Activities
There are a number of activities in which members of our congregation can participate and join. To find out more about what activities are available in each category, click on a tab.
For All
Meetings of Church Organisations
| Day | Time | Activity |
| Monday | 10.00 to 12.00 | Coffee Morning with Bric-a-Brac stall* |
| 10.00 to 12.00 | Minister's 'Surgery' | |
| Tuesday | 10.00 to 12.00 | Coffee Morning with Bric-a-Brac stall* |
| Wednesday | 10.00 to 12.00 | Coffee Morning with Bric-a-Brac stall* |
| 14.00 to 16.00 | Wednesday Fellowship | |
| Thursday | 19.30 to 21.30 | Singing Together Group |
| Friday | 18.30 to 20.00 |
Cubs |
| 19.30 to 21.45 | Scouts | |
| 19.30 to 21.30 | Music Group | |
| Saturday | 08.45 to 10.00 | Men's Breakfast (1st Saturday in each month except August) |
| 10.00 to 12.00 | Coffee Morning with Bric-a-Brac stall* (When Foyer not in use by Community organisation) |
|
| 18.00 to 20.00 |
Fab Club – Junior youth club (Alternate Saturdays - except August) |
*Our Church will be open for prayer and meditation
Flower Arranging
No regular meetings are held except when one is called for special events such as church festivals, etc.
Age is no bar to this interest, but a knowledge of flowers and plant material is helpful, as is skill in arranging.
No regular meetings are held except when one is called for special events such as church festivals, etc.
We have a good selection of containers including wrought iron stands.
A main arrangement is placed beside the Communion Table and a small one can be placed beside the Pulpit, and another in the vestibule.
Members fill the flower rota and we welcome donors, as contributions are essential.
From time to time courses of Flower Arranging lessons are arranged.
Arrangers for the weekly flowers are always welcome and should contact us if at all interested.
Open Church
As part of our outreach to the community our church is open each Monday and Wednesday morning between 10.00 and 12.00. Our aim is to provide a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
You will be most welcome to look around our church, light a candle, or take the opportunity to browse our website. We will endeavour to have tea and coffee available too.
We offer a welcome to all, whoever you are, whether or not you are a regular churchgoer. You may be a person who has not entered a church building for some time or you may be a visitor to our town, or are just looking for a refuge from the cares of the world.
You may wish to sit quietly in meditation or prayer or just sit quietly undisturbed. A trained listener will be available if you would like someone to talk with. If you would like someone to pray with you, for yourself or for a particular situation then someone will be there for you.
Please note that Coffee Mornings on Mondays and Wednesdays are subject to enough people being available to run them.
All are welcome.
Something to consider ................
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree... Matthew 13:31-32
Consider the smallest things that people have done for you that have enabled you to grow.
Write down a single word or a name to give thanks for those things and for those people.
Minister's "Surgery"
Most Monday's between 10.00 and 12.00 our Minister will be available in the vestry for anyone to come to talk about anything at all. So whether you want to come and discuss the previous day's sermon, raise an issue, or see our Minister to talk about something happening in your life, you will be most welcome to drop in.
Feel free to just turn up on a Monday morning but if you want to make a specific appointment please e-mail or Telephone +44 (0)1803-555694 - Mobile +44 (0)7804-882582 in advance.
Keep an eye on the Weekly Notices for the occasional Monday morning when our Minister will not be available. Since this is a time when our Church will be open there will always be someone around to listen or pray with you.
You are also very welcome to join us for coffee and biscuits.
Prayer Request
Is there someone or something you would like us to specially remember in our Prayers?
If you would like us to pray for you, someone you know or something please fill out the prayer request form.
For Children and Young People
Sunday Morning Activities
For children and young people of all ages.
Paignton (Palace Avenue) Methodist Church has an active youth section.
Most Sunday mornings between 10.30 and 11.30 our 11 to 16 years age group meet in their own room to learn about the Christian faith in an accessible, youth-friendly way. Food, drink, games, DVD's, discussion and prayers are all included in the mix.
On the first Sunday of the month our 5 to 11 years age group have their own activities. The first 20 minutes is spent in the church and then the children move upstairs. Theseare typically craft activities around a Bible story.
On the third Sunday in the month everyone comes together for All Age Worship led by our church band.
During term time our 'Fab' youth club meets on Saturday evenings every fortnight in the church hall. Recent activities have included pancake making, Magic Tricks and an Easter Egg hunt. (see below)
The church subsidises family outings to places like Creally, Woodlands and Plymouth Ski Centre. Last year our older children went climing at the Chudleigh Rock Centre.
We have a team of youth leaders all of whom have 'Criminal Records Bureau' checks.
If you or a fimily member would like to join in the fun and learn about the Christian faith, then come along.
This may include drama, readings or anything we think is appropriate and relevant.
Interested? Then come along & see what they get up to!Fab Club
For young people aged 8 years to 16 years.
Fab Club is a youth club for children and young people aged between 8 and 16 years old and their friends who attend our Sunday Morning Activities for children and young people - we have our very own website at Paignton (Palace Avenue) Youth Website! Why not pay us a visit?
We provide a safe, supervised meeting place and a variety of activities. We meet twice a month and try to involve the children as much as possible in all committee decisions.
Activities range from football and basketball to cooking and crafts and, usually, include a sleepover sometime during the year for our regular members.
We are affiliated to the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs
Please contact our Youth Work Team if you would like further information.
LiNX a Christian Youth Trust
We actively support LiNX a Christian Youth Trust an interactive church initiative in Torbay.
17th Torbay Scout Group
For boys and girls between 8 and 15 years of age.
Cubs
8 to 10 year old boys and girls meet Friday evenings 18.30 to 20.00 pm during term time. We also join in with various Borough and County events.
Scouts
10 to 15 year old boys and girls meet Friday evenings 19.30 to 21.30. Currently an all male troop but open to all.
Aims of Scouting
The aims of scouting are:- the physical, mental and spiritual development of young people, through the use of a progressive programme of exercises, experiences and events.
The whole of scouting is undergoing a series of changes and developments designed to create a more flexible and relevant movement for the young people of today. The changes range from new uniform, and new programmes to the age at which members move from section to section.
Please contact our
Youth Work Team you would like further information.
Click below to visit our own
website
For Men
Men's Breakfast
Men's breakfast is a monthly meeting for men of all ages. From teenagers to the retired, we normally meet on the first Saturday of the month at 09.00 to enjoy a breakfast together, chat about things of general interest and have occasional speakers to open up a lively discussion.
We are usually cleared away soon after 10.00. A list is put up in the foyer of our church two weeks in advance for signing up or contact us to give us a view of numbers.
The minimum donation per session, to cover the cost of breakfast and any speaker expenses is £3.00.
All men are welcome to attend.
Men’s Breakfast Cooks Rota 2012
The first person in each group is to purchase the food; numbers can be obtained from the list in the vestibule. We will aim to start cooking by approx. 08.15 to enable serving of the food at 09.00. If anyone needs to change the Rota please arrange it yourself.
| Date | Food Purchaser | Cooks/Bottle Washers |
| 07 January | Meet at the Isaac Merritt Pub for 09.00 | |
| 04 February | Stan W. | Lee C. Dave F. |
| 03 March | Dermot T. | Ian D. Ian H. |
| 07 April | Brian P. | Les K. Ray W. |
| 05 May | Lee C. | Stan W. David W. |
| 02 June | Roger G. | John A. Ian S. |
| 01 September | John A. | Ian D. Les K. |
| 06 October | Dermot T. | Ian H. Dave F. |
| 03 November | Ian S. | John A. Stan W. |
| 01 December |
Meet at the Isaac Merritt Pub for 09.00 | |
(Note - no Men's Breakfast in July or August)
Gentlemen - put the dates in your diary and don't forget to let us know you are coming so that we can be sure there is enough bacon and eggs to go round!
Click here to book your place or to obtain more information.
Pictures taken at our men's breakfast
For Making Music
Music Group
The music group welcomes anyone who enjoys singing or playing instruments.
The Music Group normally meets on the third Friday evening in the Church to prepare and rehearse the worship songs for the following Sunday morning Family Service when they lead the singing. The Music Group are also involved in the monthly “Coffee Praise” style evening service which normally includes contemporary worship songs. Currently the group consists of a guitarist, a pianist along with vocalists and would welcome new musicians and singers.
Please click here to contact us if you would like more information.
"SING TO THE LORD A NEW SONG"
(Psalm's 149 v 1, 96 v 1, 98 v 1, & 33 v 3)
Singing Together
The aim of the group is to enjoy singing music of different kinds in an informal atmosphere.
The Singing Together Group meets on Thursday evenings at 19.30 (for around an hour and a quarter), in the Church Hall in the winter and in the Church during the summer.
As well as singing old favourites we learn new hymns from Hymns & Psalms, Mission Praise and the Church Song Book.
All are welcome - men, women, young and old - no auditions required!
Please click here to contact us if you would like more information.
Social
R U UP 4 IT
How many times have you been asked the question "are you up for it?"
And, what has been your response?
- Well, I would but I cannot commit myself to a group
- That’s good, but I can’t do Wednesdays
- I wouldn’t mind, but I don’t want to be an organiser
- Shame, because every second Thursday of the month, I go fishing
Well, here is some good news – if you can say 'YES' any of the above, this will interest you!!
This is to announce some impromptu social gatherings, to which anyone is invited and most welcome. Please look for the poster in church informing you of the upcoming "do"!!
So now, one final question – Are You Up For It? We hope you are and look forward to your company.
PROVISIONAL Programme
Contact us for times/VENUES
| Date | Activity |
| Wednesday 02 November 2011 | Skittles in the Church Hall |
| Monday 28 November 2011 | Meal Safari |
| Tuesday/Wednesday Thursday 06/07/08 December 2011 | 'Carols Down the Line' |
| December 2011 (Watch the Notices) | Carol Singing |
| Monday 16 January 2012 | Little Theatre |
| Wednesday 08 February 2012 | Quiz and Pasty |
| Tuesday 13 March 2012 | Call My Bluff |
| Tuesday 17 April 2012 | Cranium and Take Away |
| Thursday 10 May 2012 | Treasure Hunt |
| Thursday 24 June 2012 | Walk |
| Monday 23 July 2012 | Toasted 'Smarmie' |
| Tuesday 11 September 2012 | Regroup and Dessert |
For Worship
(Click to go to our Sunday Services page)
A Disciple Course
Disciple - Becoming disciples through Bible study
Jesus' first followers were called disciples. There were the group of twelve whose names we know and a much larger group of both men and women, some of whose names we know, but most are now lost to us. They all travelled with Jesus learning from him and eventually many of them became believers, teachers and proclaimers of the gospel themselves.
The purpose of this modern 'Disciple' course is to develop strong Christian leaders today through regular in-depth study of the Bible. Disciple making and Christian nurturing are its goals and it is hoped that all participants will find themselves guided into new forms of ministry both within the church and within the community.
How does this happen?
For six days each week Bible passages have to be read and thought about individually (in Disciple 1 about 70% of the Bible will have been read over the year!); and then on the 7th day we meet together to share our thoughts, ideas and questions and also to think about that week's 'Mark of Discipleship'. This is really the core of the course that helps us relate what we have read to our daily lives as Christian disciples and is frequently very challenging.
Disciple 1 - Becoming disciples through Bible study
This 34 week course takes participants through the biblical story from Creation to the New Jerusalem
Disciple 2 - 'Into the Word, into the World'
Disciple 2 is a 32 week study of Genesis-Exodus and Luke-Acts which builds on knowledge gained in Disciple 1 with the added elements of spiritual disciplines and personal ministry.
Disciple 3 - 'Remember who you are'
This 32 week study of the Prophets and the Letters of Paul again builds on the knowledge gained in Disciple 1, but this time helps us to look at both our discipleship and at the Christian community. The only pre-requisite to participating in Disciple 3 is to have previously taken Disciple 1.
Our Prayer
Our prayers centre on those we know of in need - the sick, the bereaved, those living through some sort of crisis in their lives - as well as including prayers for the world and for ourselves.
When we speak God hears us, when we pray God listens. Our prayers are always answered but not always in the way we expect. Our church is open for prayer and meditation each Monday and Wednesday morning from 10.00 to 12.00. Whether you wish to pray or just sit in the quiet, you are welcome. Alternatively, click here and leave a message if you would like us to pray for you or a particular situation. We will pray for you at our next prayer meeting.
"God understands every human language.
Remaining close to him in silence is already prayer: your
lips remain closed but your heart is speaking to him. And,
by the Holy Spirit, Christ prays in you more than you can
imagine."
Brother Roger of Taizé
Our prayers centre on those we know of in need - the sick, the bereaved, those living through some sort of crisis in their lives - as well as including prayers for the world and for ourselves. If you would like us to especially remember someone or something in our prayers please click here to leave a message.
"Prayer is a serene force at work within human beings,
stirring them up, transforming them, never allowing them to
close their eyes in the face of evil, of wars, of all that
threatens the weak of this world. From it we draw energy to
wage other struggles - to enable our loved ones to survive,
to transform the human condition, to make the earth a fit
place to live in."
Brother Roger of Taizé
Our Prayer Table
For Women
Wednesday Fellowship
Our meetings are not restricted to church members or to any 'particular age range'.
Under the umbrella of 'Network', the Wednesday Fellowship meets every Wednesday afternoon at 14.30. Our meetings are not restricted to church members or to any 'particular age range'. ALL women are welcome to join in an afternoon of friendship and fellowship.
Speakers cover a variety of subjects and monthly open meetings give us all a chance to participate. Other activities include a Mission Special afternoon, monthly soup and roll lunches, fund raising and an annual rally etc., etc.!!
Why not come and join us? You can be sure of a very warm welcome.
October - RSPCA
Two volunteers from the RSPCA
came to visit us and gave a very interesting
talk. The following is some of the
information they told us:-
To report cruelty, an injured or
suffering animal phone 0300 1234 999.
This includes wildlife e.g. seagulls.
The RSPCA rely entirely on
donations from the public and receive no government
help.
Seagulls often get caught in
netting on roofs. Though very
unpopular and a nuisance, they are a protected species
and the RSPCA is there to prevent suffering of any
animal.
There are often situations where
women who are being abused by their husbands/partners
will not leave their homes because of a pet that they
don’t want to leave behind. The RSPCA
will arrange for the pet to be fostered temporarily,
allowing the woman to get away from her abuser.
The Dangerous Dogs Act is very
complicated, partly because of inter-breeding.
The latest craze in dogs for young macho men is
the husky as it resembles a wolf.
These dogs are not suitable as pets; they don’t chase
sticks; their natural instinct is to pull things along.
The RSPCA shop in Paignton is
manned by hardworking volunteers who are always
appreciative of support. Even things
like textiles or old handbags which are not fit to be
sold are acceptable as long as they are clean as the
RSPCA can raise money from rags. They
now sell electrical appliances and household goods, and
all items are tested before they go on sale.
With regard to badger culling, the
RSPCA is against this because, apart from the fact that
it is very cruel, scientific studies have shown that it
does not help to reduce bovine TB and could make the
situation worse.
October - Shelterbox
A Shelterbox volunteer came and told us
about the work that they do. She brought
a ‘Shelterbox’ for us to see.
A ‘Shelterbox’ is a durable plastic box
containing essential items that people need in a
disaster area when they are left with absolutely nothing
and may well have lost their loved ones.
Shelterbox is a charity run by
volunteers. They respond to disasters
anywhere in the world including drought, typhoon,
earthquake, war, tsunami, volcano eruption and floods.
Each Shelterbox contains:-
a custom designed family tent,
waterproof groundmats, thermal fleece blankets, mosquito
nets, children’s activity pack, tool kit, warm hats and
gloves, cooking utensils, water containers and water
purification equipment, and a stove.
These boxes of aid provide people
with quality survival equipment to use while they
rebuild their lives and homes. The tent
they contain is big enough for a family.
It is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, intense UV
light, high winds and heavy rainfall.
Internally, each tent has privacy partitions that
allow families to divide the space as they see fit.
Some tents are even used as operating theatres by
paramedics.
Boxes can be tracked by their own
unique reference number so donors can find out
where and when their box has been sent. Shelterbox
response teams accompany the boxes into disaster zones.
These volunteers get their air fare paid but do not
receive any payment.
All money raised is from donations.
The donation hotline is
0300 0300 500 and the website address
is www.shelterbox.org.
October - ‘Shoeboxes’
Each year at this time we have a visit
from one of the local volunteers who helps put
together shoeboxes containing Christmas gifts for children
who live in Eastern European or African countries.
The members contribute small gifts such as toys,
stationery or sweets (but not chocolate) or they can donate
money to the charity. These things are
always gratefully accepted.
Please contact us if you would like more information regarding any of these activities.
Find out more
Pages of interest
-
Something To Sing About
The Story of Methodism in Paignton in the Wesleyan Tradition -
Cabbage Patch
Crafters
Meets alternate Tuesdays - Hameln Visits
Visits to and from Hameln - the town of the 'Pied Piper' (der Rattenfänger) - Useful Links
- Songs - Words & Music
- Musical
'He will take you there' - 'Carols Down the Line'
Password Protected Pages
- Members Pages
- Prayer Chain
(Limited Access) - Weekly Lettings
Schedule
(Limited Access)
