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If you are considering visiting a church for the first time we know it can be daunting - there are lots of questions, and you are probably wondering what to expect when you arrive. There are answers throughout the website, but the list below may save you from trawling the entire site just to piece together the info you might like before your first visit.
The one thing we try very hard to do is give everyone a warm welcome, and try to make your visit worthwhile. After all, we'd love it if you wanted to come back!
If you click on the titles in the boxes below it will either put the the relevant heading on the top of the page or make the topic visible on the page.
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Who are we?
St Paul's consists of a wide range of different people, from all ages and different backgrounds. Whoever you are you are assured a very warm welcome.
Where are we?
St Paul's is located at 15 Northey Avenue, Howell Hill, Cheam, SM2 7HS (by the roundabout where
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Northey Avenue meets Cheam Road) Click here maps.
Parking:
There is on-site parking at St Paul's (including a number of disabled bays), but it does often get quite
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full, so you will need to arrive early. However, there are no parking restrictions in the neighbouring roads, although we always try to be considerate to those who live there by not parking too close to driveways and road junctions.
When to arrive:
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If it's your first visit then it's probably best to turn up around 9.45am or 6.15pm. If you are driving give yourself sufficient time to park. For directions to reach us please click here. You'll be greeted at the door by our 'Welcome Team' who will give you some information about the service and notices of forthcoming events.
What to wear:
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This is easy. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. We are an informal church and accept people as they are. There is no need to dress up to try and be someone that you're not. Whether you come as a suited businessman or very casual is fine with us.
What to expect:
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For most of us going anywhere for the first time can be a bit of a nerve-racking experience. To help avoid any worries here's a quick summary of what you can expect at St Paul's. First of all we aren't super-spiritual beings, and we all had a 'first day' at church. You'll find we are a friendly bunch, and if you don't understand something please simply ask.
We start our morning meeting at 10.00am with about 15 minutes of worship. Our worship time consists of modern songs (with guitars, keyboards and drums), and the occasional hymn. After the first part of the worship together, the children go out to their groups. We also run a crèche for the little ones. Of course, your children can stay with you if you'd prefer that. If you want them to join the others, have a word with the Welcome Team when you first arrive so they can show them where to go. Also after the first part of the service, what follows includes notices, prayers and reading from the Bible. The Bible Reading is the basis of a talk that is aimed to be relevant and meaningful to our modern day lives. You don't need to bring a Bible as one is provided by each seat. We do not take a collection during the service, although there is the facility to make a donation in the Welcome Area when you first come in, but there is no obligation. We finish our meeting around 11-15 to 11-30am. Refreshments are provided at the end of the service.
On the first and third Sunday of the month we have Holy Communion (see below) at St Paul's,(the website home page gives details for the next Sunday). Our aim is that whether you are just looking into Christianity for the first time or have been a Christian for many years that you should be encouraged and inspired by the morning, and we hope that everyone will draw closer to God.
There is a Welcome Desk in the church Welcome Area if you want to introduce yourself afterwards and you will be given a handy 'Welcome Pack'.
The evening (6.30pm) service at St Paul's follows a very similar pattern.
What we believe:
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We are a Christian church and believe that all can have relationship with God. We believe this relationship with God is possible because of Jesus (God's only son) who invites us to follow him. We have friendly relationships with other local churches from both traditional and modern backgrounds. If you are interested in exploring the Christian faith then please come along on a Sunday or contact the office to ask for a free booklet, alternatively, click here.
Holy Communion:
On the first and third Sunday of the month at St Paul's, (the website home page gives details for the next Sunday) we celebrate Holy Communion during the services. This is to commemorate and share in the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. At the time of the communion in the service clear directions will be given as to how you can participate.
Prayer Ministry:
As Christians, we believe that prayer changes things. If we are poorly, or stressed or in need of prayer for some other reason we pray, either alone or with others. At our churches there is, at each service, a 'Prayer Ministry Team' who will pray with you after the service. The service leader will point out where they will be, so please do not be afraid to go and see them and be prayed with and for.
Is it just Sundays?
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Absolutely not! God is with us all week long and we aim to lead lives pleasing to him. We're not perfect and we do make mistakes, but we desire to make a positive difference in everything we do. To further encourage us we have midweek small groups (a small group is simply a meeting of maybe 6-10 people in someone's house). Small groups are a great way to get to know others in the church and to be real with each other about everyday living - click here for more information. If you are just looking into Christianity you are welcome to come along to a small group (please ask about them at the Welcome Desk).
For those with disabilities:
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We aim to be an all-inclusive church, and we do have disabled facilities. If you wish to discuss specific needs please contact the church office. Our premises are accessible for those with disabilities. We have reserved parking spaces near the entrance. Both the kitchen and toilets are accessible. We have a loop for the hearing impaired (please tell us if this would be helpful). At St Paul's a lift gives easy access to the top floor of the Church Centre
Contact us for more information:
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