I’m New
Hello!
We are a family. We come in all shapes and sizes. We welcome you wherever you’re from, whoever you are. Our foundations are not in the bricks and mortar of our beautiful building but are rooted in God.
We are one body who inspire each other to love and follow Jesus Christ, everywhere in everything. We love God, we really do. Through our unashamed passion for Him, our church is a wonderful community of individual, perfectly made people. It’s a thriving reflection of Jesus’ love. Whether you are a questioner, a seeker, a doubter, a lover of Jesus Christ, or a struggler – come. If you are young, old or somewhere in between – come. If you know nothing or everything of Jesus – come. St Mark’s welcomes you to come as you are.
Our church is big and our love is great. We know that sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming and maybe even intimidating. Especially on a Sunday, met with a sea of faces, it can be difficult to strike up a conversation with someone new. Sometimes we feel the same! We have some great things to help you feel at home as quickly as possible:
What’s next?
We’d love to meet you and know you’re here.
The best way to introduce yourself is by speaking to a welcomer at any Sunday service. You can also arrange a welcome
visit, book to have tea with team or join our mailing list by contacting the church office; call 01423 544528.
FAQS
We appreciate that coming to church for the first time – or even to a new church – can be a daunting experience. Some of our gatherings are quite big, and we know it’s easy to feel lost.
All of us were new here at some time, and we’d like to reassure you that you will be very welcome and that there is no need to feel awkward or embarrassed.
Church is simply a group of people gathering to do a few things.
The main thing is to draw close to God in prayers, songs and community. We do this in different styles, because we are different kinds of people – some are noisy, some are quiet, some are crowded, some are small.
We also learn about being a Christian through some teaching from the Bible.
Sometimes we share bread and wine (called “Communion”) to remember Jesus’ death. (Any baptized person can share in this, of any age or background).
And we pray for each other – asking God’s spirit to bring healing and wholeness.
Our services on a Sunday are easy to follow and about 75 minutes long – words are either in books or on a screen. If you’re not sure what to do during the service just follow everyone else or, if you prefer, you can just remain seated throughout. No-one will be offended.
On Sunday at our 10.30am service we have groups for children. All our leaders are trained and CRB checked. We love having lots of children at St Mark’s! If you prefer your child can stay with you, and we also have a special crèche room.
We also have a bi-weekly toddler praise, special children’s events, a football group for school year 5 and above and uniformed groups.
When you first arrive, you will be greeted by a welcomer, who can answer any questions, give you any materials you want or need, and make you feel at home. We have a special welcome pack we can give you.
You can sit where you like – there are just a couple of places we reserve for those with special physical needs. If you are hard of hearing there is a loop, and if you are hard of seeing, we have large print versions of words and songs in the service.
We take a collection box – people give money to build and support the church community – but if you are a visitor or new, please don’t feel you have to give anything.
Tea and Coffee is usually served after services, and we would be delighted if you could join us. Again, however, this is entirely up to you. The vicar will usually be at the door to say goodbye as you leave. Do take a moment to introduce yourself. Don’t worry – he doesn’t bite, and you won’t be pressured into telling us all about yourself or “signing up” for anything – we just like to be able to say hello and to know who has been with us on a Sunday!
Finally, we have toilet and baby-changing facilities and these are suitable for use by disabled people.