Leaside Church was formed in 1978 when the congregations of Ware Methodist Church and Ware United Reformed Church agreed to merge. This was very much a "grassroots merger". Many of the two congregations already knew each other through their involvement in activities and service in the town, and coming together seemed a very natural thing to do. Incidentally, the name "Leaside" comes from the River Lea on which the town stands.

Leaside tries to be open, welcoming church. We welcome people of all faiths or none. We accept people for who they are, and encourage them to meet Jesus Christ as the Son of God and as their Saviour through the work and worship we do. There are no pre-requisites for attendance, although clearly membership of the church must imply some explicit statements of faith and belief. Discussion groups, for example, are exceptionally open with a wide range of views and opinions expressed: rarely would anyone be told a position is "wrong" even if it is not shared by most of those present!

Leaside is also heavily involved with the local community from both directions! That is, the church buildings are used by a range of local groups, and church members are involved in community work – a survey showed at least 60 different ways of giving voluntary service amongst members.

Worship is a crucial part of Leaside’s life. The style is generally relaxed, and there are no regular service books or set forms of worship. Although there is a basic pattern to the services, there is not a rigid formula which is followed week-in, week-out, and this variation seems both to be appreciated by, and to attract, many attenders. We have experimented with different elements in worship, but always see these as an integral part of our coming to God: we do not attempt the outrageous, nor do things deliberately to shock.

Prayer is a key part of worship and church life. An intercessions book in the vestibule is brought forward during the service, and the needs identified there used by the minister in the prayers during the service. Prayer calls go out to a large part of the membership when there are particular needs.

Details of mid-week activities can be found elsewhere on this site but include Fellowship meetings, Mother and Toddler Groups and a Kindergarten.