I’m New
A very warm welcome
Welcome! We’re so glad you’re thinking about joining us.
Whether this is your first time in church, your 1000th time, or somewhere in between, you are very welcome here.
We are an inclusive church, and whoever you are, whatever your background, and wherever you are on your journey, there is a place for you here. We believe that we are all part of God’s family; you do not need to have everything worked out, know all the words, or even be sure what you believe before you come through the door.
Perhaps you are visiting the area on holiday, have recently moved here, have lived locally for years, are returning to church after a long time away, or simply want somewhere peaceful to pause and think. Whatever brings you here, you are welcome.
What should I wear?
Whatever you feel comfortable wearing!
There is no special dress code and no need to worry about getting it right. You will find people dressed in all sorts of ways; come as you are.
What happens in the service?
Our services include Bible readings, prayers, music and a talk, with space to worship, reflect and encounter God.
On a Sunday morning, you can follow everything on the screens, and there is also a service leaflet available, so you will not need to know what to do or when to stand, sit or join in. If you are unsure about anything, simply ask; we are very happy to help.
Thursday's quiet communion service is smaller, without music and is held in the Oasis Chapel.
There is something for everyone in our worship, with a range of musical styles. Sometimes you will hear our wonderful organ; at other times worship is led by our modern worship band and singers. Our worship reflects the richness and variety of the Christian tradition.
You are welcome to join in as much or as little as feels right for you.
What about Communion?
At our Communion services, everyone is welcome.
If you are baptised and wish to receive Communion, you are very welcome to do so, one of our churchwardens will tell you when to come up. If you would prefer not to receive, you are equally welcome to come forward for a prayer of blessing or simply remain in your seat.
If you are not sure what to do, don't worry; someone will be happy to explain.
Can I bring my children?
Absolutely! Children of all ages are very welcome.
We are delighted to welcome children and families, and we understand that children sometimes wriggle, chatter, need to move around or make a little noise. That is part of being an all-age church family.
We have a children’s corner with books, activities and things to do during the service, giving children space to engage in a way that works for them. There will be focused activities during some of the quiet times of the service led by an experienced helper. You are very welcome to accompany them and join in to help them settle and feel safe.
There is also an accessible area for wheelchairs and prams, should you need it.
We are happy to welcome all the family.
A quiet place to pray
Our chapel is a particularly peaceful part of the church and forms part of the Pilgrim Places tradition.
If you are looking for somewhere quiet to pray, reflect or simply sit for a while, you are welcome to use the chapel. You may want to spend a few moments there before the service, afterwards, or during communion if you need some quiet space or someone to pray with.
You do not have to know how to pray. Sometimes simply being still can be enough.
What happens afterwards?
Please don't feel that you have to rush away when the service finishes.
We have refreshments afterwards, and it is a good opportunity to meet people, ask questions, and get to know us. There will be lots of people around who will be pleased to talk to you.
You don't need to arrive already knowing someone. Church is not simply somewhere to attend; it can become somewhere to belong.
We hope that, in time, you will discover your own place within our church family.
Questions?
You may have questions about the service, Christianity, Communion, children, prayer, the church building or simply what happens next.
Please ask!
There are no silly questions, and you will never be expected to know everything before you arrive. We are always happy to help.
Come and join us
Whether you are visiting for one Sunday, exploring Christianity, looking for a church family, returning after time away, or simply curious, we would love to welcome you.
Come as you are. Find your place. Discover that you are part of God’s family.
We look forward to welcoming you.