Question 1

What draws people to Church?

Accepted Answer

Perhaps you've never been to church before, and not grown up or lived around anyone with faith. That's okay - our church community is full of lots of people, some who have been coming to church for years and others who have only started coming to church very recently.

We believe in the God who created the entire universe - yet still knows each and every one of us by name. This God created you - and so it is totally normal to one day want to explore who this God is!

And that is why the church exists, to introduce God to people. We don't exist as a club or a society, but a family of people with many differences but one thing in common - a curiosity or longing to discover who God is, and how God make a difference in the world today, and in our lives.

We pray for our community in Northolt Park everyday. And we pray for people who we never meet to come and explore who God is with us - so it might be that your new curiosity or longing is an answer to the prayers we've been praying.

Question 2

If I want to come to Church - can I just turn up?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You don’t need to let us know that you’re coming, and if you’re running late, that’s no problem either – just come and join us when you can.

Question 3

What do I wear?

Accepted Answer

There is no dress code for church, you are invited to come as you are and be comfortable. You don't need to wear special clothes.

Question 4

What happens when I first come to Church?

Accepted Answer

You will be greeted by someone on the door who is there to welcome people.

You are welcome to find a seat – please sit wherever you’d feel comfortable. All the service books you need are found at your seat and someone from the church will be very happy to guide you through the service if you’re a little unsure. Everyone will be invited to stand at various points in the service - but please do remain seated if standing is difficult for you.

At the end of our service there is sometimes an opportunity for the church community to join together in fellowship over tea and coffee.

Question 5

What is the Service like?

Accepted Answer

Our main Sunday worship is usually a more traditional service of Holy Communion (sometimes called the Eucharist or the Mass); those leading the service will wear robes and we will usually use incense in our worship.

During our time of worship we will hear from the Bible and reflect on God’s word. We will also sing songs; the songs we sing are usually quite contemporary and lively.

If you’re visiting us at St Barnabas, you are very welcome to join in with as much (or as little) of the service as you would like and feel comfortable with.

Question 6

What is Holy Communion - and can I join in?

Accepted Answer

Holy Communion is a special "meal" that has been a part of the worship of the church for 2000 years.

We eat bread and wine in remembrance that Jesus died, and rose again. As Jesus broke bread with his friends on the night before he died, so we do the same in the church today to give thanks for Jesus self-sacrifice on the cross, and his resurrection, leading us to eternal life.

Christians believe that Jesus is particularly present with us during this special meal; for some, Jesus is especially present within our hearts as we receive the bread and wine, for others, Jesus is believed to be particularly present within the bread and wine that we receive, in a way that we cannot fully comprehend.

If you believe that Jesus loves you, died for you, and came back to life to offer you eternal hope then you are welcome to receive communion in church. If this is you and you have never been Baptised or Confirmed - then please ask us about taking this important step in faith.

You'll be given a small bread wafer, or a piece of bread, whilst the leader says the words "the body of Christ", you may also be offered a sip of wine from a shared cup with the words "the blood of Christ" but you don't have to share in that if you don't want to.

Question 7

Is there anything for Children?

Accepted Answer

There is a children’s area with toys and books which children (and their grown-ups) are very welcome to use during the service. On two Sundays a month there are Junior Church sessions where children will go out for their own activities (and fun!) during the service. Children are very welcome to join in with this (and are welcome to be accompanied by their grown-up to begin with if they’d like).

Question 8

Parking, Toilets and Access?

Accepted Answer

There are no parking restrictions on the streets outside St Barnabas (The Fairway and Raglan Way) – so please park wherever you can find a space.

There are toilets in the Church Building which you are very welcome to use at any point during the service.

There is step free access to the Church Building via the ramp located on Raglan Way.

Question 9

Is there more to Church than Sundays?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Church is a worldwide and eternal family of people who have a love for Jesus in common!

Aside from our times of worship, at St Barnabas we explore faith and fellowship together through different prayer and Bible study courses, as well as social gatherings. To see what is coming up at St Barnabas in the near future, please see our Newsletters.

My question isn’t answered, or I’m still a little unsure….

Don't worry! We know FAQs can never answer every question that you may have.
We're really keen to answer any questions you might have. We get lots all of the time, don't worry!

Just email: stbarnabasnortholtpark@hotmail.co.uk

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