For Visitors

WILL YOU BE WELCOME?

We're very much aware that visiting any church for the first time can be a pretty daunting experience.  Even people who are familiar with Christian worship find it quite hard to walk into a different place on a Sunday.  So for those who haven't been in the habit of 'going to church', just crossing the front doorstep seems like a real endurance test.

One way we're trying to make it easier for visitors is FIRST SUNDAY, where we have a special all-age worship, a visiting speaker and an opportunity to get to know the congregation over lunch. But if you choose to visit on any Sunday morning just before half past ten, what will you find?  There will be someone in the hallway to say hello.  They'll send you up to the first floor - either in the lift if you need it, or up the staircase. 

When you walk into the church, there should be another friendly face to give you a hymnbook, perhaps a service book, and the week's printed notices.  There are no pews, and no seat is reserved so just take a seat wherever you feel comfortable.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE SERVICES?

Most Sunday mornings, there will be about 50 people present - sometimes more, sometimes fewer.  There will be hymns or songs, prayers, Bible readings and a sermon.  The service will last about an hour - oh, and there will be a collection!  In general the hymns are announced and it will be clear what happens when. If in doubt just follow the people around you to know when to stand up or sit down.  In our church we don't usually kneel for prayers.

On the third Sunday of each month it's likely that there will be Holy Communion.  This is the service at which a symbolic meal of bread and wine is shared towards the end of the service.  At Barnes, you're welcome to share in that, whoever you are, or remain in your seat if you do not want to take Communion. 

AND AFTER SERVICE?

At the back of the church, you'll see a few tables and chairs, and on one side there's a small kitchen.  Tea, coffee with biscuits are served after the service, and everyone's welcome.  Or, as above, on First Sunday we go downstairs for lunch. We hope you'll stay and have a chat with our members.

  WANT TO KNOW MORE?

There's more information on the Worship page, and you can also read a very brief article on our Methodist Heritage.