“Living God’s love through faith and action”
We are very happy that you are here today.
If this is your first time at our church, welcome!
These notes will help you understand how the service works and what to expect.
Helpful Information
To help make everyone feel welcome, we have:
🎧 A hearing loop system for those with hearing aids
🔍 Large print hymn books and service sheets if you need them
♿ Spaces for people in wheelchairs and anyone with them
🚻 Accessible toilets (and baby changing facilities) at the back of the church and in the halls
📹 Services shown live on YouTube – we do not use close-ups of the congregation. Please tell a Duty Team member if you do not want to be seen on camera.
📵 Please turn off mobile phones during the service.
There is no “dress code” – like most churches, some people like to come in their “Sunday best”, others dress very casually.
You will notice some people wearing a name badge. They are members of our Duty Team.
They will be happy to answer your questions or help in any way.
When You Arrive
- A Duty Team member will give you a hymn book and a service sheet at the door.
- If you need a large print copy, please ask.
- You can sit anywhere. (Sometimes we need to reserve seats for people taking part in the service.)
Children
Children and babies are very welcome here.
- We have play bags for young children, crayons and paper at the back (the vestibule).
- During the second part of the service, children and young people (ages 3–18) can join our Junior Church groups in the halls. They usually go to these groups after the second hymn.
- We also have a crèche (play room) for children under 3 years old. Parents can take them there from 10:50 am.
Ask the Duty Team to show you the room.
The Start of the Service
- We stand up (if we can) while an Elder carries the Bible to the front.
- Then we sit down to hear church news and announcements. (Read a list of our regular activities HERE.)
- The Minister begins worship with a short Call to Worship.
Singing Hymns
- We usually stand up to sing (if we can).
- The hymn numbers are:
- announced by the Minister
- written on your service sheet
- shown on the boards at the front
Bible Readings
- The Bible readings are:
- announced by the reader
- written on your service sheet
- shown on the boards at the front
- You can use the Bibles in the pews if you want to follow the reading.
Prayers
- We sit down for prayers.
- We often say the Lord’s Prayer together.
You can find it at the back of the hymn book or read it here:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done;
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.
The Sermon
The Minister gives a short talk (sermon), about the Bible readings.
The Offering (Collection)
During the service, we receive money to help with church work.
You can:
- put money in the blue collection bags on the back pews
- use a card reader near the doors
- put money in the offertory plate near the door at the front of the church at the end of the service
You do not have to give anything. What you give — or if you give — is completely your choice.
The End of the Service
- After the last hymn, we stay standing up for the Benediction (a short blessing).
- We say or sing “Amen.”
- We stay standing up as the Bible is carried out.
The service lasts about one hour.
After the Service
We would love to meet you!
Please join us for tea, coffee and conversation in the Fellowship Room downstairs.
- Go through the door on the right at the front of the church and down the stairs.
- There is a lift if you prefer.
(Please keep your finger on the button until you reach your floor.)
You can also:
- Sign our Visitor’s Book at the back of the church
- Fill in a Welcome Card from the pews
Holy Communion
We share Holy Communion (also called The Lord’s Supper) on the first Sunday morning of every month, and sometimes at other times.
Everyone who loves the Lord Jesus Christ is welcome to take part.
If you prefer not to take the bread and wine, you are welcome to sit quietly and watch.
How it works:
- The Elders come to the front with the Minister.
- The Minister blesses the bread and wine.
- The Elders bring the bread and wine to your seat.
- We keep the bread and wine so we can eat and drink together when the Minister says so.
Notes:
- The bread is gluten-free.
- The trays include non-alcoholic juice in the middle as well as wine on the outside rows.
Find Us Online:
🌐 Website: www.standrewswithcastlegate.org.uk
📘 Facebook: StAndrewsWithCastleGate
📸 Instagram: StAndrewsWithCastleGate
✉️ Email: worshippers@StAndrewsWithCastleGate.org.uk
You can see a list of regular activities at church HERE. Full details are on the website