Joining a new community is hard: coming through the door and meeting a bunch of new people is daunting for all of us. When you join us, someone should meet you at the door to say hello, and to welcome you in. If you have any questions about what’s going on, you can speak with them – or any of the other people in the church.
Although each of our communities is different, they all share certain common things. When you come along to a service on a Sunday, you can expect to find:
- A place to sit. There are no reserved chairs or pews in our churches: sit wherever you’re comfortable. If you’re visiting Lawford, you can grab a tea, coffee or other refreshments first – these are served in our Link Room, just off the main church area, and if you want to sit in the church to consume them that’s fine.
- Someone leading the service. This might be a member of the clergy (you can tell because of the white collar they wear), or it might be another member of our team. They should introduce themselves, and explain anything you need to know as they go along.
- Words and music. At various points during the service you’ll be invited to join in with words or singing. Please don’t feel you have to do so: we don’t want anyone to be uncomfortable in church. The words and lyrics will either be on a screen or on a handout, like a hymn book. If you need handouts, these will be given to you when you arrive.
- A Bible reading and talk. There will be at least one Bible reading, and a talk which explains it and helps us all to learn more about God.
- An opportunity to share. In some of our services we invite people to share things for prayer and celebration, and often we pray about these things when they’re shared. Don’t feel that you have to share anything, though, although if there are things you want to say please feel free!
- Prayers. There will be different opportunities to pray throughout the service. Although anyone can pray, at any time, there’s something powerful about praying together when we meet. You won’t be asked to do or say anything that you find difficult. Normally prayers will be led by someone at the front, or there might be a time of open prayer where anyone can speak out their prayers. We normally say the Lord’s Prayer together during the service too. Please feel free to sit quietly and don’t feel pressured into joining in.
- Movement. You will be invited to stand and sit at various points. If you would like to join in with this, and are able to do so, please feel free: but, again, don’t worry if you just want to sit and observe. You might also be invited to the front for…
- Communion. In some of our services we take communion (the bread and wine, which we use to help us remember Jesus’s body and blood). If you want to come forward and receive this, please do so. Alternatively, if you’re not sure about what you believe, you could come forward for a prayer of blessing instead – just keep your hands down and the service leader will pray for you. Of course, you can simply stay in your seat if you’d prefer.
- Prayer Ministry. In some of our services there will be an opportunity to be prayed for, about whatever you wish. If this is helpful, please feel free to receive this prayer: but if not, don’t worry.
If you have any questions about anything on this page, or anything you’ve encountered on a previous visit to our churches, please feel free to contact us by email (office@crossreachchurches.co.uk) or by phoning 01206 392301 or 07436 398801. We’d love to hear from you.