Spotlight on .......

Haynes

Not much history is known about the Methodist church in Haynes, and so we thought this 'spotlight' should illuminate the present rather than the past. These words do not come from the local people, but come from their minister, who has personally benefited greatly from worshipping at Haynes these past six years.

Some think of Haynes as the 'tiddler' of the Circuit, being the church with the least number of members, between five and ten people worshipping weekly. But the 'method' of Haynes follows a deeper and more subtle pathway of significance; a pathway of considerable depth and ministry, not only to those few members 'on the books', but also to a larger number of worshippers who appear at regular intervals. The ministry that Haynes has towards the wider Circuit is of some significance. This takes the shape of special services, which give emphasis to the singing of traditional 'Methodist' music in the way it was meant to be sung! The organ at Haynes gives proper pace, volume and 'body' to hymns which were written to be sung with gusto from the heart, as well as from the lungs. Whether local harvests or carol services, or more unusual Wesley Day celebrations or the recent Welsh hymn singing evening, the church draws folks from around the Circuit and from other denominations. Singing is certainly central to its life and ministry and visitors often comment upon its strength.

Haynes is a happy church in which the love and friendship of Christian fellowship is shared freely and openly. It is a place of relaxed contentment, where preachers often go away having received as much as they have given, and more besides. I know I find much refreshment in this fellowship of great humour, encouragement and peace where few side issues of church politics ever distract the gaze of the worshipping people away from the face of Jesus.

I guess Haynes has blessed me far more than I have blessed it, and I pray for its long and secure future. It may not be contemporary in the usual 'worship' sense of the word, but in regard to its concern for its members and the almost tangible security it holds in the risen Lord whom its people love so much, Haynes is incredibly 'up to date'. We hope, with God's blessing, that it will continue to be blessed with this vitality and vision for many years to come.

Paul Chesworth

October 2001

Pages compiled by Peter Fletcher

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