NEW TO CHURCH? WHAT TO EXPECT
Welcome! Whether you've just moved to the area, or have lived here all your life, we hope our website helps you to find out everything you want to know about our churches.
We understand that coming to a service for the first time often feels like a big step, particularly when you don't know what to expect. We hope the below answers some of the questions you might have.
Entering the building: You will receive a warm welcome from someone from the welcome team. They will offer a service booklet and hymn book if it's a Holy Communion service, and answer any questions you may have. Please ask them for help if you need it. You are welcome to sit wherever you like. All our churches are accessible by wheelchair, and our audio systems have a loop for those using hearing aids.
Stand, sit or kneel: You may be concerned about when to stand, sit or kneel. Our all-age or Cafe Church services are very informal and adults and children tend to sit down at tables or wander around as they please. If you have come for a traditional Holy Communion service, those who are able generally stand to sing hymns, to affirm our faith – the Creed – and for the reading of the Gospel. These tend to be indicated in the order of service. However, suggestions for standing and sitting during any of our services are entirely optional. Please feel able to sit or stand as you feel most comfortable. If you have children or toddlers, they are always most welcome to make noise or run around as they need to.
The main service: Across our parish we have a mixture of Holy Communion services, monthly Cafe Church services, and other occasional family services. Each service has a different feel and you are welcome to come to any of them. You can find out when our services take place here. Some parts remain the same each week while others change depending on the season. Holy Communion services will always have a service booklet as a clear guide but if you are unsure of anything, just ask the person next to you.
The Peace: In the middle of a Holy Communion service we share the Peace, where it's customary to offer a brief greeting to those around you with the words 'peace be with you'. A collection is normally taken during during the offertory hymn which follows the Peace.
Receiving communion: At this point of a Holy Communion service, people are invited to come and receive the consecrated bread and wine. You are welcome to receive Communion with us. If you'd prefer to receive a prayer of blessing, simply come forward carrying your service booklet as a sign. You can also stay in your seat if you would prefer not to come forward.
Afterwards: After the final blessing, we usually gather for refreshments at the back of church. Members of our congregation are famously friendly, so you are warmly welcome to stay for a chat and a brew.
We understand that coming to a service for the first time often feels like a big step, particularly when you don't know what to expect. We hope the below answers some of the questions you might have.
Entering the building: You will receive a warm welcome from someone from the welcome team. They will offer a service booklet and hymn book if it's a Holy Communion service, and answer any questions you may have. Please ask them for help if you need it. You are welcome to sit wherever you like. All our churches are accessible by wheelchair, and our audio systems have a loop for those using hearing aids.
Stand, sit or kneel: You may be concerned about when to stand, sit or kneel. Our all-age or Cafe Church services are very informal and adults and children tend to sit down at tables or wander around as they please. If you have come for a traditional Holy Communion service, those who are able generally stand to sing hymns, to affirm our faith – the Creed – and for the reading of the Gospel. These tend to be indicated in the order of service. However, suggestions for standing and sitting during any of our services are entirely optional. Please feel able to sit or stand as you feel most comfortable. If you have children or toddlers, they are always most welcome to make noise or run around as they need to.
The main service: Across our parish we have a mixture of Holy Communion services, monthly Cafe Church services, and other occasional family services. Each service has a different feel and you are welcome to come to any of them. You can find out when our services take place here. Some parts remain the same each week while others change depending on the season. Holy Communion services will always have a service booklet as a clear guide but if you are unsure of anything, just ask the person next to you.
The Peace: In the middle of a Holy Communion service we share the Peace, where it's customary to offer a brief greeting to those around you with the words 'peace be with you'. A collection is normally taken during during the offertory hymn which follows the Peace.
Receiving communion: At this point of a Holy Communion service, people are invited to come and receive the consecrated bread and wine. You are welcome to receive Communion with us. If you'd prefer to receive a prayer of blessing, simply come forward carrying your service booklet as a sign. You can also stay in your seat if you would prefer not to come forward.
Afterwards: After the final blessing, we usually gather for refreshments at the back of church. Members of our congregation are famously friendly, so you are warmly welcome to stay for a chat and a brew.
