About the Thames Valley Methodist Circuit

Where is it?

The Thames Valley Circuit is a mixed, diverse, multi-ethnic circuit with 12 churches (13 congregations) set along the Thames Valley corridor comprising three towns:

• Slough with its industrial/commercial community and transient, very diverse population
• Windsor with its tourism and commuters
• Maidenhead with its commerce

and commuters and smaller “village” commuter communities not greatly separated from nearby towns.

There are two congregations at St Andrew's, Slough: the larger worships in English and is very multi-cultural; the smaller worships in Urdu.

The Circuit is one of 29 Circuits (with around 240 Methodist Churches) in the South East District of the Methodist Church. The District covers Kent, East and West Sussex, Surrey, North East Hampshire, East Berkshire, Malta and Gibraltar!

Size and Staff

The Circuit has a membership of around 800. It also has pastoral responsibility for over 1300 others.

Rev Andrew Baker is the Circuit's Superintendent Minister, and he with three additional ministers comprise the Circuit Staff. Several other ministers – supernumeraries or ministers not in circuit appointment – also reside in the circuit. We also benefit from the work of Rev Mervyn Eden - a retired Anglican priest who is authorised to minister in the circuit.

In addition we have around 30 local preachers on full plan, plus several preachers in training.

Ecumenical links

The circuit enjoys strong ecumenical links. Indeed, one of the churches, Colnbrook & Poyle, is a Methodist/URC (United Reformed Church) Local Ecumenical Partnership. Further examples are included under the individual churches.

At the circuit level, there are regular meetings of the circuit and deanery leaders. There are many examples of the churches working together, such as in work among immigrants and refugees, and supporting and providing finance for an ecumenical Faith & Work Development Officer for the Slough area.

Vision

A fellowship of faith communities living out the reality of the love of God in Jesus Christ.

Mission

WORSHIP OF THE LIVING GOD

• Celebratory.
• Vibrant.
• Relevant.
• Wonder-filled.

LEARN AND CARE

• Appreciate the context of the Thames Valley.
• Value our place within the Methodist Connexion and the World Church.
• Explore the word of God.
• Offer pastoral care in the community.

SERVE

• Be a prophetic voice and initiate action for social justice.
• Respond to needs locally and globally.
• Provide a safe space for the community.

EVANGELISE

• Express love in the name of Jesus Christ.
• Share and proclaim our faith.

This mission will be carried out, ecumenically wherever possible, underpinned by these

VALUES

• Mutual Openness
• Trust
• Equality
• Respect for diversity
• Valuing each other
• Collaboration

The circuit is committed to supporting the presence and witness of the smaller churches.

A Celtic Cross south of the border! A Celtic Cross was created by members attending a Circuit Service. Made out of pieces of sea-smoothed, coloured broken glass from the shores of Iona, it illustrates how something beautiful can be made out of rubbish! (A picture is available on the main page.)

Methodist Policies

The circuit's policies in areas such as Safeguarding, and Health and Safety are those of the Methodist Church. Safeguarding is about preventing the abuse of children, young people and vulnerable adults and promoting their welfare. The aim of the Methodist Safeguarding policy is to create Christian communities of love and care, where good practice in this area becomes a way of life.

Charitable Status

The Thames Valley Methodist Circuit is a registered charity, number 1133442.

To read the circuit's detailed safeguarding policy statement, click here.

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