Next events:
Lectio Divina (on Zoom)
The Spoken Words of Jesus
Labyrinth Walk
Highlands Pilgrimage
We've a number of events running at Highlands Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea over the coming months. All are free and meant for anyone who has an open mind and curiosity. Find out more about what's on below. These are hosted by Methodist minister Heather Simmons and Leigh-based interfaith minister Clive Johnson. Find out more about Clive and interfaith by clicking here.
Upcoming Events (all free of charge)
When: Wednesday 16 April 730-830pm on Zoom (weekly, initially for 4 weeks),
Where: Online
What: A series of reflections on poems and lyrics from hymns, songs and choruses, guided by a meditation host in the style of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina is an ancient guided meditation and contemplative practice for hearing and reflecting on Scripture or another written piece that is read aloud. It originated in monasteries as a way for a group to jointly hear a Scripture reading, then meditate upon it and pray based on what it raised for them. The practice will be gently introduced and guided in each session.
Booking: Not required! Just turn up a little before the event is due to start, or for the Zoom events, email clive@clivejohnsonministry.com or call Clive on 07956 942980 for the link.
When: Saturday 19 April (Easter Saturday) 1-3pm, 2-hour informal workshop, including a break for coffee.
Where: Highlands Methodist Church
What: At this sacred time of year, we will hear some of the words of Jesus as those who study Aramaic ¬ – the spoken language of Jesus – believe they may have been heard. As we anticipate the day of our Lord’s glorious resurrection, the words we will hear include his promises of reassurance and comfort. Come to hear a beautiful selection of well-known sayings of Jesus as you may never have heard them before, owing to the way that were first interpret in Greek and later translated into English.
Booking:If you'd like to attend, please email Clive at clive@clivejohnsonministry.com or call 07956 942980. There's no cost for this workshop, although donations for the church funds are always welcome!
When: Saturday 3 May 1-145pm
Where: Highlands Methodist Church
What: Join us on World Labyrinth Day, when people around the world are invited to offer a prayer for peace while walking a labyrinth as “one at one” (at 1 pm in their own time zone). On this day, a beautiful labyrinth, based on a famous one found in Chartres Cathedral, returns to Highlands. Come and hear a little about the mystery of the labyrinth and then, if you can, simply walk. This event is for people of any faith tradition or none and assumes nothing other than you can put one foot in front of another – or if this is difficult, just sit around the labyrinth and bathe in its beautiful energy.
Booking: Not required! Just turn up a little before the event is due to start.
When: Sunday 10 August 12-130pm
Where: Slow walk around the Highlands area of Leigh
What: Following a beautiful meditative walk of discovery around our neighbourhood last year, join us if you can for another brief, guided “pilgrimage” of awe, wonder and gratitude. We will start with a very brief walk for those who feel unable to join us for a longer walk of around about a mile, including regular stops. In the event of poor weather, we will enjoy a meditative walk inside the church. The longer walk will also include mention of a few points of local history and interest, and is suitable for folks of any faith tradition or none.
Booking: Not required! Just turn up a little before the event is due to start.
For further information on any of these events, please email Clive at clive@clivejohnsonministry.com or call 07956 942980.
We're hoping to run more events soon, including exploring contemplative practices such as centering prayer and chanting. Bookmark this page to keep up to date!
All events are free of charge, although any donations toward church running costs are always welcome!
Check out the Highlands Methodist Church website to find out what else is going on.
Getting To The Church: The church is located at Sutherland Boulevard, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 3PT, close to the junction with the London Road (A13) and Thames Drive. There are two small car parks and free on-street parking close by. Buses run regularly along the London Road to various destinations. The Thames Drive bus stop is approximately 100 yards from the church. Leigh-on-Sea is the nearest rail station, served by c2c from London Fenchurch Street. The station is about 1 mile away (involving an up hill walk in the direction of the church, or a 5 minute cab ride). A bus, #26 (Monday-Friday) or #21 (Sunday), operated by First Bus, runs an infrequent service between the station and Thames Drive (London Road/Thames Drive stop).
Google Maps:
Please email Clive at clive@clivejohnsonministry.com if you've questions about anything relating to what's on that isn't answered here!