Coming to church for the first time, or coming to a new church, can be a daunting experience! We would like you to feel welcomed and supported, so here are a few things to look out for if you are new to the church.
A warm welcome
When you arrive, you will find our Welcomers waiting to greet you as you enter the inner door. Our Welcomers have name badges to help you spot them, and they will provide you with anything you need for the service, such as a service booklet and hymn book. If you have any questions or need any help, they are the people to ask! You are welcome to sit anywhere within the church, but a couple of seats are reserved for Churchwardens. These are labeled and can be found towards the back pews of the either side of the central aisle.
Accessible considerations
We have a loop system for those who need it, and our church has step free access from the street to the altar. A toilet with disabled facilities is available inside the building. Different areas of the church seating offer different experiences, so if you are looking to sit somewhere a bit quieter please let our Welcomers know.
Bringing Children and Young People
We welcome youngsters, however wriggly or noisy! Our Tower Room is available if you feel your children need some sound-proofed space where there are toys to play with whilst you continue to watch the service through the glass doors and listen via the speaker system. School aged children are welcome to join our Junior Church (click here for more information). Baby changing facilities are available in the disabled toilet.
All that you need for the service
The service booklet has all that you need to follow the service. You will notice that some parts are printed in bold type, which shows the words you are invited to join in and say. The person leading the service will indicate when to stand or sit and will announce when we are going to sing. The songs, or hymns, are printed in the hymn books and given numbers. The hymn numbers we will use for the service are displayed at the front of the church, just to the left of the main archway. Sometimes, we show the words on the large screen hanging in the main archway.
Holy Communion
At a service of Holy Communion (also known as the Eucharist, or the Lord's Table) a Churchwarden will indicate when it is time to go up to the High Altar. All who are baptised are welcome to receive communion here. If you have not been baptised, or are not sure, you are welcome to come forward to be blessed by the Priest. Simply take your service sheet with you when you go forward, then stand or kneel at the altar rail (watch what others do!) and the Priest, spotting your service sheet, will offer you a blessing. If you don't feel ready to come forward then please feel free to stay in your seat whilst others come forward. If you are unable to come forward and would like the Priest to come to you, please let the Churchwarden know. You can find out more about the Eucharist here.
Refreshments
We enjoy tea, coffe, juice (and often biscuits and cakes!) after many of our services. You are very welcome to stay and enjoy refreshments without charge. Do let us know if you are new - we would love to find out more about you!