I’m New
Don’t worry – we were all new once
We know that going to Church for the first time can be really quite daunting! So here’s some FAQ’s…
For information on Christenings, Funerals and Weddings click here >
Can I really just turn up to St Peter’s Church on a Sunday?
Yes – we have a friendly Welcome Team who spot people who are new, and make sure they feel relaxed. You’ll be given a Notice Sheet that you can take home so you can find out what’s going on. Don’t worry if you don’t know the songs, just try and sing along – we were all in the same boat once! If you want to, you can give us your contact details, so we can get to know you better.
What happens in a normal Sunday Service?
We eat breakfast, sing and we pray together; we listen to, and read the Bible together; and we usually have a talk that’s about what it’s really like to follow Jesus every day, and what the Bible has to say about life. Sometimes there’s the opportunity to discuss it or ask questions. It all lasts less time than your favourite movie, and we all get together afterwards to catch up with each others news and stuff over drinks.
Will I be asked to ‘do’ anything?
No – although you may be invited to take part in Communion, which may mean getting out of your seat, and walking up the front with everyone else (if you wish). So, no – you won’t be asked to do or say anything that isn’t entirely optional. We know it can be scary, so we’ll let you blend in. But expect to be welcomed and have a friendly conversation or two!
Communion / Eucharist – what’s that all about?
Some gatherings at St Peter’s include ‘Communion’ where we all eat and drink some bread and wine, just as Jesus did at the last meal he had with his friends. It’s also known as the ‘Eucharist’.
What should I wear?
You can wear anything you like. We really don’t think God minds what we wear in church. He’s far more interested in the shape of our hearts!
I have children, and they are a bit fidgety!
Great! God gave children their energy and curiosity. Please don’t suppress it just because you’re in church! However, there are some things you will want to do to make it easier for them:
– Sit near the front – children get tired of seeing the backs of other people’s heads.
– Explain to them what we’re doing, and let them wander and explore if they need to. It’s no problem.
– Sing the songs, pray, and voice the responses – children learn by watching and copying you.
– Let them know they are at home here. How we welcome and respond to children directly affects how they understand what church is.
The most important thing you can know is that we believe Church is supposed to be like a family, and so we are very realistic about children’s needs, and how they can be. So please relax, let the children be part of the wider family, and model to them how you expect them to behave.
Will I be asked to give some money?
It’s up to you if you wish to give. Because the Church only has this one means of income, most regular members give to the Church by Standing Order, and some by using Gift Aid envelopes. It all goes to the life and work of St Peter’s Church in and around Quarrendon by means of a yearly Budget agreed by the Church Council.
Is the church wheelchair / disability friendly?
At the moment?… Honestly?…No, not very.
We know we’ve got work to do here, and we’re working on it.
I’ve got loads of difficult questions about Christianity and faith…
Great! We love questions (we’ve got some of our own!), and we’d love to explore them with you. Sometimes we run short Courses where you can explore faith, and ask all your questions about being Christian; who Jesus is; why God allows suffering; and stuff like that. If you’re new, get in touch to find out more.
What else goes on at your Church?
St Peter’s building is often open during the week, depending on what’s going on. But Church is really happening wherever our congregation are – at work, school, or home! That’s because we believe Christian faith is about living it out in the world – through the work of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
How do I get more involved?
We have lots of different ways to be involved at St Peter’s. Come and ask us.