©2009-
Our Sunday Services
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.
Arriving
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.
As you go through the front door someone will greet you in the main foyer. The front hall is on your right (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.
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 -
The church is totally suitable for wheelchair users, not a step or narrow door in sight!
Seating
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
If you are not sure what to do at any time -
Sermons
Our sermons (or messages) often make full use of the church’s media equipment, with illustrations and photographs as appropriate. We tend to run a series of sermons across several weeks: if you happen to come in in the middle, and want to catch up on what you missed, our sermons are online; CDs are also available. However each message will also make total sense on its own!
All of our teaching is rooted in the Bible. We primarily use the NIV (New International Version), but dip into other versions on occasion. Copies of the NIV are available in the church to borrow for the service, so don’t worry if you don’t have one. Some people prefer to listen rather than read, anyway.
Communion
Communion is usually towards the end of the service on the first Sunday evening and
third Sunday morning of the month, we do not place any restrictions on those taking
part. You do not need to be christened, confirmed or baptised; you just need to have
a relationship with Jesus. Only you know if that is the case: if you are unsure,
just let the tray of bread and wine pass you by, no-
Timing
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. Transform begins at 7:45pm and will aim to finish by
9:00pm. However if you need to leave any service ‘early’ or arrive ‘late’, no-
Children
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-
Offering
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!
Toilets
Should you need the ‘facilities’, toilets are in the main foyer and the corridor
alongside the main sanctuary -
Refreshments
At each service refreshments are served -
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.