The Methodist Church has as its prime objective ‘need, not creed’. It has always recognized the importance of reaching out and building relationships with the wider community. Agape (pronounced A –ga-pay) is a Greek word which translates into English as ‘love’ and is used to describe a practical love towards all people.
The new Agape Centre, which opened in April 2012, is finished to a very high specification and embraces all the technologies of the digital age. It provides a cross community focal point for a diverse range of services to meet local needs. Our current long term tenants are the South Belfast Youth Football League (the largest amateur football league in Northern Ireland), Abbeyfield Belfast Society and Belfast Health Trust Community Mental Health Team. Weekly activities run by partner organisations include karate ,pilates, contemporary dance, Weight Watchers and Slimming World, whilst we have hosted meetings and events by organisations including Addiction N I, Alzheimer’s Society, the Charis Community, Contemporary Christianity, Mission Africa, the New Lyric Operatic Company, Peace Players International, Praxis Mental Health, United Nations Association and Womens’ Aid.
The Centre provides a high quality range of conference and seminar rooms which can be hired at competitive rates. It is accessible at street level with lift and stair access to the upper floors. There are excellent kitchen facilities and catering can be provided on request. The Centre can be very easily reached by public services both bus and train services.
The Agape Centre continues to develop and to respond to identified needs in the area.