What is a service like?
In our Sunday morning service you will find something for everyone, both new visitors and regular members.
We don’t have a permanent Minister to take worship, so we have a variety of people who lead our services, such as Ministers visiting from other churches, our Community Minister, trained lay worship leaders and members of our congregation.
We use a projector and screen for all the words and songs, so it’s easy to follow along. The screen is also often used to show slides and videos as part of our worship. There’s no pressure to take part. We’re very happy for you to come along and see what worshipping here is like. If anything seems unfamiliar, feel free to ask any of the people on duty, or someone sitting nearby.
How long are your services?
Our Sunday services usually last around an hour and you are invited to stay for coffee and a chat afterwards.
What is the music like?
We have a church organ and a music group who share in the music during worship. Members of the music group play piano, guitar, accordion, and sometimes even an autoharp! (Why not come along and find out just what that is!) We use a selection of modern and traditional songs, most are ones for the congregation to join in with, but sometimes the music group enhances our worship by singing something for everyone to listen to.
Will I know what to do?
Most people find their first visit to church more informal than they expected. We’re a friendly group of people, and our services are set up so you can relax and get to know us as a church. All the words you’ll need are projected on a screen, and we’re quite happy for you not to join in if you don’t feel it’s appropriate.
What about Communion?
Sharing bread and wine is an important part of our church community. It reminds us what Jesus did for us. We currently have Communion once a month on the first Sunday. The bread and wine are served to you in your seat. By the way – we always use non-alcoholic communion wine and gluten-free bread so that no-one need feel excluded.
Everyone is invited to share in communion, but you can ask for a prayer or blessing instead if you prefer – please just ask when you arrive in the church.
What should I wear?
Please dress as you feel comfortable. Our congregation attends dressed in anything from casual to dressed-up. Take your pick!
What happens to my children during the service?
Children are welcomed at services, and there are toys and activities available for their use, located in the special Children’s space on the right hand side of the worship area. There are also adult-sized seats there so that parents can be near their children during the service.
We have a full safeguarding policy in place, and review this regularly.
Do I have to give money to the collection?
Absolutely not. Please feel free to just pass the bowl on if you wish.
Many church members and regular attenders support the work of the church through cash donations, standing orders, or using envelopes that allow us to receive Gift Aid on donations.
What about prayer?
Prayer is at the heart of our church life, and we believe that it can really make a difference in people’s lives. It’s one of the ways we can discover that God loves and cares about everyone and is with us always.
In addition to prayer during worship (spoken or silent) –
- We are available after worship for anyone who asks for prayer
- We have a box in the porch for prayer requests
What next?
Even if it’s your first visit to church, we hope you have a great experience, and that you’ll encounter the God of Life who is so important to all of us. We believe God offers a promise and a hope to everyone, and our aim is to make it as easy as possible for others to discover this for the first time. Sunday services are a great place to do this, but if you want to do something different, just have a chat with one of the service leaders or elders.
We have some great opportunities. There is a range of social activities, coffee mornings, and joining our Bible study group or Morning Prayers (both on Zoom) could be a great next step. They are ideal places to ask those questions that we all choose to explore at some point.
Please remember, if you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch with us, or just ask someone when you arrive. There’s always a welcome team on the door if you’re not sure who to ask.
Do come and visit. We’ll be pleased to welcome you.