What to expect
Visiting St Peter's for the first time
Whatever age or stage you're at, we know it can be daunting coming to church for the first time, or if you haven't been to church for a while. Whether you're visiting us for the first time or looking to make St Peter's your spiritual home, we hope you will find a warm welcome here.
What do I do when I arrive?
When you arrive you will be greeted by our friendly team of welcomers at the door who will hand you an order of service and point you in the right direction.
Where can I sit?
You are welcome to sit anywhere you like. There are no reserved seats, except when there is a Christening during the service when the front two pews are usually reserved for parents and Godparents. The North aisle, which is the row of pews on the far side as you enter the church, is closest to the big oak door that leads out to our Millennium Room. Here you can find toilets and changing facilities. Some people like to sit here in case they need to pop in and out during the service, but you are welcome to sit wherever you feel comfortable.
Whatever age or stage you're at, we know it can be daunting coming to church for the first time, or if you haven't been to church for a while. Whether you're visiting us for the first time or looking to make St Peter's your spiritual home, we hope you will find a warm welcome here.
What do I do when I arrive?
When you arrive you will be greeted by our friendly team of welcomers at the door who will hand you an order of service and point you in the right direction.
Where can I sit?
You are welcome to sit anywhere you like. There are no reserved seats, except when there is a Christening during the service when the front two pews are usually reserved for parents and Godparents. The North aisle, which is the row of pews on the far side as you enter the church, is closest to the big oak door that leads out to our Millennium Room. Here you can find toilets and changing facilities. Some people like to sit here in case they need to pop in and out during the service, but you are welcome to sit wherever you feel comfortable.
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What style of service can I expect?
Click here to read more about our regular and special services. You can also receive information about our weekly services and other news from St Peter's through our weekly notices that are sent out every Friday by email. Our 8am Holy Communion service is based on the Book of Common Prayer. There are no hymns at this service. At our main 10am service we celebrate the Eucharist ('Eucharist' meaning thanksgiving; we give thanks to God, hear from the Bible and through sharing bread and wine, are reminded of the last supper). You can follow the service through the printed order you will be given that contains the words to all the hymns, the Bible readings, words to join in with, and suggestions about when to stand and sit. |
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Receiving communion or blessings
Most Sundays there will be an opportunity to receive Holy Communion (bread and wine). Usually a churchwarden will come and let your row know when it is time to go up. If you’d like to receive bread and wine, just kneel down at the altar rail and hold out your hands. If you don't yet receive Holy Communion, simply keep your hands at your side and you will receive a short prayer of blessing. No one is ever turned away so everyone can come up to receive communion or a blessing, if they wish. If you would prefer not to go up, that is absolutely fine, you are welcome to stay seated.
Giving money
There is no obligation to give any money during the service, but a bag will be passed round during the singing of a hymn, usually in the middle of the service, if you would like to contribute. *Cash collections have been suspended during the Coronavirus pandemic. A contactless cars machine is available at the door for donations*. All donations are gratefully received. If you are a UK taxpayer, you can put your money in the yellow envelopes so that we can reclaim Gift Aid. To find out more about ways of giving, including setting up standing orders or one off amounts online, please click here.
Most Sundays there will be an opportunity to receive Holy Communion (bread and wine). Usually a churchwarden will come and let your row know when it is time to go up. If you’d like to receive bread and wine, just kneel down at the altar rail and hold out your hands. If you don't yet receive Holy Communion, simply keep your hands at your side and you will receive a short prayer of blessing. No one is ever turned away so everyone can come up to receive communion or a blessing, if they wish. If you would prefer not to go up, that is absolutely fine, you are welcome to stay seated.
Giving money
There is no obligation to give any money during the service, but a bag will be passed round during the singing of a hymn, usually in the middle of the service, if you would like to contribute. *Cash collections have been suspended during the Coronavirus pandemic. A contactless cars machine is available at the door for donations*. All donations are gratefully received. If you are a UK taxpayer, you can put your money in the yellow envelopes so that we can reclaim Gift Aid. To find out more about ways of giving, including setting up standing orders or one off amounts online, please click here.
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Children
We welcome children at all our services. There are two children's groups that run during term time that offer activities for part of the service out in our Millennium Room; Stepping Stones (for little ones) and Xplore (for school-age children). If you are visiting us and have children, they are welcome to go out and join in with the children's groups (parents too, if they wish), or stay in church. On the first Sunday of the month we have an All Age family service. Please do not worry if your child makes a noise or wanders around, we know sitting still can be hard! The Millennium Room is there for anyone to come and go as they need, if you need refuge or facilities. Children are encouraged to join in and take a look at what is happening in the service - if they would like to come and take a closer look, they are welcome anywhere in the church. |
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After the service
After the service everyone is welcome to stay for refreshments served from our Gresham Chapel (the carpeted area near the organ). There is usually tea, coffee and hot chocolate served (it is not unusual for wine of fizz to be brought out on the odd occasion too!), with a good selection of biscuits. If you are new, do stay for a chat and introduce yourself to Rev Helen, or whoever is taking the service.
After the service everyone is welcome to stay for refreshments served from our Gresham Chapel (the carpeted area near the organ). There is usually tea, coffee and hot chocolate served (it is not unusual for wine of fizz to be brought out on the odd occasion too!), with a good selection of biscuits. If you are new, do stay for a chat and introduce yourself to Rev Helen, or whoever is taking the service.
