Services
Where is the service?
First, check on the Regular Services page if you’re wanting to go to a specific service. If you’d just like to come and visit, there is normally a service every week at 9.30am at Bradfield, at 10.15am at Mistley, and 11am at Lawford. Very occasionally, if we are having a Joint Service, or a service with the other churches in the area, we will not be meeting in normal places or at normal times. If this is the case, we will do our best to let people know via our regular email, Facebook, local publications, and with a sign on the door.
Check out the Locations page for a map of how to get to our churches. There is a small car park at Mistley as well as plenty of road parking, a large car park at Lawford, and limited but flexible road parking at Bradfield.
What time should I arrive?
Check the Regular Services page for service times. We’d advise planning to come with at least five minutes to spare, just to give you time to find a seat and get comfortable. We also usually have refreshments before the 11am service at Lawford, so feel free to come any time from 10.30am and have a coffee and a chat before we start.
What should I wear?
We don’t mind! We’re happy for you to wear what you like and to be comfortable. Our church-family members wear anything from suits and ties to jeans and t-shirts. Over all, we’re more concerned that you come as you are, and that you make yourself at home.
Will I be singled out?
No. We won’t ask you to do anything different to anyone else, and we won’t make you do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. We won’t make you wear a badge or a funny hat. We won’t make you give us your money. We just want to welcome you in and make you feel at home.
What if I have a disability?
We welcome everyone to our church, and whatever your abilities or disabilities, we will do what we can to not just accommodate you, but help you to fully participate in and enjoy our services.
- All of our churches have level access. Mistley has a low built-in ramp to the front door, and a hard-surface path straight onto the Eileen Jackson Path. Lawford has level access through the new extension – please take the left path before you get to the front door, and it’ll lead you to the door. Bradfield has level access through the main door which is in the extension. All three churches also have disabled accessible toilets.
- If you don’t find it easy to stand (particularly for longer periods) then we’d encourage you to come and sit near the front, and please feel free to stay seated!
- If you would like to participate in Holy Communion but cannot get to the rail, those giving Communion will come to you. Please just let one of the Welcomers or Sidespeople know on your way into Church.
- Our buildings are fitted with hearing-induction loops. Check the signs in Church for the correct hearing-aid setting.
- If you have sight problems, we can help you best if you can please let us know in advance. For our traditional/formal services, we have some large-print copies of the Holy Communion book and Hymn Book, but our informal-style services normally just use the screen. If we know that you’re coming along, we can make sure that there are suitable news-sheets, Communion Orders and/or service orders ready for you.
As with all old churches, our buildings were not best designed for those with disabilities. In our improvements to the buildings and our systems, we are always considering how best to serve our congregation members and visitors, but please do let us know your thoughts on how you might be most comfortable, and how you might see, hear and participate best in our services.
What about my children?
We are thrilled to welcome children to our services. You are welcome to any service where you’d like to bring your children.
We run Sunday School at our informal/contemporary-style services at 11am at Lawford, aimed at children age 3+. The kids normally stay in for the first fifteen minutes of the service which we try to make engaging for them, and then go out to have teaching that is more suitable for their interests and abilities, to a room within the church building. No children have to go out however, and parents are welcome as well if children are at all nervous.
If you’d be interested in baptism or thanksgiving for your child, please check out the Life Events page.
