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 get in touch with 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 is a service like?
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. We use a modern projector and screen for all the words and songs, so it’s easy to follow along.
The Bible is brought in and placed on the Communion table – those who are able to stand until the minister (or person leading the service if not the minister) has said the welcome.
There is a ‘call to worship’ usually led by the minister – the words are on the screens or in our news bulletin – please feel free to join in the responses.
We stand to sing the hymns and sit to pray.
There is an offering taken by the stewards. When it is brought forward we stand together to bring the offering to God as part of our worship.
All children and babies are invited to go out with our Church of Youth at this point in the service.
At the close of the service the minister goes to the main door to greet people.
Toilets are in the entrance of the church, or through by the halls and lounge.
Kindly ensure your mobile phones are switched off during the service.
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. Refreshments are served in our lounge, this is accessed via the door on the left as you look at the pulpit and you will see lots of people heading that way after the service.
What is the music like?
We have a church organ which we use for some services, we also have a music group, orchestra, young people and a choir. Our music is varied. We use a selection of modern and traditional songs. Words are projected onto a screen at the front of church so they are easy to see, if you prefer a hymn book then these are usually dotted around the church at the end of pews and at the back of the chairs.
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 projected on a screen, and we’re quite happy for you not to join in if you don’t feel it’s appropriate.
What about Communion?
We celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month. The elements of bread and wine are distributed to the congregation by Elders, the congregation do not need to get up and move. Sometimes the children receive Holy Communion in their class from a Sacramental Elder or the Minister, other times they return to the service and share in the Sacrament with the adults. When the children are present, the liturgy is short and we eat the bread and drink the wine as soon as we have received it. Otherwise we wait to participate together.
Our Communion Table holds an open welcome to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ.
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, and there are toys and activities available for their use during the service. We have an area near the front of the church with colourful mats that you are welcome to use. Children are invited to leave the service after the offertory but it is not obligatory, but we think they will have far more fun with the Church of Youth led activities so do give it a try.
All our leaders have been DBS-checked. We have a full safeguarding policy in place, and review this regularly.We ask that visiting children are accompanied to the hall by an adult relative and make their identity known to the staff before returning to the service. Please return to collect your child/ren straight after the service. This is for safeguarding purposes.
Do I have to give money to the collection?
Absolutely not. Please feel free to just pass the bag 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. If you would like to learn more about prayer at Christ Church and other opportunities we have for prayer, or would like us to pray for you or a loved one then just speak to anyone with a name badge on and we will be happy to help.
I’m visiting for a Baptism, what else do I need to know?
The baptism is in the first half of the service:
The parents and godparents are invited to stand with the minister. Everyone else remains seated for the Sacrament. We ask that photographs are taken only after the service – this is a sacred moment for us all.
After the baptism all children are invited to join our Church of Youth and Crèche when they leave for their special time together.
What next?
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. Welcome packs giving more information are available near the church entrance, or ask someone with a name badge if you can’t see one and we will get one for you.
Do come and visit. We’ll be pleased to welcome you.