Newcomers
For some years now, we have gladly welcomed into the St Andrew’s Church Family a new couple, or individual, or family, every month. We pray each month, asking the Lord to go on bringing newcomers to us, as he has kindly done for several years. You may even turn out to be this month’s newcomer!
So what is the next step, if you decide to join us more regularly on Sundays?
Questions about faith
For some people, the first thing to sort out is what they believe, about Jesus and God, faith and feelings, suffering and sin, and heaven and hell.
We offer a short course called "Christianity Explained" on a regular basis - a few evenings thinking together with others about Mark’s account of the life of Jesus.
Another way in is for one or two of us to come to your home. We have a short course called ‘Simply Christianity‘ looking at Luke’s version of the life of Jesus, and we could come to your house for a few brief evenings, or during the day, if that’s easier for you.
Family matters
"We’d like to be married at St Andrew’s"
We enjoy arranging weddings, and we’ll do our best to help you. Contact Jane on 654713 or send her an email and she’ll explain how to make the various arrangements.
"We’d like our baby to be baptised at St Andrew’s"
"We’d like our children to attend Sunday school or to find a youth group"
We aim to offer something for everyone, not only for children, but also for parents - and so from time to time we arrange parenting courses, because sooner or later most of find ourselves looking for help in that area! Just ask for more information if you are interested. Why not use the space on the back of the service sheet to leave us your details, so that we can be in touch, and explain what’s available for you and your family? You could visit these pages for more details of our Sunday groups and weekday activities. Or you could email Jane Eaman with your questions at churchfamily@kirkellachurch.org.
Freedom to do nothing
Others arrive new to the area but fresh from other churches, or weary from years of hard graft in other church families. We invite everyone who is new to St Andrew’s to spend the first six months ‘on the back benches’. Enjoy getting to know us, begin to feel at home, and enjoy the fact that you don’t have to DO anything!
Making friends
Two or three times a year we arrange NEWCOMERS SUPPERS, where we can explain ourselves more fully, and provide an opportunity for you to meet other people in a similar position, who are also new to the church family. Look out for details on the Church Family News each week.
Some people are keen to join a small group within a few weeks of arriving at St Andrew’s, as a way of making friends, and feeling at home. Please ask for details and we’ll do our best to provide a suitable way forward.
Finding a role
At some stage, after six months or so, we aim to sit with everyone who is new to the church family, and to listen to your story, to hear from you how the Lord Jesus has equipped and taught you, and shown his kindness to you over the years, how he has used you in the past, as well as learning something of your current priorities and circumstances. We’ll do this either at a workshop event, or informally at home, in order to identify with you how you can best serve the Lord Jesus in the church family or in the wider community.