Welcome to Peninsula Methodist Church Church

Strood Centre Church has had connections with Shaws Wood Care Home for many years.
It is a Christian run home for elderly and infirm folk about ten minutes’ walk away from the
church.

One of the key ways we serve at Shaws Wood is through a monthly short church service,
which has been held there once a month for at least ten years, if not longer.These take
place on the last Monday of each month (unless it falls on a Bank Holiday), and are led by a small team from our church on a rota basis. It’s a simple but deeply valued time of worship and connection, both for the residents and for those of us who lead.

Carole from the home, who organises the residents’ activities always welcomes us in and
encourages folk to come along and join with us for the short service of about half an hour.
Typically, between ten and sixteen residents join us for each service.

 As you might expect, each person engages in their own way — some sing enthusiastically, some listen quietly, and others may drift in and out but every individual is valued and included. 

Those that stay love to sing the old hymns and we try to pick the ones that we know are their favourites.

We try to make the services as interesting as we can by either showing them objects or
pictures or even dressing up some times. After which a short talk about what has been
brought along and always the assurance that God loves all of them so very much.
There is always a short reading from the bible, prayers and of course the Lord’s Prayer
which most of them remember and the Grace which is said all together.

More than anything, this ministry is about presence, care, and reminding people that they
are not forgotten. The welcome we receive is always genuine, and it’s clear that these
visits bring joy and reassurance to many. It’s a small but significant way Strood Centre
Church seeks to live out its faith by serving others with compassion and love. 

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