For some people it takes courage to get through the door of a church, especially one of those big, imposing buildings. We understand that, so we want to make it a little easier for you.
What should I wear?
Whatever you are comfortable in. Some people still like their “Sunday best”, but ultimately we are more concerned with getting to know you than with what you wear.. If it’s a chilly day, you might want to wear a coat or sweater. All our churches have heating, but they are large and old, so they don’t warm up brilliantly. They are wonderfully cool in the summer, though!
Do I need to bring anything with me?
No, just come as you are!
Where can I park?
St Mary’s has car parks in the vicinity. At St Bartholomew’s, you can enter via the main gate and park on the right side of the drive. Street parking is available not far from St Andrew’s: please be respectful of local residents.
Are there steps into the church?
No, access to all three of our churches is flat. However, St Bartholomew’s has a gravel driveway and St Andrew’s is at the top of a slope.
Do you have toilets?
There is a toilet with disabled access at St Mary’s and St Bartholomew’s both of which are accessible without having to use steps.
Will you ask for my money?
Every church service is free to attend. As Christians we believe part of our worship is to give some of our money to the church. Gift Aid envelopes are available at the back. However as a guest you are under no obligation to give.
We do take a collection during the service, which supports the work of the church in the community. You are welcome to donate if you wish.
What will happen when I get through the door?
You’ll see a welcomer, often known as a sidesperson or steward. Their job is to say hello, put you at your ease and give you a hymn book, a page containing the readings from the Bible that will be read during the service and a notice sheet. The welcome team are your first port of call if you have a question. You can sit anywhere that you feel comfortable.
What happens when the service starts?
One of the items you get handed when you come in is a service booklet. This has the order of the service on it. The service leader will give a lead on standing and sitting during the service, but we recognise that this isn’t comfortable for some, so it is guidance only.
The service will include the singing of hymns or songs – some are old and more traditional than others. The hymns will be announced by the person leading the service. There will be prayers said – some are said by everyone altogether, and some are read out by the priest or other person leading the service. There are readings – passages from the Bible are announced and read out. One of the pieces of paper you’ll be handed when you arrive has the words of the readings on it so that you can follow. There will also be a talk by the priest (or other service leader), known as the sermon, which takes as its starting point one of the readings. The sermon is designed to stimulate, inspire or encourage the congregation to take a thought or challenge away with them. The sermon is usually 10 to 15 minutes long.
Most of our main Sunday morning services include Communion (otherwise known as the Eucharist), where we share bread and wine together to remember Jesus. If you have been used to receiving Communion at another church, you are welcome to do so here. If you don’t normally take Communion or prefer not receive, we’d love to invite you forward to the communion rail to receive a blessing instead – it helps if you bring a service sheet with you, so that the priest knows you’d like a blessing.
What about my children?
We are delighted to welcome children to all three of our churches. There are toys in each church. At St Mary’s, we try to put on activities for the children during the sermon. Our “Worship Together” service at 11am on the first Sunday of the month is designed to be particularly family-friendly and the sermon will be suitable for children.
Please don’t be embarrassed if your children want to run around at the back of church. Please don’t be stressed if your children make a bit of noise!
What happens at the end of the service?
At St Andrew’s and St Mary’s (at the 11am service), we serve a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits after the service at the back of the church, so please don’t rush off. We’d love to get to know you and demonstrate our welcome.
Take your time to settle at the church, but when you are ready we’d love to tell you how you can get more involved.
What happens next?
There is no pressure to do anything other than participate in the services, but very often newcomers want to find out more about the Christian faith and to make a personal response by exploring what it all means at a personal level.
We run short courses at various points throughout the year. These might be explorer courses for people who want to find out more about what being a Christian means or courses for the whole church family, thinking about how we can live out our faith.
We also offer occasional Confirmation preparation sessions for those who have been baptised as infants but now, as adults wish to take the promises made on their behalf by parents and Godparents for themselves. To find out more, just ask a Church Warden or our vicar.
