We understand that you may have a few questions about our church as you make the decision whether or not to visit us in person. Here are 10 questions we are commonly asked about our church services:
1. Where and when do you meet?
We meet every Sunday at 10:30am Click on our Connect page for a map and to get directions. In addition we have a midweek meeting for Biuble Study and Prayer at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings.
2. What should I wear when I visit?
We are a contemporary church, so we dress in an informal manner. Some of our church members prefer to dress more casually on Sundays and some want to wear their Sunday best, feel free to wear what makes you most comfortable.
3. What do you do during your services?
We believe your relationship with God is important. While "church" often gives an impression of robes, holy water, choirs and pipe organs, you will not find any of these at Bourne Street Elim. We work to present our services in a creative and fresh way that encourages you on your journey to know God. Our services have contemporary music with a live band and relevant teaching. We are in the process of planning to reopen Sunday School so that if you have children, they can have fun and learn in a creative and dynamic environment. All childrens workers are fully DBS checked.
4. When does your church celebrate communion?
At nearly every service. We beleive it is the best way to remember the gospel, to give thanks to Jesus for dying for us and for giving us new life. Every believer is encouraged to celebrate God's grace with us.
5. Do I have to give money when I visit?
Giving tithes and offerings is for those who are part of the church community and is a great way in which to serve and worship God. You are our guest - we want you to sit back and receive, not feel compelled to give! In fact, the Bible tells us "don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure." (2 Corinthians 9:7). Unless you would like to make an offering, when the giving time in our service happens, feel free to pass the offering bag on.
6. What is the music like at your church?
We are a contemporary church with modern music and with the occasional golden oldie! During the praise and worship time, many people will stand and sing, raise their arms, or clap. Some may speak or sing in a heavenly language. These are some ways that some people like to express themselves and worship God. If you feel comfortable, feel free to join in, or simply stay seated and enjoy the music!
7. Do I have to do anything during your services?
There are no expectations of our visitors. We want you to be comfortable and to hopefully meet with God.
Sometimes during our services we also want to provide the opportunity for people to become Christians, or to renew their faith in Christ. During this time, if you would like to make one of these commitments, we will ask that you briefly raise your hand as an acknowledgement of this. As a matter of courtesy and privacy, we ask that no one looks around or talks during this time – it is a matter between you and God. If you do make either of these decisions and raise your hand, a leader will pray a prayer which many others will pray also, and we encourage you to join in (either out loud or silently). If you have made the commitment to become a Christian for the first time, we would love to meet with you and answer any questions you may have! If you do not feel ready to make such a commitment, that's absolutely fine – please sit back, relax, and enjoy the service.
8. What kind of programmes do you run for children?
We are in the middle of plans to reopen Sunday School during the service which is a group from Reception Year to Year 6 (Ages 5-11). All our volunteers are DBS checked and work really hard to allow the kids to have fun and learn in a creative and dynamic environment. If you have any questions about our children's programmes while you are here, please speak to Pastor Terry.
9. How long do your services go on for?
Our Sunday morning service is curently just over an hour, After each service we have tea and coffee and would love the opportunity to meetyou in person – if you are pressed for time, just let us know your details,and we will be happy to catch up with you at a time that suits you better!
10. Do I need to bring a Bible with me when I visit?
We believe in the authority of the Bible, and we engage with the Bible in our messages. If you have a Bible and would like to bring it with you, feel free – but it is certainly not mandatory. There are some great apps for your phone including Youversion. In saying that, if you do not have a Bible and would like one, please ask as we would like to give you a low-cost starter Bible to get you going!
It is our hope that this website will give you a taste of who we are. If you have any other questions, please let us know by email through the Connect page of this site. Hopefully see you at church!
If you have questions about who you are or why you're here, we'd be happy to meet up and have a cup of tea or coffee and a chat.
It is likely that God is working around you and many of us have stories about how
we met God and how afterwards we knew forgiveness and release from past hurts,
how we can enjoy life experiencing God and other people in our church family,
and how we now have a hope and a future.
We believe that God wants that for your life too.
Get in touch if you want to chat and just simply ask questions, no pressure.
It would be great to meet you.