Our Story, Our Song: Walking, Welcoming, Witnessing Together

As the new Connexional year begins, we gathered at Wesley's Chapel and Leysian Mission and Methodist Central Hall in London with a deep sense of anticipation and joy. In what has become an annual event, these services mark a moment of new beginnings and, dare we say, a new chapter in the life of the Methodist Church.

The morning service at Wesley's Chapel, led so thoughtfully by the Revd Dr Jennifer Smith alongside the new minister, the Revd Dr Claire Potter, invited us to remember once again that we are part of a story far larger than ourselves as we worshipped with not one but two choirs and a sermon delivered by the President, the Revd Richard Andrew. We were reminded of God’s love at work in us and through us, a song of grace that continues to be sung across the Methodist people.

The day was not simply about worship within four walls. After the service, there was a bring-and-share lunch, which represented the rich, diverse tapestry of the community at Wesley's Chapel.

After the feast, a smaller group set out together on a pilgrimage walk that took us into the heart of London. Each step reminded us that our faith is lived out not only in chapel and sanctuary, but in the streets and spaces where people go about their daily lives.

• At the Bank of England, we prayed for justice in financial systems and the fair stewardship of resources.
• At the Royal Courts of Justice, we lifted up those who seek truth and fairness, longing for a world where righteousness is not only spoken but lived. You might have seen the Banksy that arrived less than 24 hours after this prayer was prayed...
• At St Paul’s Cathedral, we celebrated the gift of ecumenism, recognising that Christ’s body is wider than any single denomination.
• At Trafalgar Square, surrounded by art and culture, we gave thanks for creativity that points us to the beauty of God’s image in humanity.

Our walk concluded at Westminster Central Hall, where the welcome of faithful stewards and the hospitality of staff reminded us that witness is grounded in community. It was here that we shared in the joyous welcome service for the Revd Faith Nyota as District Chair – a sign of God’s call continuing to be lived out afresh in each generation.

Through all of this, three words came alive for me: Walk. Welcome. Witness.

• We are called to walk faithfully in the world, bringing our prayers and presence into places where God’s kingdom is needed most.
• We are called to welcome generously, creating spaces where all are embraced as God’s beloved.
• We are called to witness courageously, speaking and living the good news of Jesus Christ with joy and conviction.

This is our story, and this is our song. Yet it is also our challenge. If we only walk together when the path is planned, if we only welcome when it feels safe, if we only witness when it costs us nothing, then we fall short of the calling placed upon us. The invitation is to live out “WWW” not as a moment but as a movement – a rhythm of our Methodist Way of Life.

So, as we step into this Connexional year, the question remains: Where will our walk, our welcome, and our witness take us next?