What should I expect?
Sunday Worship takes place at 10:30 am each week and lasts about an hour. Our services include a mix of contemporary and more traditional hymns and music, along with prayer, Bible readings and a message.
Services are led by a range of ministers and lay preachers from across the circuit. At times, members of the congregation lead services, and our young people are often involved through leading the singing, reading or leading the prayers.
Holy Communion is celebrated monthly, and all our services are followed by refreshments in the Welcome Hall.
When can I come to a service?
Our regular services are held every Sunday at 10:30 am.
We also have Contemporary Worship at 6:45 pm on the last Friday of each month during school term-time.
From time to time, there are special services and All Age Services, when the whole congregation worships together.
Children and Young People
We're delighted to welcome children and families every Sunday.
During our 10:30 am Sunday service, we provide:
- A crèche for babies and toddlers
- Two Sunday School groups for children of different ages
Children usually begin the service with everyone before leaving for their groups partway through the morning.
On our All Age Services, the whole congregation worships together, so there is no crèche or Sunday School. These services are designed for all generations to enjoy together.
If it's your first visit, our welcome team will be happy to show you where everything is and help your family settle in.
How do I find the church?
You'll find us at:
St Paul's Methodist Church
Woodfield Road
Crawley
RH10 8ER
You can find a map and directions on our Find Us/Contact page.
Is there a car park?
The church has a car park with disabled parking beside the entrance.
There is also a public car park, with a 2 hour limit, at the shops opposite the church.
Roadside parking is restricted Monday to Saturday but is available on Sundays.
How do I get into the building?
During service times and on weekday mornings while the Café is open, the main doors are unlocked.
During meetings and events outside these times, a door entry system is in operation. It is easy to use, and instructions are posted at the main door.
What should I wear?
Anything from your best suit or posh frock to jeans and tees — whatever makes you feel relaxed and comfortable.
There is no dress code at St Paul's. Just come as you are.
What happens when I arrive?
You'll enter through our large foyer, known as the Welcome Hall.
You'll normally find people there ready to give you a friendly greeting and answer any questions you may have.
During worship, the words of all the songs and hymns are projected onto large screens, so you can easily follow along.
Where do I sit?
Wherever you like!
The only reserved seats are those marked in the front rows for special services such as baptisms, weddings and funerals.
We can easily accommodate wheelchairs, so please sit wherever you feel most comfortable.
What facilities are available?
There is a hearing loop in the church, and the building has accessible facilities for visitors.
If you have any particular accessibility needs or questions before your visit, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
How long does the service last?
Our services normally last around an hour.
Will there be a money collection?
We do not take a money collection during the service.
Most members of our congregation make their donations to the church through their bank, while some give monthly using special envelopes.
There is also a donations box at the back of the church and a card donation machine for those who would like to give in this way.
We do need to raise money towards the running costs of the church and its work, so all donations are very welcome, but there is absolutely no expectation that visitors should give.
Will there be many hymns/songs?
There are usually around five hymns/songs during a service, and we normally stand to sing.
We understand that hymn/song singing can feel unfamiliar if you're not used to it, so please don't feel you have to sing. No one will mind if you remain seated.
Several members of our congregation remain seated during songs, so feel free to do the same if you'd prefer. The words are displayed on the screen so you can simply follow along.
Are there facilities for children?
Children are very welcome at St Paul's.
There is Sunday School (King's Kids) for younger children during Sunday services, except when worship has been specially planned for all ages to worship together.
What happens at a Communion Service?
Holy Communion is one of the ways we remember and celebrate the love of Jesus. It is a joyful and reflective part of our worship, and everyone is warmly welcome to take part — you do not need to be a member of St Paul's.
During the service, bread and non-alcoholic wine are shared as reminders of Jesus' death and resurrection. The minister will guide everyone through each part of the service, so if it's your first time, there's no need to worry about knowing what to do.
When it is time to receive Communion, our stewards will invite people to come forward.
If you would like to receive a blessing instead of the bread and wine, simply keep your hands by your sides and the servers will know.
If you'd prefer to remain in your seat, that's absolutely fine too. Many people do, and you won't be singled out.
We simply want you to feel comfortable and welcome.
Will there be refreshments?
Yes!
After services, tea, coffee, squash and biscuits — and sometimes cake! — are served in the Welcome Hall.
It's a relaxed opportunity to stay for a chat, meet other people and get to know the St Paul's community.
We look forward to welcoming you
If you have any other questions before your first visit, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Whether you're coming on your own, with friends or as a family, you will be very welcome at St Paul's.