What to Expect

We are pleased that you would like to know a little more about worship at Heath. Hopefully you will find the information below useful, but the best way to find out more is to come along to a service!

If you are a present or past worshipper, you will probably know what you are looking for in a church, so why not come and see if we can provide it? At the very least we hope you will find that you feel welcomed, at home, and in God’s presence.

If you are new to faith, or wondering about it, you are likely to have more questions than we can answer here – you’re very welcome to get in touch using our Any Questions? form  and we will try to try to help you with whatever you want to know.

Everyone has questions before they try something new. We’ve tried to answer some of the common things that people want to know, but if we’ve missed anything, just get in touch and we’ll do our best to answer.

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What is a service like?

In our Sunday morning service, you will find something for everyone, both new visitors and regular members.

Our worship may be led by our minister, a visiting minister or a lay leader.

We sometimes use a projector and screen for all the words and songs, at other times we use hymn books and occasional handouts. The service is easy to follow and there’s no pressure to take part. We’re very happy for you to come along and see what worshipping here is like. If anything seems unfamiliar, feel free to ask one of our welcome team, or someone sitting nearby.

How long are your services?

Our Sunday services usually last around an hour and you are invited to stay for coffee and a chat afterwards. If you arrive late, or have to leave early, it really doesn’t matter.

What is the music like?

Depending on who is playing on the day our hymns and songs are accompanied by organ or piano. Occasionally relevant recorded music is used.  We use a selection of modern and traditional songs.

Will I know what to do?

Most people find their first visit to Heath Church more informal than they expected. We’re a friendly group of people, and our services are set up so you can relax and get to know us as a church. You are not expected to know any words off by heart, and there is no trying to find your way through service books. Most people stand up to sing but some don’t, either because they can’t or just would prefer not to. There is no right or wrong!

What about Communion?

Sharing bread and wine is an important part of our church community. It reminds us of what Jesus did for us.  We currently have Communion around once a month. The bread and wine are served to you in your seat, and we wait until everyone has been served so that we all eat or drink together.

Everyone is invited to the Lord’s table – no-one is excluded – but you may decline it without embarrassment or ask for a blessing instead should you wish – please just ask when you arrive in the church.

What should I wear?

Please dress as you feel comfortable. Our congregation attends dressed in anything from very casual to dressed-up. Take your pick!

What happens to my children during the service?

Children are welcomed at services, and there are toys and an activity table available for their use during the service. Please don’t feel uncomfortable if your baby cries or your toddler wishes to explore the room; we won’t mind. If children wish to attend on a reasonably regular basis then separate interactive learning activities will be arranged.

All our leaders have been DBS-checked. We have a full safeguarding policy in place, and review this regularly.

Do I have to give money to the collection?

Absolutely not. The collection plate is on the table as you enter. It is common for people not to put anything on it, and you will not be judged!

Many of the congregation are regular attenders and support the work of the church through cash donations, standing orders, or using envelopes that allow us to receive Gift Aid on donations.

What about prayer?

Prayer is an essential part of our church life, and we believe that it can really make a difference in people’s lives. It’s one of the ways we can discover that God loves and cares about everyone and is with us always.

Please feel free to hand a prayer request to the person greeting you on the door or the person leading worship, before the start of the service.

Welcome!

Even if it’s your first visit to church, we hope you have a great experience, and that you’ll encounter the God who is so important to all of us. We believe God offers a promise and a hope to everyone, and our aim is to make it as easy as possible for others to discover this for the first time. Sunday services are a great place to do this, but if you want to do something different, just have a chat with one of the service leaders or elders.

Do consider joining in some of our other activities. The friendship and support that we can offer each other is an important part of discovering Jesus in our lives.

Please remember, if you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch with us, or just ask someone when you arrive. There’s always a welcome team on the door if you’re not sure who to ask.

Do come and visit. We’ll be pleased to welcome you.