Trinity Methodist Church marked an important occasion on Sunday, 18 October.

Two separate congregations, one English speaking and the other Chinese speaking, have been worshipping in the Brewery Road premises for more than 10 years.

As friendship and trust has grown between the two communities, it was decided that the two churches should come together to form one church with two congregations, rather than operating separately.

Last Sunday marked the formal signing of a Declaration of Intent so the process of becoming one church can formally start.

The Declaration was signed by the Ministers of each congregation (Rev Sam Funnell and Rev David Foo) and the partnership team drawn from the leadership of the two congregations - English speaking: John Nelson and Hugh Bowerman, Chinese speaking: Edmond Tsui and Simon Che.

Trinity Methodist Church is part of the Wey Valley Circuit, and the previous and current Superintendent Ministers, Rev Dr Paul Glass and Rev Paul Tabraham, were also present.

The signing followed a joint worship service. This was a joyous occasion with participation from both congregations.

Rev Sam Funnell preached on togetherness - in our likeness of God, in using the gifts we have, and in having a shared purpose.

After the signing Simon Che recapped the journey of the Chinese speaking church in Woking. It was noted that when they first started meeting at Trinity there were about 30 people in Trinity’s small hall.

The first song they sang was To God be the Glory. This great hymn was rousingly sung by over 250 people to close the signing ceremony.

In a world where so much seems to be falling apart, it is good to be able to report this coming together.