Our Sunday services are our chance to meet together to worship, pray and listen to God's word.
We meet together in person and online via live stream. We join in worship all together at the start of the service then children and young people leave for their own groups while the adults remain in the service for a time of teaching and ministry. Once a month (usually the first Sunday each month) we have a communion service.
COMING TO CHURCH - WHAT TO EXPECT
Do I need to book? No, just turn up!
What should I wear? Whatever you are comfortable in. People wear anything from jeans and t-shirts to jacket and tie.
Can I park? Yes - there is a car park at the church (accessed from Hampton Road). If this is full when you arrive, there are no restrictions to parking on surrounding streets.
What time should I arrive? Why not try to get here at least 10 minutes before the start time (11am) so you can get settled. Refreshments are available before the service starts. To avoid disruption and distractions, we ask that people refrain from walking into church during prayers, Bible readings or teaching. Therefore, if you arrive late, you may be asked to wait in the foyer or sit in the side room until an appropriate point in the service when a steward will help you find a seat.
Do I need any books? All the words for the service (song words and the Bible reading) are projected at the front of church. Some people prefer to use a real Bible - there are plenty of Bibles available to borrow, please help yourself or ask a steward if you would like to use one. Others use Bible apps on their phones.
Can I bring my children? Yes! Children are very welcome and are a vital part of our church. At any age, bring them along with you! They would be very welcome in our children's groups. The person leading the service will announce when it is time for the children to leave for their groups - your children can either go on their own with all the others, or you are welcome to take them and stay while they settle in. The children return to join with the adults towards the end of the service. We will try to spot any visitors with children and introduce them to our Children's Church leader - but please don't feel embarassed to ask if you would like any information. For parents with babies or toddlers who may wish to feed or play, there is a creche room available at the back of church with toys and a screen so you can watch the service.
What if my child makes a noise? If you come with a baby or young child, they will probably make a noise, and that is fine. Please do not feel uncomfortable - you and your child are very welcome here. Feel free to get up and move around if it helps you to comfort your child. There is a creche room with toys and activities for young children, and privacy should you wish to breastfeed your child somewhere discrete.
What if it's a communion service? There is nothing to worry about. We share communion (ie bread and wine - in our case a wafer and non-alcoholic wine) to help us to remember and give thanks for the death and resurrection of Jesus. At the appropriate point in the service, whoever is leading communion (usually the pastor) will explain the procedure. Due to Covid-19 we are currently using pre-sealed communion cups which will be on your seat when you arrive - you don't need to come forward to receive communion. Anybody is welcome to share communion with us - you don't have to be a regular member of our church, nor do you have to have your life in order or be above a certain age. Our pastor deliberately words the invitation very simply - if you love the Lord Jesus and know that He loves you, and if you would like to receive communion to remember and give thanks for His sacrifice for you then you are welcome to receive communion.
Do you have toilets? Yes - in the foyer as well as in the church halls. There are facilities for those with disabilities, as well as baby changing facilities.
What next? If you are new to the church, we'd love to connect with you. Please fill out our new to church form - our pastor would love to get in touch with you to thank you for coming and get to know you better.
We meet lots of people who visit us because, for whatever reason, they find themselves looking for a place of worship. If you have moved into the area or are looking to join a local church, we have put this guide together with some questions you may wish to consider as you visit various churches.