We know it can be a real challenge to cross the threshold of a church building or join a new worshipping community for the first time so here is some information which might help…  If you have any other questions then please do get in touch

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• Online - most weeks we livestream one of our services via YouTube so, if it helps, you can see what it’s like before you come

 

• Virtual tour - have a look at what’s inside the doors of our churches in the photo gallery.

 

• Welcome - there will always be someone on the door to welcome you with a smile and show you to a seat. They’ll give you anything you need to participate in the service and answer any questions you may have. You don’t need to say why you’ve come if you don’t want to; but they’ll be willing to listen if you do.

 

• Liturgy - our 10am services broadly follow the Church of England’s Common Worship liturgy and you’ll be given a booklet on arrival plus a hymn book.

 

• Sitting and standing - you may find that people stand and sit at different points in the service as the Minister invites them. But don’t worry - there’s no right or wrong - do whatever is comfortable for you and enables you to meet with God where you are.

 

• Communion - when we share Communion together, we are offered a piece of bread (in the form of a wafer) and a sip of wine from a shared cup to represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ. All are welcome (of any denomination) to receive the bread and wine - stewards will show you when to come forward. If you’re not ready to to receive Jesus in this way, you can still take part and ask the Minister to pray a blessing for you instead. There will be gluten-free bread for those who need it (just ask). For those who do not wish to drink from the common cup, our practice is for the Priest to instinct (dip) the wafer into the wine for you. We do not encourage individual intincting.

 

• Toilets - all of our churches have WC facilities (although please note Barrow Gurney is outside the main building). Please ask a welcomer for directions.

 

• Children - we are delighted to welcome people of all ages to all our services. There is no need to worry about making a noise or keeping still. Come as you are! All our churches have breakout areas and activities/books which young families can use. Flax Bourton and Long Ashton churches have baby-changing facilities available.

 

• Music - our music is chosen to reflect the themes of the Bible readings and the time of year. It will generally be  a mixture of traditional hymns and more contemporary/informal worship songs. Sometimes we may have a band (let us know if you play an instrument!) but we also enjoy hymns accompanied on the organ or piano. Long Ashton has a committed and enthusiastic choir who help lead the musical worship there (let us know if you sing!)

 

• Collection - each Sunday, there will generally be an opportunity to make a donation which helps fund the work of the church in the community. You can give cash as the collection bag or plate is passed around, or use the contactless giving devices. But it’s not compulsory! If you’re able to give something, it will be gratefully received and put to good use. But, if that’s not for you, that’s fine too. There is no charge for coming to church.

 

• Ministry Team - it’s not only our Vicar, James, who leads services. There is team of people, both women and men, who work together across all three villages. Members of the congregation are also involved in all sorts of ways. We believe everyone has something to offer and our worship is shaped by who we are.