A Warm Hello
The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.
Where and When
We meet at the Church Building (St John's Rownhams at 10:00 or St Boniface Nursling at 11:00) for our Sunday Service. For your first visit, we recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to ensure you get a parking space and find somewhere to sit before the service begins. When you arrive, you should be greeted by someone on our Welcome Team.
We serve tea, coffee and biscuits from 10am, after the service, so make sure to stick around afterwards - it is a great way to meet people, or simply take time to find your bearings. All refreshments are free.
Accessibility: There is wheelchair access, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up.
Our Service
The main service begins with a warm welcome from one of our team members before then sharing news and notices, usually about what’s going on in the life of the church. This follows a time of sung worship, led by our band. We typically have a couple of worship songs lasting approximately 10 minutes. Sometimes a person might pray out loud or read a small passage from the bible. Sometimes people share things that they believe God is saying to the whole church family. This might seem strange the first time you hear it but it’s all part of our connecting with God. . One of our leaders will then give a sermon that is bible based and that we can apply to our everyday life. We then finish with a final worship song. There will always be an opportunity to receive prayer at the end of the service.
What about my kids?
We have a great programme lined up for kids of all ages:
On a Sunday morning, we have:
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Creche (0 months to 3 years). Children under 6 months are welcome but must be accompanied by their parent/carer at all times. This happens at the front of the church.
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Sunday Club (4 - 11 years). Starting in the service before moving to the community centre. Children are to be picked up after the service from the community centre.
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Icthians (11 - 18 years). A breakfast and bible study with games and community. Happens in the church hall.
Throughout the week we have:
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MORE on a Monday night, 7-8:15pm - for ages 16-18 in the Church Hall.
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BEACON on a Wednesday night, 7-8:30pm - for ages 12-18 in St John's Church.
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IGNITE on a Friday afternoon, 4:30-5:30pm - for ages 4-7 in the Church Hall.
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NET on a Friday evening, 6-7:30pm - for ages 7-12 in the Church Hall.
Throughout the month we have:
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All-Age Services on the first Sunday of every month.
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Lego Church at Rownhams School, on the third Sunday of every month.
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Seasonal family events and social events - see Church calender for more information!
Children stay with their parent or grown-up at the start of the service as we worship (sing songs), together for the first part of the morning. At some point someone will announce that it’s time for the younger members to go to their various groups. If you are new to Church, you will need to go with your children to their groups and register them as part of our child safety policy.
The kids group activities vary depending on the age but usually there is a friendly welcome, bible stories, testimonies, praying, music, craft, drama, fun games and free play. Please pick your children up as soon as the service finishes.
Getting Connected
Small Groups
While Sundays are a great way to meet new people, it is often in smaller gatherings that you can really get to know someone. Being part of one of our small groups allows you to make new friends, share together and support each other. We have a variety of groups that meet throughout the week, some afternoons and some evenings. Check out Small Groups and see if there’s one that you could join, or we can put you in touch with a small group leader who will be more than happy to invite you along to their group.
Serving and Volunteering
If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, you can sign up to serve on a team.
Get in touch with us to plan your visit
If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.
Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit. |