Visiting St Saviour’s for the first time

It can be difficult visiting a church for the first time, particularly if you are on your own rather than with a friend or family.

We hope this information will help you to feel at home when you come to a service.

Services normally last around an hour but the more informal family service on the first Sunday of the month at 10.30am is a little shorter. There is an opportunity to give money towards the running expenses of the church during the service – a special purse is passed along the pews. If you pay tax and can Gift Aid your donation, please let us know when you arrive at the church so we can give you a special envelope.

Services on weekdays and on Sundays at 8am take place in the north aisle (known as the Memorial Chapel). It is usual to sit either side of the centre aisle for all other services.

A crèche is available, if needed, for accompanied young children at the back of the church.

There are no rules about what to wear, please come as you are.

We aim to give a warm welcome to everyone who comes through the door without making it over the top. Please tell us if you would prefer large print books or if you are gluten-free so we can meet your needs.

The person greeting you will hand you a book and pew sheet so you can follow the service and readings. They will also give you a hymnbook. The hymn numbers are usually announced but you can also find them on a board by the lectern (the brass eagle).

Once you have received your books, please find a seat where you will feel comfortable and perhaps also where you can see whether other people are standing up or sitting down. Usually the only reserved seats are for the churchwardens so best to avoid sitting next to their wands in the centre aisle. Sometimes seats are reserved in the front pews (for example, for people invited to baptisms or special services) but these will be clearly marked. Don’t forget to let us know if you have been invited to the service.

Tea, coffee, squash and cakes or biscuits are served after most services in the social area at the back of the church. This is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for you to speak to the priest who has taken the service.

Hopefully you’ll find us a friendly bunch, so if you have any questions just ask.