Places of Worship
Hopton has three places of worship: All Saints Parish Church, The Methodist Church and The High Street Chapel
All Saints' Church
Potted History
All Saints’ Church Hopton is a building of great architectural significance, in particular the early Tudor red brick clerestory and the late Medieval hammer beam roof which have been used by the Historic Churches Trust as examples of fine church architecture. The regular stream of visitors is highly appreciative of these architectural gems. The Church is at the geographical centre of the village and is an integral part of Hopton’s identity: the clock, the bells and the churchyard are in their different ways all deeply embedded in daily village life. The tower houses six bells which are rung for service by the local group of bellringers. The bells are in tip top condition having been recently restored. The back five bells, which date from the early 17th century, are the only remaining example of a ring by John Draper's Thetford foundry and the treble, cast in Downham Market, was added in 1807.
The church is open every day of the year and on special days such as Christmas, Easter and Harvest our numbers are swelled by many local residents. The building is also used in the summer for afternoon teas every Friday and we welcome a wide range of local people as well as holidaymakers and tourists.
There are a variety of regular services throughout the month and these attract a good number of worshippers. Most popular is our informal monthly all-age service, which has flourished for the last 20 years. It regularly has a congregation of 30-40, with an age range from babes in arms through to the over 90s. Recently we have begun a quarterly all-age communion service which is very well received. This service is in addition to the long established monthly Holy Communion which is at the heart of All Saints’ pattern of worship.
Church Services
Details of services are on noticeboards, in the Parish News and on the benefice website below.
The Reverend David Messer can be contacted on 01359 221864 or email david@dmesser.freeserve.co.uk
Please note that Reverend Messer is not available on Thursdays or the last Friday of each month.
The United Benefice of Stanton, Hopton, Market Weston, Barningham and Coney Weston has its own website: www.unitedbenefice.com
Hopton Methodist Church 
A smaill village church, lovingly tended by a faithful group of believers. it has been completely modernised over the past few years. There is individual, comfortable seating and an amplified sound and loop system has been installed. There is a toilet for the disabled and a new kitchen providing modern facilities, which are used for the benefit of not only ourselves but also others in the community and beyond.
Address: Nethergate Stree, Hopton, Nr Diss, Norfolk IP22 2QZ
Sunday Service: 10.30am Weekly.
Access Information
This church has a loop system, has large print text and a toilet for the disabled.
WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES AT THE CHURCH
“Knit and Natter”. First Monday of the month, 2pm-3.30pm. An opportunity to knit or crochet for charities including Women’s World Fellowship, The Salvation Army and Oxfam. An informal afternoon with refreshments.
Contact Lesley Savage 01953 681566.
Art Group. Every Wednesday morning 10am – 12noon . Hopton Methodist Art Group meets each Wednesday morning in the Methodist Chapel. we are a very friendly, mixed ability, groupusing mainly watercolour, but ar open to other media.We occasionaly bring in professional artists to run a workshop for us and give us some guidance. New members are always welcome.
Contact: Jean Mills 01953 681528 or email: jean.mills163@btinternet.com
“A Prayer Hour”. Alternate Wednesday afternoons 2pm-3pm. Everyone is welcome either to sit quietly or share in prayer, whether it is for a few minutes or longer.
Contact Dorothy Scarfe 01953 681222
A service of “Prayer for Healing and Wholeness” is held on a Wednesday evening 7.30pm – 8.30pm, approximately every 10 weeks. Refreshments are served afterwards.
Contact Carole Baker 01953 681465.
CHARITY SUPPORT is given on a regular basis through a Spring Supper Evening, Coffee Mornings, and carol Service Evening Collection. The chapel family collect loose change to sponsor two children (Sheba and Shebin) through The Vidiyal Trust. Donations are also passed on for World disasters through the Methodist Relief and Development Fund (Registered charity no: 291691)
High Street Chapel
Established in 1854, High Street Chapel has existed in Hopton for over 150 years. We are an independent evangelical Church sharing friendship through many church and home based activities. Music has played a key part in our evolution and we enjoy a broad range of styles, with modern hymns predominating in our lively worship.
Services
Sunday
10.00am Bible Class (Bible study for teens)
11.00am Sunday School
11.00am Communion (weeks 1, 3 & 4)
‘Encounter’ – all age service (week 2)
6.30pm Evening service
Monday
9.30am Ladies’ Volleyball
7.30pm Ladies’ Keep Fit
Tuesday
8.00pm Ladies’ Coffee Evening (2nd Tuesday in month)
Wednesday
10.00am Home from Home (Day Care Centre)
6.30pm High Street Kids (Open to all 13-19 year olds)
8.00pm Prayer & Bible Study (2nd & 4th Wed in month)
8.00pm Care Groups (1st & 3rd Wed in month)
Thursday
9.30am Early Birds (for Carers/Parents Group)
2.30pm Women’s Meeting (1st & 3rd Thurs in month)
Saturday
7.00pm Teens (Youth Club)
Contact: Mr Dave Cleveland - 01953 681641 or Mr Andy Hart - 01953 681193
Websites: www.highstreetchapel.org.uk
Email: info@highstreetchapel.org.uk