November 2025
For Room Bookings please phone the church on 020 8550 1518
For all other inquiries, please phone Sue on 020 8500 5386
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Links for Sunday live-streamed services
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Gantshill (9.50 for 10.00am service) https://bit.ly/3bzMP4D
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Goodmayes (11.20 for 11.30am service) https://bit.ly/3eXHhml
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Sunday worship plan: November
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2nd Nov, 10.00am United Communion Service with Barkingside conducted by Revd Jacqui Jones
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9th Nov, 10.00am Remembrance Service conducted by Mr Matthew Thorne 4.00pm Circuit Memorial Service at Ilford Methodist Church
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16th, Nov, 10.00am Service conducted by Dr Tony Russell
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23rd, Nov, 10.00am Service conducted by Ms Florence Amoah
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30th Nov 10.00am First Sunday in Advent. Service conducted by Revd Jacqui Jones pm: Circuit Advent Service - time and venue to be confirmed on WhatsApp nearer the time.
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​​Open Thursday
All are welcome to our Thursday Café between 12 noon and 4pm. Come and enjoy real coffee and snacks, join in a game of Scrabble – or just come and chat.
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Harvest Festival September 2025
Many thanks to all who donated so generously to support the work of the Whitechapel Mission.
We were able to send food, clothing and toiletries, and a cheque for £100. (We also send an annual donation of £500)
Church Flower Fund
Many thanks to Sue, who provides flowers for the Communion table every week. These are given to those who are unwell, or unable to attend services. If you have a special event, or would like to donate
towards the cost occasionally, please speak to Sue or there is a box for donations in the Welcome Area.
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Grange Hill Methodist Community Centre
The Foodbank is supporting 6 - 17 families weekly and free legal advice is offered monthly by the local Councillor. Please continue to support the Foodbank if you are able – there is a box in the Vestibule at Gantshill. The following items are needed at present: - dried noodles, Long-life orange juice/ orange squash, shampoo, washing tabs, cat and dog food, sweets.
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​​​​​​​​East London Model Railway Group
The Group meets in the Church Parlour on Tuesdays and Thursday from 10am to 5pm.
Bring your own models to work on, work on the Club layout, or just enjoy tea and a chat. New members are most welcome. For more information contact John 07414755365
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Barking, Dagenham & Ilford Circuit Newsletter
November 2025
“We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” Hebrews 12:1
Siblings in Christ,
November always feels like a bridge between the fading light of autumn and the first whispers of Advent hope. It is a month that invites us to pause, remember, and look forward with quiet expectation. As a circuit we are delighted to welcome Sharon Grundy, our Circuit Lay Pastoral Worker; and look forward to her collegiate in the circuit team. Sharon will be supporting the ministers in her role and not replacing local pastoral teams.
We began this month with the solemnity and beauty of All Saints, remembering the faithful who have gone before us; those whose lives witnessed to the light of Christ. This time of remembrance stands alongside the colour and cultural noise of Halloween, a reminder that even when shadows dance around us, the light of Christ remains steadfast.
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Remembrance and Memorial
This season of reflection continues as we observe Remembrance Sunday, honouring all who gave their lives in service and sacrifice.
On Sunday 9 November at 4.00pm, at Ilford Methodist Church, we will hold our Annual Memorial Service, a space to name, remember, and give thanks for the lives of those we love who have died. Whether your loss is recent or many years past, this service is a gentle invitation to bring our stories of love and grief before God’s tender presence.
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As the month draws to a close, we turn our hearts towards Advent - that sacred season of longing, preparation, and holy waiting. We will gather as a circuit for our Circuit Advent Service on Sunday 30 November, marking the beginning of a new Christian year and lighting the first candle of Hope. Please look out for further Advent news on Bible Studies for the season.
Advent Approaches
This Advent will hold a particular poignancy for me. It marks the beginning of my “lasts” in this beloved circuit I have had the privilege of serving for nearly seven years. Each service, conversation, and shared moment between now and next August will be part of my own season of thanksgiving for all that God has done in and through us.
As we step into this season together, may we be strengthened by the great cloud of witnesses, anchored by remembrance, and inspired by the hope that Advent brings.
With every blessing in Christ,
Rev. Mmasape Thathane-Tyolweni
Superintendent Minister