Worship at SCMC

The basics!

We are a bunch of people of all ages and all backgrounds. Some of us have been involved in church for while, others are just starting out. Most of us remember our very first visit to church so you are among potential friends! But to avoid any worries this page takes you through what to expect on your first visit.

Most importantly just come as you are! People sometimes think they have to dress up for church; you don't! We are an informal bunch so whatever makes you feel comfortable is fine - most of us aim towards the casual approach! We are fully accessible for anyone with mobility problems, and have disabled toilet facilities.

What should I expect when I arrive?

The best time to arrive is about 9.45 - 9.50am. Parking is easy and available either in the school car park or in the lay by outside. When you walk into the school hall there will often be some noise and people milling about - that's quite normal! Depending when you arrive, you may arrive either to background music and a calm, warm welcome from someone, or a group of people still running around putting chairs out! You should still receive a warm welcome though! There will be between 30 and 40 people present. Ask if you need any help at all.

Some Sundays we might start with coffee, but we always have coffee/tea or a soft drink together after worship, and you will be invited to stay and chat if you want to.

Because we are a small, informal church you will be noticed - sorry!! But, we promise, we will not stare at you, or get you to commit to anything, or force you to give us your life's details ....... we would like to get to know you of course but at your pace, ok! If you choose to, you can leave your contact details on a card (available on a table at the front of the hall). This table has a notice board and info about the church including a visitors book and copies of our monthly newsletter which you can take home.

As it gets closer to 10am people will begin to sit down - the chairs are arranged in a couple of slightly semi circular rows, and you can sit anywhere you like. Any notices are usually on the screen. One of the church leaders then welcomes everyone, gives any additional notices, and then hands over to the worship leader/preacher.

So how do you worship?

As we have said elsewhere, church is not all about Sundays as we meet during the week etc, but we join together on Sundays to come close to God, and to find out what he has been up to in our lives and in the world - basically worship helps us tell God how much we value all he does for us. If you are completely new to this then hang around and you'll get the idea!

Each week is slightly different, depending on who is leading and what the theme might be. Usually, we tend to start by standing to sing a few songs, led either by guitar or keyboard, with the words projected onto the screen. You will undoubtedly notice a range of vocal ability, or lack of it! Join in or not - its up to you. Someone might decide to hand out various percussion instruments and people might wave flags and banners - these activities are not compulsory! Occasionally the dancers might dance. Then we usually talk to God (pray) or share words of encouragement. Apart from the monthly family services, the children will then leave for their Sunday Club.

We adults usually then share a couple of readings from the Bible, and listen to someone we respect who helps us to reflect on what God is saying to us through the Bible. We might sing a bit more, listen to some music, and talk to Jesus about what we think both we and the rest of the world might need his help with. The kids then come back and share with us what God has been teaching them.

What about communion?

Once a month we share bread and wine together as Jesus asked us to do, so we can remember and give thanks for what he did for us on the cross. Any words that we might want to say together during this will appear on the screen. Our roots are in the Methodist tradition which uses non alcoholic or unfermented wine - this remains our practise, and we find that those who have struggled with alcohol can participate in this central act of worship with us without worry. (You might like to know that Methodism no longer requires members to refrain from alcohol, many Methodists practicing a sensible approach to alcohol rather than the total abstinence characteristic of early Methodism).

At some point an offering basket is passed round, and our people can give their gifts of money for the work of the church - please do not feel that you should put anything in!! Lots of people let it pass them by, since they give directly via their bank accounts - so no one will stare at you!

Worship usually concludes with a final song, which is usually anounced as such since after it people remain standing for a final prayer (but don't worry if you forget and sit down!).

So there you have it! All that is required now is coffee!! You don't have to stay but we would love it if you do! And you will be warmly welcome at our housegroup/fellowship group and our regular social events. We would certainly like to have you back with us again, and your comments on your experience with us will be welcomed. We want people to feel welcome not swamped, and we want the worship to be as accessible to you as possible. We want people to take home a clear message from God for themselves and their lives, and we would love them to feel that he has indeed come close to them. We hope we have achieved all this for you, but if not, do please tell us!

Do you have any facilities for people with disabilities?

We aim to be an all inclusive church. However in rented premises our resources are limited, so we try to provide for our current members. If you wish to discuss specific needs please contact Mark Andrews our Church Communications Officer. For example we do not currently have a loop for the hearing impaired so if this would be helpful please let us know. However, the school premises, including the hall where we meet, are easily accessible for those with mobility impairments, with reserved parking spaces next to the entrance, and disabled toilets on the ground floor.  

 Mark Andrews Click to email.