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What to expect at our Sunday Services
Every Sunday, St Mary’s Church Family gathers together for worship that equips and motivates us for daily life in our homes, in our neighbourhood and in our workplaces.
While services might differ slightly at different times of year, we always seek:
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to praise God together, in word and song, for his goodness and greatness
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to pray to God together for his world, his church and for ourselves
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to encourage, and be encouraged by, one another
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to serve, and be served by, one another
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to remember the death of Jesus Christ on the cross at regular Holy Communion services
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to hear the Bible read and then taught, to equip us for the week ahead.
All welcome...
Week by week, we are pleased to welcome visitors and newcomers
to St Mary’s and regard it as a great privilege.
People have many reasons for wanting to come to church. Some have clear Christian beliefs. Others are not really sure what they believe, but are curious to know more about Christ and His relevance to life today. Others get dragged along by family or friends or are not even sure why they came at all! Whatever the reason, you are most welcome.
Children
We always welcome parents with children to Sunday morning services. There are little tables and chairs at the back of Church with toys and crayons and paper for the under fives. Those boys and girls between the ages of 5 to 11 are encouraged to go out to Sunday School after about ten minutes.
Service Style
There is a relaxed formality to our services in the context of prayer and worship. The words of the whole service (liturgy and hymns) are projected on to a screen at the front via PowerPoint. This means that apart from the weekly notice sheet called the 'Focus Sheet' there are no other books given out.
The Bible
The Bible is central to all that we do - which is why teaching it faithfully has been a feature for many years. The preacher unpacks Bible passages so we can grasp their meaning for the original hearers and also be equipped to live as God's people in today's world. There is a Bible in front of each seat and everyone is encouraged to turn to this for the Bible readings and the sermon. Page numbers are always given out.
Length
Main services last around 75-80 minutes, including a sermon lasting around 20 - 25 minutes.
Refreshments
Tea or Coffee and biscuits are available in St George’s Room after Sunday morning services, giving the chance to meet with the church family more informally.
Hymns
There is a varied selection of hymns sung at services ranging from traditional to contemporary.
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