Worship and Devotions

If you are a present or past worshipper, you will probably know what you are looking for in a church, so why not come and see if we can provide it?  At the very least we hope you will find that you feel welcomed, at home, and in God’s presence.

For those of you who cannot attend in person, you are welcome to join us on Zoom using the following link: Sunday Worship

Meeting ID: 886 5612 6155       Passcode: 103563

If you are new to faith, or wondering about it, you are likely to have more questions than we can answer here.  You’re very welcome to get in touch with us and we will try to try to help you with whatever you want to know.

Everyone has questions before they try something new.  We’ve tried to answer some of the common things that people want to know, but if we’ve missed anything, just get in touch and we’ll do our best to answer.

WHAT IS A SERVICE LIKE?

In our Sunday morning service we hope there is something for everyone, whether you are a new visitor or a regular member.

We no longer have a dedicated minister, so our worship is led by visiting lay preachers (sometimes from denominations that are not URC), our elders or members of our own congregation.  We also occasionally make use of the URC’s excellent online worship resources.

Our normal pattern of worship is as follows.

  • Welcome and Notices for the forthcoming week
  • Call to Worship
  • Opening Hymn or Song of Praise
  • Prayers of Adoration, Confession and Thanksgiving
  • Lord’s Prayer
  • Hymn or Song
  • Bible Reading
  • Introduction to the Theme
  • Hymn or Song
  • Blessing of the Offertory
  • Bible Reading
  • Sermon – applying the Bible for our lives.  Usually done with the congregation actively listening, but on occasion it could involve a discussion within the congregation.  It may include some visuals – on screen, or displayed in church, or through drama.
  • Hymn or Song
  • Prayers of Healing and Intercession
  • Communion (2nd Sunday of each month).  We are served by the elders and all will be explained as we go along.
  • Hymn or Song that sends us out encouraged
  • Blessing

HOW LONG ARE YOUR SERVICES?

Our Sunday services usually last around an hour and you are invited to stay for tea or coffee and a chat afterwards.

WILL I KNOW WHAT TO DO?

Most people find their first visit to church more informal than they expected.  We’re a friendly group of people, and our services are set up so you can relax and get to know us as a church.

WHAT ABOUT COMMUNION?

Sharing bread and wine is an important part of our church community.  It reminds us what Jesus did for us.  We currently have communion once a month.  The bread and the non-alcoholic wine will be served to you in your seat.

Everyone is invited to the Lord’s table and no-one is excluded, but you can ask for a prayer or blessing instead if you prefer – please just ask when you arrive in the church.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Please dress as you feel comfortable.  Our congregation attends dressed in anything from casual to dressed-up.  Take your pick!

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY CHILDREN DURING THE SERVICE?

Children are welcomed at services.  At the moment we don’t have any regular children’s activities but we do have resources for anyone to use during the service.  We are happy for children to join in the main service, as they are able and to join in all we are doing.  If you feel you want to take them out there is a side room that can be made available.

DO I HAVE TO GIVE MONEY TO THE COLLECTION?

Absolutely not.  Members are asked to make their offering as they arrive but we do not expect visitors to do so.  The offering will be brought up during the service and all that we offer to God will be blessed.

Many church members and regular attenders support the work of the church through cash donations, standing orders, or using envelopes that allow us to receive Gift Aid on donations.

WHAT ABOUT PRAYER?

Prayer is at the heart of our church life,  and we believe that it can really make a difference in people’s lives.  It’s one of the ways we can discover that God loves and cares about everyone and is with us always.

In addition to prayer during worship (spoken or silent) –

  • We are available after worship for anyone who asks for prayer
  • We have a board at the side for prayer requests
  • We have a prayer chain across all the Coventry United Reformed Churches for sharing prayer needs
  • We have a Labyrinth in the front garden,  it’s a very different way of praying and is available for anyone to use at any time.  Ask to speak to Isabel if you would like an explanation of how to use it.

WHAT NEXT?

Even if it’s your first visit to church, we hope you have a great experience, and that you’ll encounter the God who is so important to all of us.  We believe God offers a promise and a hope to everyone, and our aim is to make it as easy as possible for others to discover this for the first time.  Sunday services are a great place to do this, but if you want to do something different, just have a chat with one of the service leaders or elders.

We have some great opportunities.  Our weekly coffee mornings is a good place to socialise, some of that group will break away to pray. 

Please remember, if you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch with us, or just ask someone when you arrive.  There’s always a welcome team on the door if you’re not sure who to ask.

Do come and visit.  We’ll be pleased to welcome you.

(New visitor information inspired by, and used with permission from, Wallasey Village United Reformed Church website)