Gatherings
Morning Gatherings
Everyone is welcome to join us every Sunday morning at 11am, as we gather for worship. Each Morning Gathering will include singing and praying, reading from the Bible and a message teaching from the Bible. Most weeks we also share the communion meal of bread and wine, which is a reminder of Jesus' death for us (the bread is gluten free and the wine is alcohol free). We usually finish around 12:15pm and afterwards everyone is welcome to stay on for refreshments.
Children are invited to go to separate groups half an hour into the Morning Gathering for their own age-appropriate teaching programme. Trailblazers is our group for primary school age children, and Seedlings for pre-school age children. These groups are run by trained members of the congregation who have been DBS checked.
For anyone who is unable to join us in person, our Morning Gatherings are livestreamed on YouTube. The livestream will appear on our channel approximately 5-10 minutes before the worship begins.
FAQs
What should I wear?
Whatever you’d normally wear! Many of us dress informally in jeans and t-shirts, others dress more formally. Wear whatever you're comfortable in.
How long are your services?
Normally around an hour and 15 minutes, though if we’re doing something special like a baptism, then it may last a little longer. We encourage people to stay around afterwards for refreshments and a chat.
Am I expected to participate?
No. If you want to simply watch, listen and take it all in, you are very welcome to do so.
What if my children make a bit of noise?
It doesn’t matter. We’re pleased for children to be joining us and no one can expect them to be silent. We like to have a fairly relaxed atmosphere in our services.
How will I know when to stand or sit?
For those who are able to stand, we normally do so for singing, though you will always find some sat down. The person leading will make it clear when to stand or sit.
Should I bring money?
You don't need to. We don’t take a collection in the service so you won’t be embarrassed. We are supported by the members of the church who either put their gifts in the boxes at the front and back as they leave, or electronically by standing order. You are welcome to give via those means if you would like to.
What is communion?
It’s a simple meal of bread and wine shared by the church to remember Jesus’ death on the cross. It is for those who have trusted Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. If you’re not a member but are a Christian then you’re very welcome to participate.
What is your music like?
Many of our songs will be fairly new, though we like to sing the best older songs as well. We usually have a band with guitars, piano and a drum box. No one is obliged to sing, so if you don't know the songs you're welcome to listen.
Evening Gatherings
When it's not the school holidays, we usually have an Evening Gathering on Sundays at 5pm, lasting an hour or so. We meet in the back hall around tables and begin with refreshments. This will also include singing, praying, reading from the Bible and a message, but it will also usually include discussion and/or prayer in smaller groups.
Once a month, on the second Sunday, we usually have Life Questions in place of our Evening Gathering. These evenings include a buffet tea as we tackle questions about life, faith and God. These are especially ideal if you are beginning to explore the Christian faith. Dates will appear on our social media channels.
Four times a year, we have a members' meeting instead of our Evening Gathering. They are for members of the church so that we can seek God's will and make decisions together.
Midweek Gatherings
Life Groups
Once a month we gather in smaller groups. These help develop deeper relationships to encourage a strong sense of community across the church. One group meets in the church building and all the other groups meet in people's homes. They usually involve a short discussion based on the theme that Sunday and a time of prayer. These groups happen at various times and locations, on different days, so that everyone should be able to make one.
Know and Enjoy
Also once a month we have our Know and Enjoy teaching programme on Tuesdays at 7:45pm. Each year we have a particular theme for the teaching. These sessions enable us to take things much deeper than we would normally be able to at other times, so that we grow in our knowledge of God and enjoy him more in our Christian lives.
Prayer Gatherings
For the remaining weeks we have our Prayer Gatherings. These happen on Tuesdays at 7:45pm in the back hall and last for an hour. We often have a focus for our prayers and sometimes even a guest speaker.