First Time Visit

Despite what you may have heard, our church is not full of really strange people... we have some who are mildly strange, some who are particularly strange and some who are fairly normal. However we do understand that it might be a little daunting for those who have never attended a service before.

So this is our attempt to give you some idea of what to expect.

If you are still nervous about coming along, please contact the church office and we will arrange for someone to meet you and show you around

If you don’t yet know where we are click here for directions and parking information.

We are in the process of developing the premises ‘next door’ formerly known as ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ so the bit of the church we are currently using looks more like this picture than the one on the bottom of each page! The main door is located under the white horizontal board to the right of the picture.

As you go through the front door someone will greet you in the main foyer. The front hall is on your left (this is where refreshments are served), and immediately ahead of you is the ‘sanctuary’. You will normally be given a sheet detailing the week’s news from the church (see this week’s) as you enter.

You can choose to sit on any seat that is vacant unless the row is reserved (this is normally only for family and close friends on days when we have baptisms or infant presentations). The belief that God looks more favourably upon those who sit in the middle of a row rather than at the end is not explicitly supported by the Bible but rather was started by frustrated stewards who were trying to fit more people into the building. It does, however, have a long history, especially in Britain

The church is totally suitable for wheelchair users, not a step or narrow door in sight!

We don’t give out any books as all the songs we sing are projected onto the screen at the front. People have commented how easy this is to see - but there are large-print sheets and braille books available too. There is an induction loop available and at most services we also have the joy of a ‘signer’. Bible passages are also projected onto the screen but Bibles can be picked up from the door.

If you are not sure what to do at any time - then the chances are no-one else will either! We basically keep things fairly simple - we normally stand to sing and sit for everything else! However you may prefer to remain seated throughout the service. We invite you to join in with the singing - but feel no obligation to do so - or even to like the music!

Most morning services last around 80 minutes or a little longer if communion is involved. Evening services are less pressured for time and their length varies more, typically between 70 and 100 minutes. However if you need to leave any service ‘early’ or arrive ‘late’, no-one will complain and many will not even notice as the door to the church is at the back!

If you have children with you they can either sit with you or join many other children, usually ‘down the front’! During Sunday morning services (except all-age services) the children and young people leave for their own activities part way through. However, if you prefer to keep your children with you or they would rather not go, no-one will force them to.

You are not expected to contribute to the work of the church (that’s our responsibility) so don’t feel any embarrassment in allowing the offering bags to pass in front of you without putting anything in. Many church members give through their bank account, so others will be allowing the bags to pass by too!

Should you need the ‘facilities’, toilets are in the corridor alongside the main sanctuary - these include a toilet for the disabled and baby changing facilities.

Want to learn more about us or what we believe?

Have questions about Jesus or the Christian faith?

Click here...

After each service refreshments are served - in the morning in the front hall and in the evening in the foyer.