “our calling” in the Methodist Church. 

Image by Jon Tyson
Image by Hannah Busing

Our Mission

To seek to enable its local churches to respond to the Gospel of God’s love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission. The Circuit endeavours to realise this policy through managing its resources effectively, stimulating vision and encouraging mission initiatives. 

Growth in our Spiritual life through

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Worship

Pastoral Care

Communication

Youth Work

Evangelism

Community Outreach

Image by Sushobhan Badhai

Our Priorities

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