The document provides information about the Methodist Church and its structure and traditions: 1) The Methodist Church traces its origins back over 200 years when it was initially seen as troublesome for its passionate beliefs, but is now a respectable denomination that still remembers why it caused a nuisance in the 18th century. 2) The church year is built around celebrations of Christmas and Easter, and includes other festivals and seasons throughout the year that are sometimes associated with different liturgical colors. 3) The local Methodist church structure is based on John Wesley's original societies and classes that met for worship, fellowship and prayer, and local churches are still organized in a similar methodical way at the regional and national levels.

1. Methodist Church ! By Jamie Watts and Jodie Higton

2. Methodists? Trouble makers more like! That's what the church authorities thought when we were first founded, anyway! That was over 200 years ago. Nowadays we are just as 'respectable' as any other group of churches. But we still remember the reasons why we were such a nuisance way back in the 18th century. It is because we are passionate in our belief in God, and we believe that anyone can find forgiveness by believing in Jesus Christ.

3. The church year We have many different years in the calendar. The school year from September 1st to August 31st, the calendar year from January 1st to December 31st and the financial year from April 1st to March 31st to name but a few. The church also has an annual cycle from Advent Sunday to the last Sunday after Pentecost (see diagram below). Most, but not all, of the churches important days are Sunday (CFM section on Festivals - Sunday). The church's year is built around the two important festivals which celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas) and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Easter). Note: As Easter is festival based on Pesach or Passover it is a moon based festival and thus the date of Easter is not fixed in the calendar year. The dates of Easter can be found at the following link . So, on the chart below the dates for Easter and the dates associated with this (Ash Wednesday, Lent and Pentecost) are aggregated. In some denominations there are associated colours with the festivals and the seasons. This is true for the Catholic and Anglican traditions and some others:

4. The church year Festival Reason Liturgical Colour 1 Advent Preparation for the birth of Jesus Purple 2 Christmas The birth of Jesus Gold 3 Epiphany The arrival of the magi (wise men) White 4 Ash Wednesday The beginning of Lent Purple 5 Lent Preparation for Easter Purple 6 Holy Week Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, death (crucifixion) and resurrection Palm Sunday Jesus arrives in Jerusalem Purple Maundy Thursday The last supper and the washing of the disciples feet Purple Good Friday The crucifixion Black 7 Easter The resurrection of Jesus Gold 8 Ascension Jesus returns to his father in heaven White 9 Pentecost The Holy Spirit comes to the disciples Red 10 Harvest Thanksgiving for all creation Green Note : The colour from Pentecost to Advent is - Green

5. Castletown Methodist Church Castletown Methodist Church traces its story back to the visits of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, to Castletown in the eighteenth century. It is sometimes known locally as Arbory Street to distinguish it from Malew Street when the former was the Wesleyan Methodist and the latter the Primitive Methodist Chapel.

6. Structure The Methodist Church is still organised in a methodical way using many of the structures introduced by its founder, John Wesley. However, the Church is quite pragmatic, and is willing to make changes where they seem desirable. Structures are there to enable decision making that takes account of all concerns and views within the Church. No one is given supreme authority – consultation is vital. At the same time, churches cannot simply arrange their own affairs, but have some shared disciplines and ways of working.

8. The local church Local Methodist churches are congregations based on the original Methodist 'societies' that met within the Church of England. These met initially in people's homes for worship, fellowship, prayer and instruction. Classes When they began to gather in larger buildings, Methodists continued the practice of meeting in small groups or 'classes' for Bible study, prayer and Christian conversation. These intimate support groups were very effective at building commitment and a sense of belonging

9. Membership Methodist membership is still held in the 'society' in a certain place - it is locally based. All members belong to a 'class' (which may or may not meet). Many other people are associated with Methodist churches, through attending worship and participating in clubs and fellowship groups. Worship Worship in the local church may be led by the minister who has pastoral charge of the church, but will frequently be conducted by a Local Preacher, who is a trained lay person.

10. Methodist Conference THE METHODIST COUNCIL The ongoing work of the Methodist Conference is undertaken throughout the year by the Methodist Council, which meets four times annually.