Sunday Services, a Surprise Stop and A Harm Warming Visit

After a bit of research I located Hinde Methodist Church just a few blocks from the hotel. I definitely want walking distance in case of rain.

This is a beautiful old church with high ceiings, wonderful stained glass windows, hardwood pews and balastrades, and a pipe organ. Not your typical modern church! 

A very nice lady sat by me and said she knew I was a guest and wanted to sit their so she could show me how they take communion. Turns out the row where I sat near the front is the first to go forward and take communion at the rail of the altar. That was so thoughtful of her!

The service was very formal, far more formal than Methodist services I’ve attended in the US. The minister asked the audience, “what is happening next week?” There were a few murmurs but no one really said much. Eurovision finale! Now I have no idea what that is but after a bit I gather it is a TV programme here. I will have to look it up and see what it is about!

Communion was taken at the end after the sermon, which was given by a visiting minister. People file forward and kneel in front of the rail. The bread is dipped in juice/wine? And given to anyone with their hands out. Otherwise the minister will offer a blessing. 

The final hymn was sung and everyone stayed for a cup of coffee and a biscuit. I greeted a few people. The kind lady next to me helps serve so it wasn’t until the end when I spoke with her again. I mentioned I was leaving Tuesday by train for Bath. She said, “do you know about the train strikes?” Which I did not. So glad she told me! Another example of the Lord guiding my footsteps.

As I introduced myself to the minister, I told him jokingly that I was shocked we did not sing the Doxology. Every Methodist servise I have ever been in we sang the Doxology. He said, “well, I’ve heard of it and sang it a time or two” But I guess it is not a “Methodist thing” in England.

Ther Hertford House/Wallace Collection at Manchester Square

Walking back from the service I saw this beautiful old home. It was approaching mansion proportions and with a wide green lawn in front — rather unusual in the heart of Central London. A small private park was across from it in the center of a roundabout road. So I stopped to take photos and noticed people going in and out.

This is a wonderful Art Museum with paintings, scultures and a large collection of armor and weapons from the Medieval and Early Reinaissance periods. An art afficionado could easily spend all day there. For me a couple hours was long enough but very enjoyable.

Meeting the Son of a late Sister

At six o’clock Ebenezer and I arranged to meet for a coffee. What a wonderful time that was to get to know him. He is so open and warm, a kind and gentle man. I know his mom, my friend Fola is proud of her son. He is still griving, of course, and I am praying for him.