First visit to our church? Answers to some practical questions:

Can I come to a service if I’m not a member?

Yes! We welcome people from all backgrounds; people who are Christians, people who are unsure, and those seeking faith, perhaps coming into a church for the very first time.

Will there be anywhere to park?

There is free parking on the road in front of and at the side of the church and also in the streets nearby.

What do I have to wear?

Wear what you want to wear. You don’t have to dress a certain way.

Do I need to bring money?

No.  We have a freewill offering during the service but there is no obligation to contribute. When the offering bags are passed round, some of our members place cash in the bags, and you’ll see others using envelopes, containing their contribution to the church. Some will simply pass the bags on without putting anything in. (Many of our members have bank standing orders).

When I arrive, what will happen?

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the door by at least one of the Welcome Team. When you pass through the foyer into the worship area, please feel free to sit wherever you like to wait for the service to begin and don’t be too surprised if other people come over to speak to you and sit with you. We hope they do so! This is part of our welcome to you.

Who do I ask if I have a question?

Please just ask anyone – we will be pleased to help with any query you may have.

If I come to a service, how will I know what to do? Do I have to sing?

Our worship services vary in style, mixing some modern with the more traditional styles, reflecting the diversity in our congregation. The words of all songs or hymns are on a large audio visual screen. You do not have to sing. By all means just follow the words on screen. No one will mind. The passage reference and page numbers for the Bible reading are also given, so you can follow the reading in the Bible if this suits you better. We will also have a time for prayer and a talk (or sermon). Those of us who can do so stand up to sing and also stand when the people who bring round the collection bags walk to the front. We remain standing then while a prayer is said. Apart from this, we usually pray in a seated position, not kneeling.

What if I have children with me?

Children are always welcome to any of our services. There is an area, in the church (near the front on the right), where they can either: read, draw and colour or play with soft toys.  All our leaders and helpers have been subject to DBS checks and we operate a rigorous safeguarding policy at the church.

How long is the worship service?

Most worship services last about an hour – sometimes less, occasionally a little longer which is sometimes the case when we have a Communion Service.

What if it’s a Holy Communion service?

All who wish to celebrate their love of Jesus are welcome to share in the bread and non-alcoholic wine. You do not have to be a member of the Methodist Church or even to have been baptised. The Communion table is Christ’s table and this celebration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples is open to all to share. However, you may prefer not to receive the bread and the wine and simply opt to receive a blessing or even just stay in your seat.

What happens if I need to go out?

One of our church stewards sits by the entrance to assist anyone leaving or coming late.

What happens after the worship ends?

Tea and coffee are served after the service and we hope you’ll stop for a chat!

Information Pack

Please take one of the Information Packs which you will find in the foyer. The pack contains details of many of our activities throughout the week, together with details of Sunday Worship.