If the answer to your question doesn't appear below, please feel free to contact us using the details on our contact page, or email us using our contact form.
Holy Communion - what's it all about?
Do I have to pay to come to church?
How will I know what to do in a service if I've never been before?
Do I have to dress up to come to church?
Will I have to pray out loud on my own?
What if I've got questions after the service?
Holy Communion - what's it all about?
We read in the Bible that the night before Jesus was betrayed and crucified, He had supper with His friends and at that meal, He told us that whenever we shared bread and wine together, we should do it to remember Him. That’s why,, we remember this special meal at a Communion service (also sometimes called a Eucharist).
Do I have to pay to come to church?
At our Sunday services, we usually take a collection. It is not compulsory to contribute if you don't feel you want to. Please don't feel embarrassed about saying no! If you do give however and are a tax payer, we can also claim your tax back from the Government!
How will I know what to do in a service if I've never been before?
Our services are usually printed out on a Service Sheet which you will be given as you come in. The Vicar will lead the service and the congregation join in by saying together the parts on the service sheet printed in bold type. Don't worry though if you don't stand up or sit down in the right places, we come to worship God together and to learn more of His love for us.
We love having children in our church and welcome families. There is a quiet space at the back of the church with soft mats and toys for those with very young children. For older children who may not be able to concentrate throughout the service, we don't mind if you bring along a book to read or maybe some drawing materials. We don't have any public access wifi and we do ask that if younger people use electronic devices, the sound is switched off.
Please make sure your phones are switched off during the service! We also request you refrain from taking any photos or videos while you are in a St Luke’s service. Obviously phots for baptisms and weddings can be taken by arrangement.
The Vicar is the person who leads the Church. They have been specially trained to do this and can be identified by their “dog collar” - the white band worn round their necks. They often wear special clothes when they are at the front of the church. The Vicar always leads Holy Communion and St Luke’s also has a number of people who are licensed to help run services with the Vicar.
Do I have to dress up to come to church?
Some people like to wear their “Sunday-best” when they come to church but please wear what you feel comfortable wearing. Alongside people wearing suits at St Luke’s you’re just as likely to see people in t-shirts and jeans. The main thing is that you're there and taking part in worship.
Will I have to pray out loud on my own?
We wouldn't want anyone to feel this was something they felt pressurized to do. While it,s good to hear from others how God is working in their lives, God listens to prayers we say to ourselves just as much as the ones spoken out loud. We often encourage people to fill in a prayer card for things they need prayer for - you don't have to write your name on the card, but we will use the cards for our prayers on Sunday afternoons and at mid-week services. Please ask the Vicar if you would like someone to pray with you if you feel the need.
What if I’ve got any questions after the service?
Please ask the Vicar if there’s anything you'd like to know more about our services or if you've got any questions and she will help by either answering your question herself or pointing you in the direction of someone in St Luke’s who will.