Thank you for visiting our website and showing interest in this page.
If you are a present or past worshipper, you will probably know what you are looking for in a church, so why not come and see if we can provide it? At the very least we hope you will find that you feel welcomed, at home, and in God’s presence.
If you are new to faith, or wondering about it, you are likely to have more questions than we can answer here – you’re very welcome to contact us and we will try to try to help you with whatever you want to know.
Everyone has questions before they try something new. We’ve tried to answer some of the common things that people want to know, but if we’ve missed anything, just get in touch and we’ll do our best to answer.
What’s the church doing about COVID-19?
The Church has undertaken a risk assessment and complies with Government and URC guidance and regulations. Along with other Churches, you will notice the changes that these have brought about to our services when you enter our Church currently, and we ask you to kindly comply with any current regulations. Please do feel free to ask any questions if you are unsure of anything or concerned in any way.
What is a service like?
Worship is led either by local ministers or worship leaders, the Elders or our Junior Church.. Our services are normally a mix of hymns and worship songs, scripture readings, talks and prayers.
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 the person who welcomes you, 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. We usually also have biscuits, and sometimes even cake!
What is the music like?
We have a church organ which we use for most services, but sometimes use other instruments as we can. We use a selection of modern and traditional songs.
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 we hope you will feel able to relax and get to know us as a church. We’re quite happy for you to join in or not, as you feel appropriate. We normally stand to sing otherwise we remain seated.
What about Communion?
Sharing bread and wine is an important part of our Christian faith. It reminds us of what Jesus did for us. We currently have Communion once a month. The bread and wine are served to you in your seat.
Everyone is invited to the Lord’s table – no-one is excluded – but if you prefer not to receive Communion that’s absolutely fine.
What should I wear?
Please dress as you feel comfortable. Our congregation attends dressed in anything from casual to dressed-up. The choice is yours!
What happens to my children during the service?
Children are welcomed at our services. After about 20 minutes, children go to continue their worship with activities in other parts of our building. Your children can either stay in or join this group. Please speak to whoever is welcoming you for more information.
All our leaders have been DBS-checked. We follow and use the safeguarding policy of the United Reformed Church and have access to the Synod Safeguarding Officer for advice and help if needed..
Do I have to give money to the collection?
Absolutely not. There is a collection plate near the door as you enter. It is solely your choice whether you wish to donate or not. 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.
We have a prayer tree as you come in for prayer requests; please feel free to contact us if you have any prayer requests, or you can post them through our letter box at the front of the Church.
The URC release a devotion each day, a small reflection on a Bible passage with a prayer. You can visit the site here.
What next?
Even if it’s your first visit to church, we hope you felt welcome, and that you’ll encounter the God who is so important to all of us. We believe God offers hope to everyone, and our aim is to make it as easy as possible for others to discover this. Sunday services are a good place to do this, but please feel free to also have an informal chat with one of the Elders if you wish to explore further.
Everyone has questions before they try something new. We’ve tried to answer some of the common things that people want to know, but if we’ve missed anything, just get in touch and we’ll do our best to answer, or just ask someone when you arrive.
Do come and visit us. You’ll be very welcome.