Dinnington Methodists aims to create safe spaces for marginalized individuals to explore faith and feel a sense of belonging. Their work will be based in Dinnington, utilizing Methodist premises and partnering with other denominations and local agencies. The focus will be on the kitchen, garden, and community rooms for support networks, study spaces, and youth work. New forms of worship will be introduced at times that suit the community.
In February 2024, Dinnington Methodist Church faced a crisis. A group of faithful members wanted to continue meeting and worshipping. They considered starting occasional worship at a local sheltered housing complex or a Dementia Support Group for carers. The significance of existing groups, like the Shell Group for young people and a Lunch Club for older residents, was recognized. These groups have longstanding ties to the community and provide valuable services.
A Vision Group, including representatives from four Methodist churches, was formed to explore the way forward. They engaged with community groups, churches, and local agencies to discern God's call and experiment with new initiatives. The group reported back after six months, highlighting Dinnington's deprivation and the need for activities within the community due to limited public transport and a pit-village culture. They identified potential new initiatives, such as a Men's Talking Group in partnership with the Salvation Army, complementing existing youth services, offering a safe study space with Wi-Fi, and converting the chapel lawn into a community garden.
The chapel has now passed into circuit trusteeship, and the existing congregation has become a class of North Anston Methodist Church. They will continue traditional Sunday worship, but the priority is to grow new forms of Christian community through outreach activities. This project has the approval of the Trinity Circuit Meeting.
A Management Group, including members of the Vision Group and former Dinnington Methodist Church members, will oversee the project. The Revd Angela Pothecary will lead the work, supported by Superintendent Minister The Revd Julie Coates and District Officers Neil Harland and Vic Loveday. They will collaborate with stakeholders like Rotherham College and Rotherham Family Hub Network.
The project aims to establish a new Toddler Group, recruit a Pioneer Worker, and build community links in the first year. By the third year, they hope to have four new initiatives developing faith and worship. By the fifth year, they aim to create a 'community of communities' that helps people grow as disciples and explore faith deeply. Long-term sustainability will be ensured through continued ecumenical links and volunteer development.
