Each Lunar New Year, the Bowthorpe Road Methodist Church in Norwich comes alive with traditional celebrations, bringing together both Chinese and local communities. The church hosts special dinners and festive games, creating a welcoming atmosphere where cultural traditions are shared and celebrated.
"Every year for Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, we have celebrations like dinner together and games," explains Pastor Stephen Lau, who leads the congregation.
The church's journey to becoming a Chinese Methodist church is a remarkable story of transformation. Following World War II, the original Bowthorpe Road Methodist Church served the local community, particularly through its Sunday School, which reportedly attracted more than 500 children. However, by 2015, the congregation had dwindled significantly, leading the church to consider its future.
At this crucial moment, a Chinese congregation that had been worshipping at Sprowston Methodist Church, consisting of about 30 to 50 members, was invited to become trustees of the Bowthorpe Road Methodist Church. This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter, though Stephen emphasises that their vision extends beyond serving only the Chinese community:
The church underwent significant renovations after the transition. The old building was found to have structural issues and asbestos, leading to its demolition and reconstruction with support from the Norwich Circuit and congregation donations. Today, the modern facility seamlessly blends new and old architecture, symbolising the church's unique fusion of cultures and traditions.
An ever-growing church
The congregation has grown substantially since 2015. Around 230 to 250 people attend Sunday services, with services conducted in both Chinese and English. "We have about 70 people in our English-speaking congregation, nearly all of them second generation from our Chinese families," says Stephen. Some of these families have been in Norwich for almost 50 years, with second and third generations actively participating in church life.
The church has experienced further growth with the arrival of British National (Overseas) (BNO) visa holders from Hong Kong. "About 300 BNO families came to our church and more than 100 have stayed," Stephen notes. "Some have become church members and contribute as stewards and volunteers."
The church offers a wide range of activities and fellowship groups catering to different ages and interests. These include youth groups with around 40 school students, three Sunday school classes from nursery to Year 7 and various fellowship groups for university students, young couples, families and elderly members.
Two student fellowships operate: one on the University of East Anglia (UEA) campus called the Chinese Christian Fellowship (CCF) and another at the church called Daniel Fellowship, which serves both university students and recent graduates.
The church also maintains strong community connections through partnerships with local organisations. During weekdays, they collaborate with Headway, allowing their facilities to be used as a daycare centre for people with head injuries. The building's accessibility features, including level access and wide doorways, make it particularly suitable.
Through its diverse activities and inclusive approach, the Bowthorpe Road Methodist Church has established itself as more than just a place of worship – it has become a vibrant community hub where different cultures and generations come together in faith and fellowship.