Most small Methodist Chapels in the area have a very traditional "hymn sandwich". Many are struggling, with no organist and an elderly congregation. To find a place where there are younger middle-age folk with kids singing modern worship songs and dancing is pretty radical in Methodism !
Our worship is led by someone from our own congregation.
We usually start our worship with a time of praise and adoration, voiced through the words of modern worship songs - and scripture, particularly the Psalms.
There are plenty of positive attributes of God and His Son, to focus on !
When we look at how good God is, it tends to show how far short of godliness we are, so we have a time in prayer to confess, and acknowledge God's love, forgiveness and mercy.
There is usually a time for folk to share what God has been doing in their lives - I always find this a great encouragement - I wish more churches did it. You don't realise how many "little miracles" happen every week in the lives of God's people !
We listen to God's Word being read, have our notices and make our offering, and at some point we hand over to the appointed preacher, who might be either our Methodist or United Reformed Minister, or a "Local Preacher". He or she preaches and usually leads prayer. Our congregation is comfortable with open prayer, and most people usually contribute.
But we're not afraid to throw away the song list and just let the Spirit lead, and some Sundays we have member's services when the whole service is "home grown".
Every other month, we go up to a local old folks home and lead services in the lounge there.
About twice a year we hold an afternoon service in the Hospital Chapel
(the Ashford churches take it in turns)
Some of our members are involved in Prison Ministry.
You may be surprised to hear that we only have about 25 members. Our
attendance is about 20.
And we "lost" another member in August when she went to train to be a
minister.
Many who once worshipped with us are now involved in leadership in other
churches !