What should I expect?
Sunday worship takes place at 10.30am each week and consists of a mix of contemporary and more traditional hymns and music. Services are led by a range of ministers and lay preachers from across the circuit and often, our young people are involved through leading the singing, reading or leading the prayers. Holy Communion services are led monthly, and the services last about an hour. Sometimes the services are led by members of the congregation. The services are followed by refreshments.
Children and Young People
We’re delighted to welcome children and families every Sunday. During our 10:30am 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.
Please note: 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?
There’s a map and directions here
Is there a car park?
The church has a car park with disabled parking beside the entrance, and there is a public car park (2-hour limit) at the shops opposite. Roadside parking is restricted Monday-Saturday but available on Sundays.
How do I get into the building?
During service times and week-day 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; instructions are posted at the main door.
When can I come to a service?
Regular services are every Sunday at 10:30am. There are also Contemporary Worship services at 6:45pm on the last Friday of the month in school term-time.
What should I wear?
Anything from your best suit or posh frock to jeans and tees – whatever makes you feel relaxed and comfortable.
What happens when I arrive?
We have a nice big foyer known as the Welcome Hall. You will normally find people around ready to give you a friendly greeting and answer any questions you have. During worship the words of all the songs and hymns are projected onto big screens.
Where do I sit in the church?
Wherever you like; there would only be reserved seats, which would be marked, in the front rows for special services such as baptisms, weddings and funerals. We can easily accommodate wheelchairs.
What other facillities are there?
There is a hearing aid loop in the church.
How long does the service last?
Normally around an hour.
Will there be a money collection?
We do not collect money during the service. Most of our congregation make their donations to the church through their bank and some pay monthly using special envelopes. Some people put cash donations into the donations box at the back of the church or use the card donations machine. We do have to raise money towards the running costs of the church and its work so all donations are very welcome.
Will there be many hymns?
There are usually about five hymns during a service and we stand up to sing. We do understand that hymn-singing can be a problem when people aren't very used to it, so no-one would mind if you didn't sing along. Several of our members remain sitting during songs so feel free to do the same if you'd rather and just follow the words on the screen.
Are there facilities for children?
Children are very welcome at St Paul's. There is Sunday School for the young ones during Sunday services except when worship is specially planned for all ages.
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 this church.
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's 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?
Tea, coffee, squash and biscuits (cake sometimes!) are served in the Welcome Hall after services so that people can enjoy a chat before going home.