Worhsip
What happens in a church service?
Worship at the Tapton is straightforward and informal. Though services are typical of that found in 'free' churches we have an innovative minister who keeps things fresh by moving away from a basic 'hymn sandwich' - where between singing hymns there will be prayers, readings from the bible and a message or sermon.
When do services take place?
We worship at 6.30pm each Wednesday and on the second and fourth Sunday each month at 2.45pm, there are also services on special days such as Christmas Day and Good Friday for example. (See church diary) Sunday worship lasts for about an hour, special services are often shorter.
Who leads the worship?
Services are led by our Minister or visiting preachers from other churches and sometimes by church members.
What does the congregation have to say or do?
During the prayers we close our eyes and bow our heads, listening to the words that are being prayed by the preacher. At the end of the prayers at the beginning of the service we all say the words of the Lord's prayer together.
At the end of any other prayers we just say 'Amen' which means 'so be it'. There are not any scripted responses from the congregation.
At the very end of the service we may say 'The Grace' together as follows:
The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all ever more, Amen.
We turn and look at each other as we say this.
At the end of any other prayers we just say 'Amen' which means 'so be it'. There are not any scripted responses from the congregation.
At the very end of the service we may say 'The Grace' together as follows:
The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all ever more, Amen.
We turn and look at each other as we say this.
Hymns
We are usually accompanied on the organ or piano. We don't generally bounce up and down or wave our arms about but feel free to do this if that's how you feel. The hymns are a collection of old favourites and more modern ones.
The Collection
There is a collection box at the back of the church for anyone wishing to make a free will offering towards the work of the church and we operate an envelope scheme for those who are tax payers and wish to gift aid their offering. If you are a visitor feel free to contribute or not, it's up to you and we won't take offence if you don't. It doesn't matter how little or how much you put in the box, all donations are gratefully received.
Communion
Communion is when we take bread and wine in remembrance of what Jesus told his disciples to do at his last supper with them. We remain in our seats and the bread and wine is available beside you. (Alternative non alcoholic drink is available).The minister/preacher will say a few words before inviting the congregation to eat the bread individually as Jesus died for you, then they invite the congregation to drink the wine together as Jesus died for us all.
We do not have communion at every service, usually once a month. Unlike some churches we welcome everyone to take part. If you are attracted to Jesus and his message, and would be moved by him then you are welcome to take part. Please don’t exclude yourself because of some idea that you are not allowed to or you are not good enough. It doesn't matter if you’re not a ‘committed’ Christian, as long as you have a positive view of Jesus, and an open mind we want you to share communion with us. Jesus welcomed everybody and so do we.
We do not have communion at every service, usually once a month. Unlike some churches we welcome everyone to take part. If you are attracted to Jesus and his message, and would be moved by him then you are welcome to take part. Please don’t exclude yourself because of some idea that you are not allowed to or you are not good enough. It doesn't matter if you’re not a ‘committed’ Christian, as long as you have a positive view of Jesus, and an open mind we want you to share communion with us. Jesus welcomed everybody and so do we.
At the end of the service
Refreshments are usually available and people are welcome to stay for a bit of a chat.
A box is put out for voluntary donations towards the churches nominated charity. The charity is determined by the members at Church Meeting.
A box is put out for voluntary donations towards the churches nominated charity. The charity is determined by the members at Church Meeting.
Welcoming new faces
We will do our very best to make you feel welcome.
We will always talk to new faces in a friendly way and we never quiz people about their beliefs or their plans. But we also recognise that some people when they visit a church for the first time don't really want to talk too much so we try to get the balance right. No one is ever put under any pressure though of course please don't think that this means that we wouldn't be pleased to see you the next week! Some people only attend services occasionally and this is fine. No one gets told off for not coming to church often enough!
We will always talk to new faces in a friendly way and we never quiz people about their beliefs or their plans. But we also recognise that some people when they visit a church for the first time don't really want to talk too much so we try to get the balance right. No one is ever put under any pressure though of course please don't think that this means that we wouldn't be pleased to see you the next week! Some people only attend services occasionally and this is fine. No one gets told off for not coming to church often enough!