Frequently asked Questions
Not everyone is familiar with our way of doing things. You may be a visitor or you may never have been to church before-except for a wedding when everyone is dressed up, or a funeral when often everyone is sombre.
Maybe you've some questions about Sunday worship?
Take a look at our FAQ. They will help you to know what to expect at our services if you are coming for the first time.
When do I come and how long will the service last?
The Sunday morning service starts at 10.30 am and normally lasts about an hour. At the door as you enter the church there will be one or two people to welcome you. They will give you an order of service which describes what we will be doing that morning and help you find a seat. They are there to help answer any questions you have too.
What do I wear?
Whatever you like, as long as it is respectful! You will find people wearing suits and jeans, trainers and high heels; you do not need to wear a hat. God does not look at the outward appearance, and neither do we!
Can I bring Children?
We positively encourage children and young people. The first part of the service is specifically aimed at young people and will include an introductory talk and activity. This part is often led by one of our kids kirk helpers. Children can go out to the Kid's kirk (Sunday School) if they do not wish to sit through the whole service. Kid's kirk meets in two age groups using adjoining rooms. We also have regular all-age services
What will happen and what do I have to do?
The service has several parts including talks, singing, readings from the Bible. We usually sit but stand to sing. We remain seated for prayers, bowing our heads. The hymns, Bible readings and any prayers or responses which the congregation should say will appear on the screen at the front of the church. If you would prefer to use a printed hymnbook or Bible, please ask the team at the front door when you arrive. The words of the songs we will sing are also printed in the order of service you will be given by the person who welcomes you into the church. If you would prefer a large print copy of the words, please ask at the door. Our Order of service is published each week on out Facebook page by Saturday.
At the end of the last song we remain standing for the Benediction – a short blessing, at the end of which we sing "Amen". After the service, you are very welcome to join one of our leaders for a time of personal prayer in the front pew in front of the pulpit. Please also join us in the hall where tea, coffee and biscuits are served before you leave for home..
At the end of the last song we remain standing for the Benediction – a short blessing, at the end of which we sing "Amen". After the service, you are very welcome to join one of our leaders for a time of personal prayer in the front pew in front of the pulpit. Please also join us in the hall where tea, coffee and biscuits are served before you leave for home..
Do I pay and how much?
There is no fee or admission charge, except for some special events such as concerts or shows. As part of the service we collect an "Offering" but there's no obligation to contribute. You should not be embarrassed to put nothing into the offering bag as many members don't, perhaps because they contribute by standing order or other means or maybe they've just forgotten their purse or are having a bad week. The money goes to the upkeep of the church and to support its ministries, and also to pay for the organist, cleaners and so on.
You may wonder why people are putting small envelopes into the offering bags. These are given out so that members who choose to can fill them up weekly whether they're in church or not, and as a means of tracking what money is given under Gift Aid so that we can claim tax back from the Government.
Money is a part of life and therefore we believe that Christians have a responsibility to contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of the mission of the church. The offering forms a part of our worship and is not seen as something apart from it. That is why when you attend a service of worship you will hear the minister say ‘Let us worship God with our offerings to him’. It is a belief of the Christian faith that all that we have ultimately comes from God’s grace (gift/provision) and so we have a duty to return something to him, to be used for the work of the church. So we give what we can afford to.
You may wonder why people are putting small envelopes into the offering bags. These are given out so that members who choose to can fill them up weekly whether they're in church or not, and as a means of tracking what money is given under Gift Aid so that we can claim tax back from the Government.
Money is a part of life and therefore we believe that Christians have a responsibility to contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of the mission of the church. The offering forms a part of our worship and is not seen as something apart from it. That is why when you attend a service of worship you will hear the minister say ‘Let us worship God with our offerings to him’. It is a belief of the Christian faith that all that we have ultimately comes from God’s grace (gift/provision) and so we have a duty to return something to him, to be used for the work of the church. So we give what we can afford to.
