I’m new to Church
If you haven’t visited our church before and don’t know what to expect – you can find the answers to many of your questions about how things work below.
Arriving at Church
Our main Sunday service begins at 10.30am.
As you arrive, you can come in through the main doors and turn right down the ambulatory to the back of the church, there you’ll be greeted by one of our welcome team, who will be happy to answer any questions and help you find your way around. The welcome team will give you a hymn book and the service sheet for that service. If you’re unsure where to sit, need assistance with accessibility, or would simply like someone to introduce you to a few people, just let us know.
The church is accessible, and there is space for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and pushchairs. There is a hearing loop in the main section of seating in the church (not in the side aisle).
The level entrance is found through the church rooms behind the tower. With your back towards the road turn right and go around the back of the tower until you find the doors by the memorial garden. Enter into the church rooms and then turn left half way along the corridor. Here you will find yourself at the back of the church and the welcome team and hymn books will be to your left.
Where Should I Sit?
Anywhere you like.
There are no reserved seats, and regular members of the congregation are used to welcoming newcomers. Some people enjoy sitting near the front so they can see and hear everything clearly, while others prefer somewhere towards the back. There are spaces in the middle of church for wheelchairs and big gaps in the side aisle for prams. Please choose whatever feels most comfortable for you.
Families and Children
Children are a valued part of our church family, and we love having them with us. Please don’t worry about noise, movement, or wriggly children – that’s all part of church life.
There is a children’s area available at the back of the church by the font, and in the church rooms at the back is a space for children to play – the service is streamed in here so that parents and carers can listen while supervising their children. Most weeks during the sermon slot we have Curious Cookies in the church rooms. This is a chance for children to hear a bible story, ask questions about anything and get a cookie!
If you’re visiting with children and aren’t sure where to go, one of our welcome team will be happy to help.
What Happens During the Service?
Our main Sunday service is a service of Holy Communion and usually lasts around an hour and fifteen minutes.
The service combines the richness of Anglican worship with a warm and accessible atmosphere. You’ll find a mixture of traditional hymns, Bible readings, prayers, and a sermon that seeks to connect the Christian faith with everyday life.
Everything you need will be provided in a service booklet and hymn book. Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with the service – people stand, sit, and join in at different points, and it’s perfectly fine simply to follow along and observe.
Our choir play an important role in leading worship, helping us offer our praise to God through music of many different styles and traditions. On the 3rd Sunday of each month the service is a simpler style without the choir and we end these services with everyone joining in with instruments during the last hymn.
Holy Communion
If you are a baptised Christian and are accustomed to receiving Communion in your own church, you are warmly invited to receive Communion here. Gluten free wafers and non-alcoholic communion wine are available for those who need it – just tell the clergy when you come forward.
If you would prefer not to receive Communion, you are very welcome to come forward for a prayer of blessing instead. Simply keep your hands by your side as you come forward or indicate this to the clergy. You are also welcome to stay in your seat and simply observe.
If you’re unsure about any of this, don’t worry. There will be no pressure, and someone will be happy to explain.
What Should I Wear?
Whatever you feel comfortable wearing.
On any given Sunday you’ll find people dressed in everything from jeans and jumpers to jackets and ties. There is no dress code.
After the Service
After the service, many people stay for tea, coffee, and conversation. It’s a great opportunity to meet others, ask questions, and get to know the church community.
If you’re visiting for the first time, we’d especially love the chance to say hello.
Other services
On Sundays, apart from the 10.30am service, there is either an 8.30am communion service – this is a quieter and shorter service with no choir or 9am Breakfast Church. At Breakfast Church we do craft, have a short talk and eat breakfast. Entrance is via the church rooms behind the tower.
On Wednesdays there is a midweek communion service at 12pm in the main church.