First time in Church?

Holy Trinity - a friendly church

We know that coming to church for the first time can be quite intimidating.  Even for a seasoned church-goer, a new church throws up all sorts of questions.  Well, here we try to answer them ... & above all tell you that you be welcome at Holy Trinity!

This is the entrance we use...

When are the services?

Times of the services can be found here on the website – but the main service is at 10 am on a Sunday morning. This is when most people come.

Can I just walk in?

Yes! Anyone is welcome. We use the entrance on the path that runs  between our car park & Coleshill Street.

Can I park at the church?

Yes, we have a car park. It gets quite full on Sunday, so try and get here at least 10-15 mins before the service

Our car park gets quite full, but you can usually find a space

Can I bring the kids?

Yes! Children are very welcome – and we have activities just for them. Have a look on our website to find out more

I use a wheelchair - can I get in?

Yes – there is no step up to the door, and there is a ramp inside taking you down to the floor level. When the church is re-ordered in the near future access will be even better.

What should I wear?

There is no dress code. Some people feel more comfortable dressing smartly for church, others prefer to come along in jeans and trainers. But it can be a little chilly sometimes so bring a few layers!

How long will the service be?

It depends what kind of service it is. Usually just over an hour, sometimes a little longer. ‘All age’ services, where the children stay in church, are a little shorter.

Can I leave if I want to?

Obviously we hope you will want to stay – but of course you may get up and leave at any point if you wish.

Do I need to bring anything?

No. However we do take a collection during one of the hymns (it will be clearly marked which hymn). This is because it costs £10,000 a month to keep the church running and that nearly all comes from the congregation – we have no central funding. It is usual practice to give a contribution at this point in the service – it’s up to you how much.

I don't know if I'm a Christian - does that matter?

No – all are welcome, whatever stage you are at in your thoughts about Christianity

Please just come in!

The door's closed!

Hopefully you're at the right door (the one on the path running between the car park & Coleshill Street).  If it's closed then: sorry about that – it helps keep the heat in.  Just open it and come on in.

What happens when I walk in?

You will be given a smile, a welcoming hello, and a service sheet (and sometimes a hymn book)

Where do I sit?

Pretty much anywhere you like. There will be people to help guide you to a seat – the ‘sidesmen and women’. No one has reserved seats, although regulars often tend to sit in similar places.

Will anyone speak to me?

Hopefully yes! We do try and give a friendly hello to anyone new – but it helps us if you let us know it’s your first time.

John Routh - the Vicar

Who is the Vicar? Who else takes services?

John Routh (the one with the beard) is the Vicar - his actual title is Rector, but that's another story!  Paul Duckers (the one without the beard) is our curate (Assistant Vicar), and Carol Hoare (the pretty one without the beard) is our Associate Priest.

The soft play corner

Does it matter if the baby makes a noise?

Not at all – we know babies make noises and we love to have them in church. If you would feel more comfortable taking your baby to the crèche corner at the back of church that’s fine. Or if you need to stand up with your baby or take them outside to calm them, again that’s fine.

Can my kids join in?

Yes! There is a children’s song near the beginning when all children are invited to come to the front and pick up an instrument to play. Then they can go to the ‘Sunday school’ groups (see the website for details). Children are welcome to stay sitting with you during the service if you prefer.

Should I kneel down for the prayers?

Some people prefer to kneel for the prayers – there are padded kneelers by each seat that can be put on the floor to kneel on. Others just sit quietly in their seats. It’s up to you.

Will the sermon be long and boring?

No! Most Holy Trinity sermons are about 10 minutes and most are really quite interesting, usually based on the Bible reading for the day, and often including day-to-day issues

Why are some people ignoring the collection plate?

Regulars to Holy Trinity may be paying by Direct Debit and so do not put money on the plate each week.

Help - people are shaking hands - what do I do?

At the ‘Peace’ the Vicar will say ’let us offer one another a sign of peace’. Here we shake hands with those around us – each time saying ‘peace be with you’. Some people leave their seats to shake hands with those around them. You are welcome to stay in your place, or move around, as you prefer. It is usual to shake hands with others.

The altar - all are welcome

Should I go up to the communion rail?

Everyone is invited up to the altar at communion. If you have been through a Confirmation service, or usually take communion in other churches, you are invited to take communion (the bread and wine). If not, you are most welcome to come up for a blessing. When you get to the rail just hold your hands down below the rail so that the minister knows you have come for a blessing, not communion. If you prefer to stay in your seat, that’s fine.

How do I know the service has ended?

The minister will have given a blessing, then will walk down the central aisle towards the door. The choir may follow. People will sit down, and sometimes will spend a few moments in a quiet prayer before getting up to leave.

Come for coffee & chat after the service

Should I go across to the Trinity Centre for coffee?

Yes please do. Come and have a coffee/tea – and let us know you are new to Holy Trinity. We try very hard to make sure all are welcome, so you won’t be left standing on your own!

What should I do with the service sheet?

Take it home and read the notices and forthcoming events. We create new sheets for each service so we don’t need them back.

I'd like to come regularly - should I tell someone?

It’s always good for us to know if someone is new, and especially if they feel they would like to come regularly. Let one of the sidespeople know, or tell one of the clergy. But you can just keep coming along if you prefer – we’ll notice!