MIDDLERTON METHODIST CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICES 9.30am, 6.30pm Communion service First Sunday of the month Sunday School 8.30am and 10.30am Ladies Church Aid Youth Group Men’s Brotherhood Minister: Rev William Thomas, BA, LTh Tel - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 11 - 2009 - Paper 1

Since the 1960s, there have been significant changes in Australia's religious landscape, reflected in the evolution of church services and community engagement.

The Middleton Methodist Church, as indicated by its schedule, emphasizes traditional services alongside community-oriented programs like Ladies Church Aid and Youth Groups. However, there appears to be a shift with the introduction of Sunday Schools, aiming to engage younger generations. The presence of a men's brotherhood suggests a focus on consolidating male participation within church activities, which has been a growing area of interest in religious communities.

In contrast, the Middleton Uniting Church demonstrates a more diverse approach, catering to various cultural groups with services such as Chinese and Tongan services. This reflects a broader trend towards multiculturalism in Australian society and highlights the increasing need for religious institutions to adapt to demographic changes.

Both churches hold communion services on the first Sunday of the month, indicating a shared traditional practice, yet the diversity in ministry roles and the variety of service types across both churches illustrates the evolving nature of faith practices in contemporary Australia.

Additionally, the church signs from 1965 and 2000 serve as symbols of this evolution, representing shifts in community focus and the adaptation of services to better meet the needs of their congregations.