What to Expect

Thank you for visiting our website.

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 pop along either to worship or to the cafe we run at church on Wednesday and Thursday mornings 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 is a service like?

In our Sunday morning service you will find something for everyone, both new visitors and regular members. 

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 one our welcome team, or someone sitting nearby.

How long are your services?

Our Sunday services usually last around an hour and you are invited to stay afterwards for tea, coffee and a chat.

What is the music like?

We have a fine church organ which we use for part of most services but we also use an electronic piano.  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 our services are set up so you can relax and get to know us as a church. All the words you’ll need are either projected on a screen or are in the hymnbook, and we’re quite happy for you not to join in if you don’t feel it’s appropriate.

What about Communion?

On the first Sunday of each month we share in Holy Communion.  Sharing bread and wine is an important part of our church community. Jesus told his disciples to remember him when they broke bread and shared wine.  As he did this he said “this is my body” when he broke the bread and “this is my blood” when he shared the wine.  

Christians have puzzled about what he meant by this words ever since!  We believe, however, that through the sharing of bread and wine we are drawn into God’s presence, our faith is renewed and we are strengthened in our determination to be Jesus’ followers.  So that everyone can be included we use non alcoholic wine and, as is the Reformed Church tradition, we serve communion to you in your seats.  Everyone is invited to share this meal – no one is excluded.  If, however, you’d rather not receive the bread and wine simply pass it on to the next person.

What should I wear?

Please dress as you feel comfortable. Our congregation attends dressed in anything from casual to dressed-up. Take your pick!

What happens to my children during the service?

Children are welcomed at services, trained leaders take them out, if they wish, during the sermon for their own activities.  All our leaders have been PVG-checked. We have a full safeguarding policy in place, and review this regularly.

Do I have to give money to the collection?

Absolutely not. Please feel free to just pass the basket on if you wish.

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.

In addition to prayer during worship (spoken or silent), we are available after worship for anyone who asks for prayer.  If you have a specific person you’d like us to pray for in the service speak to one of the welcome team and their name will be added to the prayers.

What About Social Events?

We provide a Cafe on Wednesday and Thursday mornings in term time and also have regular social events.  We like to get to know each other and welcome folk over food.

What next?

Even if it’s your first visit to church, we hope you have a great experience, and that you’ll encounter the God who is so important to all of us. We believe God offers a promise and a hope to everyone, and our aim is to make it as easy as possible for others to discover this for the first time. Sunday services are a great place to do this, but if you want to do something different, just have a chat with one of the .

Please remember, if you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch with us, or just ask someone when you arrive. There’s always a welcome team on the door if you’re not sure who to ask.

Do come and visit. We’ll be pleased to welcome you.