New to church? A very warm hello to you

When should I arrive? It can be helpful to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the service is due to start so that you can collect any books that you'll need during the service and find somewhere to sit.
At all our churches, there will be someone near to the door to welcome you, give you what you need and show you where to sit. They can also answer any questions...like where the toilet is. They are very friendly people, so please don't be worried about asking anything.

Where should I sit? Seating is either in pews - fixed rows of bench-like seats with backs - or chairs in rows or around tables depending on which church you go to. Unless there is a temporary label saying a seat or pew is reserved, you are welcome to sit anywhere. If this is your first time, it might be useful to sit in a middle row so you can follow what others do - when they stand up or sit down for instance.




How will I know what to do? 

All church services will include words everyone says together, at least one reading from the Bible, a talk about the Bible reading and prayers. Often, especially on a Sunday there will be songs or hymns to sing too. You will usually be given a Service booklet which will have words that the person leading the service, a priest or other minister, will say as well as words printed in bold that everyone says together. The words for hymns or songs that are sung will either be in a hymn book or on a separate sheet of paper. You might also be given a Pew Sheet which gives news and information about the services and events coming up soon, this is for you to take home with you.

Do I need to pay to come?  Coming to church is free. There is no entry price. God's love is freely given and coming to church extends that generosity to everyone.
There are costs to running the building and the services and events so, if you are in a position to do so, there is a donation or collection plate. In some churches there are card machines or QR codes where you can make a donation too.  
  
Most services are followed by refreshments...a hot drink and biscuits or cake. There are cold drinks available too. These are offered freely, if you want to make a donation to help cover the costs you are welcome to do so.



Can I bring my children? Children are also very welcome to come along. They can sit with you during the service. Most churches have books, and simple activities the children can enjoy while with you.
They do not need to be silent so don't worry if they make a bit of noise and if they need to move around a bit and go for a walk to see what's going on that's ok...although avoid running so they're safe.
In some churches, there are children's workers who will offer to do activities with them and they will join you again later in the service.


 

Sunday afternoon, Sunday evening and Mid-week services
Worship - what we are doing during a service - also happens in services at other times than Sunday mornings.
You can see the planned services on the Calendar

Types of service you'll see included on the Calendar

Eucharist or Holy Communion - a service during which bread and wine is shared. People will come forward to the altar (the table at the front of church) and be given a small wafer of bread and a sip of wine. Some people will go forward to have a blessing. Everyone is welcome to come forward - if you've never been before, take your service book with you to receive a blessing.	Morning prayer...sometimes called: A Service of the Word - the focus is on the Bible readings and what they mean in our lives.
Cafe Church - a more relaxed type of service with drinks available during the service and more chance to chat and talk about what is being said.	Evensong - A traditional evening service with sung Psalms and prayers and extra music from the choir.
Messy Church - a way of worshipping that is for all ages, including creative activities, story, hospitality and celebration. You can find out more here	Family Friendly Eucharist - a mix of traditional and modern music, interactive prayers, play and pray space for little ones and activities for older ones running alongside the service

Other Services
Seasonal services - during Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter there will be all sorts of services including Carol Services, Crib Services (telling the Christmas Story), quiet services for reflection, services where we move around the church

Other special services - during the year there will be times when the pattern of services will change or there are extra services. During November there are Remembrance Sunday services and Memorial or All Souls services to remember and give thanks to God for people who have died. There are services in January, spring and autumn to celebrate the agricultural year, including Harvest services. 

Baptisms or Christenings, Weddings and Funerals - at these you will be welcomed by someone near the door. You will usually be given an Order of Service which will let you know what's happening. The minister taking the service will also let you know what to do. 

Accessibility: Most of our churches have permanent step-free access or there are ramps available. There are toilets at all the churches.