Church Services
We try to be welcoming and hope everyone feels encouraged to be themselves.
The core of our faith is well expressed in 1 John 4: 16
Those who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
Most of our services centre round the Eucharist. Our use of servers, incense and vestments all come from the catholic tradition, but we like to think the general atmosphere is pretty relaxed. The Parish Communion lasts for about an hour, followed by coffee. Music is mainly old-fashioned hymns, accompanied by organ and led by a small robed choir of varying size and skill.
The Usual Sunday Pattern
08.00 Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion (3rd Sunday of the month only)
10.00 Parish Communion, with children's story and activities. Occasionally there is a family service without communion
Thursdays
10.00 Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion
Sunday Evenings
On a few occasions during the year there is a service of Choral Evensong
On the 3rd Sunday of the month there is a united service of Holy Communion at the URC, with friends also from the Methodists
Special arrangements are made for several days in the church year – for major Holy Days, and occasions such as Mothering Sunday, Harvest and All Souls. Details appear on the home page and noticeboards.
Children
We're delighted when children join us in worship. We don't necessarily expect them to be still or quiet. There's a small play area where some children choose to sit.
We offer Sunday school to all children aged over 3 years and a toddlers table for the under 3’s. Sunday school runs each Sunday except for the first Sunday in the month and during the summer school holidays. However there is always a staffed Children’s area with activities for children.
Sunday school aims to be an enjoyable time for children where they learn the stories of the Bible through games, craft and drama and are guided in prayer and worship.
Various family outings and activities throughout the year include craft mornings, a pancake party, a zoo visit, picnics and an Easter party.
The children's team organises several services for children and adults to enjoy together. These include Harvest, Mothering Sunday, St. Nicholas and Palm Sunday.
We admit children to Holy Communion on completion of a short course from the age of 7, encouraging confirmation in their teens.