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How their link to an MHA home gives a new lease of life to a congregation

As MHA Sunday approaches on 8 June 2025, we share how this care home exemplifies how Methodist values continue to enrich the lives of older people, even as traditional church structures evolve.

28 May 2025

MHA Montpellier

In May the closure of the local Methodist Church in Stainton in the Darlington District presented an unexpected challenge. With membership dwindling to just 15, the small congregation could no longer maintain their property or meet administrative requirements. Yet, rather than severing spiritual connections, this transition has sparked renewed engagement between the wider Methodist community and the residents of MHA Montpellier Manor.

"What we have here is unique: we give time and value to the spirituality of our residents," explains Revd Barbara Robinson, Chaplain at Montpellier Manor. This holistic approach represents the core mission that MHA Sunday celebrates each year – recognising the charity's commitment to enabling older people to live well in later life.

"We aim to show that the Methodist Church and MHA are part of the same family," shares Revd David Godfrey, Superintendent Minister Middlesbrough and Eston Methodist Circuit, who has witnessed how the closure became a catalyst for deeper integration. Monthly services that took place before the pandemic have been revitalised, with many church members now visiting the home directly.

This transformation reflects the adaptability at the heart of spiritual care. When the traditional church setting became unsustainable, the congregation found a new purpose in bringing worship to residents. "They had a well-attended Blue Christmas service (like the one in Scotland last December) and have asked to have more services," Barbara notes, highlighting the enthusiasm from both residents and visitors.

MHA Montpellier

The home's manager, Donna, has observed tangible benefits from these strengthened connections, "Coffee morning would be a way to make residents meet and talk. It happened once before and the residents talked about it for a while but felt it was a one-off – but it doesn't have to be."
Musical worship continues to thrive, with one Methodist resident who used to play the organ now happy to play the piano during services, maintaining cherished traditions in their new setting.

As David thoughtfully observes, "Montpellier is an ever-changing environment. For many residents, MHA becomes their church as well as their home." This sentiment embodies the adaptability of faith communities facing change.

As MHA Sunday approaches, Montpellier Manor stands as a testament to spiritual resilience –demonstrating how, sometimes, the closure of traditional doors can open new pathways to meaningful connection and worship for older people in care settings.

MHA Montpellier