To strengthen community life in Jersey.
The Methodist Church has always stood for social justice (sometimes called ‘Scriptural Holiness), especially standing up for the marginalised, deprived, excluded and vulnerable.
The Methodist Church has, both historically and in the present, a high profile in Jersey which we seek to use responsibly, fairly but also actively, both publically and behind the scenes, for the benefit of our Island Community.
The Jersey Methodist Circuit is entirely committed to Safeguarding, making our churches and activities secure places for all to be safe in.
Beyond the Church walls, we engage fully in the life of Jersey as an Island Community, speaking our for those who need us most, being a critical friend to those in power, engaging fully in the faith community of the island, and meeting people where they are. Presence at major sporting events as well as pop festivals held here, has put us where we can hear and be heard.
We have two residential care homes Maison la Corderie and Stuart Court), a hotel (Biarritz Christian Hotel), a former church now used as a community centre (Samares Methodist Centre), a social services and youth centre (Communicare, a joint venture with the Church of England), and two nursery schools (at SHMC and Bethesda). Philadelphie Messy Centre is the hub for six expressions of the Messy Church concept, as well as being a local community centre. All of these contribute to the Methodist Church truly being at the heart of Island life.
Some of our churches hold parent and toddler groups, which are greatly valued in a place where isolation is surprisingly common. A foodbank is available in SHMC, as well as a community cafe.
We also have Methodist Chaplains in our Prison, Hospital and Hospice, all of whom, working in ecumenical teams, provide valuable and much needed support to people in times of crisis.
We have a lively local media who are interested in faith based activities and also look to us for comment on local, national and international issues. A three hour Sunday morning programme on Radio Jersey is one of the many opportunities we have to share the gospel and comment on a variety of matters.
Methodist support is given where it is needed in the community. During the recent Covid crisis the food bank was greatly escalated and children and those in need were provided with activities and kept in touch. In recent years years the church has contributed to discussions on the Living Wage, Sunday Opening and equal marriage and has supported the LGBT community, the Jersey Fairtrade Group and the Jersey Disability partnership.