I'm New

We are so pleased that you’re looking at our website and thinking about coming along. It can be a big step to turn up somewhere you’ve never been before, especially if you feel as though you won’t know what you’re doing! Please don’t worry. Outlined below is what will usually happen in a service, but if you’d like more information, or if you have something in particular you’d like to talk with us about – physical accessibility, for instance, or neurodiversity – you are very welcome to get in touch. 

·       You’ll be met by a greeter at the door. They are there to welcome you and will be friendly but not overwhelming. There is a ramp for access if need be, and there are accessible loo facilities. You’ll be directed towards the door to the church space where you’ll find lots of comfortable seats. Some have armrests, and some do not. If you are a wheelchair user we will move a chair out of your way wherever you would rather be. We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in the space.

·       There will be coffee and refreshments from 10am and the service will begin at 10.45 – arrive whenever you would like to!

·       People may say hello. This is quite a friendly church. We have a broad range of personality types, and some people might chat to you. If you prefer a quick hello to a full conversation then that’s great too, whatever your reason. No judgement. We are also working on awareness around neurodiversity and we understand that everyone has different communication needs. We have a Vicar who is autistic, and we aim to include all however they wish to be included. 

·       Our services are Communion services (which we call Eucharists – it means ‘thanksgiving) and they start with words to follow on a screen. There are no books. Feel free to join in or not, to sit or stand whenever you would like/are able to. 

·       The priest wears robes for the service. 

·       Some of the songs are modern, some are old favourites, and we try to choose things that people will know, or that are easy to pick up. Sometimes people play a tambourine or two.

·       The sermon is usually around ten minutes long. 

·       If you are a baptised Christian you can receive Communion at that time. Everyone is invited forward row by row. Nobody minds if you don’t receive. We do have members who don’t. 

·       There is no dress code!

·       At the end people will chat for a few minutes or leave, depending on where they have to be or who they want to speak to. 

TLDR:

You are welcome to come any time from 10am – the service starts at 10.45. Someone will greet and direct you. We have step-free access everywhere and accessible facilities. Join in however you are comfortable – we are delighted you are here.