Brownhills and Willenhall Methodist Circuit

We have a small membership, but there are lots going on at our small church.It is the home of ‘ The Shelfield Male Voice Choir’ who have sung all over Europe and have recently celebrated their 40th anniversary.They rehearse every Monday at the church and perform concerts throughout the year at local venues including our church.Every other Monday evening is ‘Ladies Circle’ where we have a speaker and enjoy various lunches and dinners out.

Tuesday evening is Slimming Club.

Wednesday morning is ‘Craft Class’ where they enjoy various crafts including flower arranging and they too have visits to interesting places.

Wednesday evening is Rainbows and Brownies.

Thursday afternoon is Towns Women’s Guild which includes a speaker and visits out.

Thursday evening is Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

We hold various social events during the year, including a Summer Fayre, Coffee mornings for charity and other events.

Shelfield Methodist Church is located on the A461 Walsall to Lichfield Road, approximately 3 miles from Walsall town centre.The present Shelfield Methodist Church unites three churches (Shelfield, High Heath and Four Crosses Methodist churches). Methodism in Shelfield began around 1760, the first meeting place being a farm house in Spring Road. A chapel was erected (1864/65) and in 1906 the foundations of the present chapel were laid, and it was opened for public worship on Sunday 28th April 1907. In l988/90 the members of the three churches decided to unite and worship at Shelfield Methodist Church. The original Shelfield Methodist Church which was used for Sunday school and functions was demolished and an extension was erected which provided us with more modern conveniences. A detailed “History of Methodism in Shelfield” was compiled by Roy Evans and can still be purchased.The Centenary of the present church was celebrated throughout 2006-7. The highlight of the year being the Rev Amos Cresswell, a local lad who became President of the Methodist Conference, leading services during our flower festival, and entertaining us one evening with his memories of growing up in this area.We have annual services for children who have been baptised in our church, Harvest festival service and supper, Christingle service, Carol Concert and service, Macmillan coffee morning and many events raising money for various causes, and a Summer Fayre.

We have enjoyed reciprocal worship and social occasions with St Mark’s Anglican Church. This has been a thought provoking time of reflections, enlightenment and newly formed friendships. During Holy week we join St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and St Mark’s for our Walk of Witness in the neighbourhood when we proclaim a united love of God.

The Church is used throughout the week by various organisations. It is the home of the “Shelfield Male Voice Choir” which was formed originally by a Church member. Their weekly rehearsals are held every Monday evening. The Ladies circle meets fortnightly also on a Monday evening with a variety of speakers. The Brownies and Rainbows use the Church buildings on Wednesday evenings, and they join us for special services. The Craft Class is held on Wednesday Morning, they also become involved in “Special Occasions. Network meetings take place during the year, and the premises are hired out to members for children’s parties etc.

The current membership of our church is 31 with 10 children in the Junior Church. Sunday services are held at 10.30am and 6.00pm with no evening services during the months of January and February. We have an all age Service on the 4th Sunday of each month lasting for 45 minutes.

Visitors always say that they enjoy the warm welcome they receive in our small church, we would like to see the membership grow and always encourage people to join us.