I’m new – FAQ’s

Questions you may have:

• I’m new to church. How do I visit?

  Everyone is welcome to our churches regardless of where they are on their journey of faith. You can find out which services are available via the individual churches’ pages. If you don’t feel comfortable coming to a service, we hold lots of coffee mornings, family groups and fun days too.

• What time should I arrive?

  You can find timings of services across our ministry area on each churches’ page. Typically, people arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of the service time to get ready to worship God. However, you will never be turned away whatever time you arrive!

• What should I wear?

  Whatever you feel comfortable in!

• What happens during a service?

  Our services can vary from church to church but you’ll normally find bible readings, prayers and singing hymns. Some services involved Holy Communion, where we receive the bread and wine as Jesus instructed at the Last Supper.

• What do I bring?

  You only need to bring yourself! You’ll usually be given different books when you arrive to help you follow the service. This could include a service book, hymn book and reading sheet. The service book and reading sheet will change depending on the church season.

• How do I know where I participate?

  There are parts that the service leader says and parts where the congregation (you) join in. In our orders of service which are either in a book or shown on a screen, the sentences where you join in are in bold lettering. Don’t worry about getting this right, there will be people to help.

• What is the bread and wine and can I take it?

  Communion (also known as Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper) is a sacrament that often forms part of our worship. It is where we follow Jesus’ command to remember him as we gather together. Through Communion, we believe we encounter God in a real way. If you have been baptised (christened) you’re welcome to receive communion if you wish. Follow everyone else and at the altar, hold out your hands to receive the bread and wine. If you do not wish to receive communion, you are welcome to come up and receive a blessing (people usually cross their arms in front of their chest as a sign to the minister).

• I am not baptised / Christened, can I do this as an adult?

  Yes. If you would like to explore baptism as part of your journey in faith, speak to one of the clergy who will explore this with you. You can be baptised during a service or it can be held at a separate time.

• What about children?

  Children will always be welcome across our ministry area. You will find more information about family worship services and children’s activities under the  ‘Children and Families’ page.

• Can I park at your churches and is it accessible?

  You can find all the information about parking at a church on its individual page. These can be found under the ‘Worship’ heading of this website.

• Are there accessible facilities?

  Our churches vary, but information about accessibility can be found on a church’s individual page. These can be found under the ‘Worship’ heading of this website. Alternatively, for more information, you can submit a contact form which can be found under the ‘Connect’ heading of this website.