Are you thinking about visiting St Andrew’s Church for the first time? Or maybe this is your first time ever in Church? This handy guide will help you know what to expect.
First things first
The most important thing we want you to know, is that you are welcome at St Andrew’s Church! We are a friendly, diverse and non-judgemental congregation. We’re don’t want to be the sort of church where people ‘tut’ and give nasty looks when children make a noise or when people arrive late to the service or aren’t sure when to sit up and sit down. We also don’t want to pounce on you if you’re feeling shy! At St Andrew’s we believe God loves us all equally, both inside and outside the Church, and want to give a warm welcome to all whom we meet!
Arriving
Our Sunday service starts at 10:00am If you’re driving you can either park outside or we have an agreement to use the carpark of the Blenheim Medical Centre next-door to the Church. If you or someone with you is disabled, please feel free to park on the vicarage driveway to make it easier to enter by the level access at the side door of the Church. Our doors are normally open at least 20 mins before the service if you want to come in for a bit of quiet first. You’ll be given a service book, Hymn book, and a weekly ‘contact’ sheet when you come in, which help you join in the service.
The Sunday Service
Every Sunday our main service is a celebration of Holy Communion (also called ‘The Lord’s Supper’, ‘Mass’, and the ‘Eucharist’). If you’d like more detailed information about what takes place at this service, take a look at this page: Holy Communion. The service starts promptly at about 10am with a hymn, but don’t worry if you’re a little late. The Hymn numbers are on boards at the front of Church so you can find the words in the hymn book to sing along (if you want to). A priest (a man or woman ordained as a minister in the Church of England) will lead the service using the words in the service book. You’re welcome to join in with all the words in bold. If you’re not sure what to do, don’t worry! If you want to ask someone to sit with you and help, they’ll be happy to. At different times the priest will ask you to stand up or sit down if you’re able to. Sometimes you’ll see people doing physical actions like making a sign of the cross on their chest. You can have a go at this if you want, but no pressure.
An offering plate is left at the back of Church for those who want to make a donation, but there is absolutely no pressure to do so – you will not be pushed or guilt-tripped in to giving any money!
The service will include hymns, prayers, a short sermon (about 10mins), and the sharing of Holy Communion – bread and wine which are consecrated by the priest . Any baptised/christened Christian is welcome to share Holy Communion with us, or you can just come up with your hands folded for a blessing when others receive. If you’re gluten free or don’t take alcohol, you can receive just the bread or just the wine, or just a blessing – let the priest know when you come up.
Children
Children are very welcome at the service. Younger ones can go out to the hall area at the back of Church where there are some toys and activities to keep them entertained. We usually have volunteers who will watch the children at the back, or you can go out with them if you want. If the children want to stay in the service they’re also welcome to do so. If you are breastfeeding you’re very welcome to feed in the Church, or if you would prefer a private space there is a side room in the hall area (ask someone for directions if you’re not sure).
After the Service
Tea, coffee and biscuits are served after the service, you’re very welcome to stay and have a chat if you want to. If you’d like to stay in touch, please give your details to the priest or one of the other welcomers.
St Andrew's Church, Luton 