South Hylton Independent Methodist Church

06/09/2026

Minister's message.

Paul, in his letter to the Christians at Ephesus prayed with them, and for them.
He asked God to give these believers deep spiritual strength through the Holy Spirit.

His words have been read by countless people since that time and many people have been encouraged by them.

"ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY MAY GOD GRANT YOU TO BE STRENGTHENED WITH POWER THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT, IN YOUR INNER BEING"

Ephesians 3 v 16

These people needed God's strength and power as they experienced and witnessed to His love in some very difficult circumstances. Only His power within them could keep them strong.

We too in our day and age need to ask the Lord to strengthen us, that His Spirit may empower us to work and witness for Him.

May we pray to this end, and be ready to be strong for Him, to His glory.

03/09/2026

30/08/2026

Minister's message.

Last weekend we celebrated 133 years of worship and witness in our church building. It was good to look back, and we especially enjoyed looking at photos of former days , but we now need to look forward to the future. What does the Lord want us to do, especially in the year ahead, as we go on together.

We need to be encouraged to learn more from the Lord and to do more for Him, with the aim of drawing more people to come to Him and discover and know new life.

Let's pray that God's love will be seen in all we do, His Spirit lead, guide and strengthen us and that He may be truly glorified as we move on.

HE WHO BEGAN A GOOD WORK IN YOU WILL CARRY IT ON TO COMPLETION, UNTIL THE DAY OF CHRIST
Philippians 1 v 6

23/08/2026

Minister's message.

We celebrate 133 years of worship in our church today. The church began in a small way in a cottage in Dawson Terrace, then as the numbers grew, a lot of hard work went into the planning and building of our premises here.

Now we are glad of our spiritual home, and although many changes have taken place over the years, we are pleased to be God's people, His church, in 2026.

We pray that we may go from strength to strength, led by the Holy Spirit and ready to reach out in God's love to those who need a Saviour and Friend in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Do come and join us as we celebrate at 10.30am and 6pm today, and help us to "Make a joyful noise to the Lord"

ENTER GODS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING, AND HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE FOR THE LORD IS GOOD AND HIS LOVE ENDURES FOR EVER.
HIS FAITHFULNESS CONTINUES THROUGHOUT ALL GENERATIONS

Psalm 100 v 4 & 5

(Picture: the men of the village who came together to build the church)

20/08/2026

Lord, calm my fear about the future, the anxiety that spirals when I think about tomorrow, next week, next year, all the unknowns that feel threatening.

My mind races with concerns about what could happen, worrying about challenges I'll face, uncertainties that feel too big to handle, questions I don't have answers for.

Teach me that fear about the future steals peace from today, that worrying about tomorrow robs me of the grace You've given for right now.

The future feels overwhelming because I'm trying to face it in my own strength, forgetting that You'll be there too, providing what I need when I need it.

Help me remember that You've been faithful in every yesterday, present in every today, and You'll be just as faithful in every tomorrow I'm worried about.

Remind me that I don't have to carry tomorrow's burdens today, that Your grace is sufficient for each day as it comes, not all at once in advance.

Give me trust that replaces fear, peace that quiets anxiety, confidence that You're already in my future preparing the way before I get there.

Let my fear about the future be calmed by faith in the God who holds the future, knowing that whatever comes, You'll be there, and that's enough.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

16/08/2026

Minister's message.

When His disciples tried to stop young children from coming to Jesus He insisted that they did come to Him. He talked to them, prayed for them and blessed them.

Jesus invited them to keep on coming, and pointed out that adults needed to have faith as children have.
Knowing they can trust adults who care for them, children display simple faith and receptivity. Jesus taught that people should learn about faith and trust from children, as they came to Him.

When we trust with a childlike attitude then we can know God's blessing.

We welcome everyone to our church at South Hylton, but recently we have created a soft play area, so that toddlers can enjoy coming along with their parents on Sunday mornings.
Why not join us then?

JESUS SAID "LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME AND DO NOT HINDER THEM, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD BELONGS TO SUCH AS THESE"
Mark 10 v 14