New to St James'?
Whether you're already living in the neighbourhood, planning to move here, or simply visiting, we'd love to welcome you. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you know what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Park?+
Yes! We have a small private car park. Church goers can also park beside St James' CE School and walk up the path. The two spaces nearest the church are reserved for the Vicar and Organist. There is also free parking on nearby streets.
I have children. Will they be welcome?+
Absolutely. Children are always welcome at St James'. During our main Sunday service, children can attend Sunday Stars, where they enjoy age-appropriate activities before returning for a blessing during Holy Communion. We also hold a monthly All Age Service. Visit our Children & Young People page for more details.
Is the church accessible?+
Yes. There are no steps leading into the church, the entrance is wheelchair accessible, and we have an accessible toilet.
I have hearing difficulties. Will I be able to hear?+
Yes. We have a modern sound system and all speakers use microphones. A hearing loop system is also available.
What is the dress code?+
There isn't one! Please wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Will I feel welcome?+
We certainly hope so. St James' is a warm, friendly and welcoming church. Our welcomers and church wardens will happily help you settle in, and you're warmly invited to stay for refreshments after the service.
How long are the services?+
Our Sunday services begin at 10:45am and usually finish around 12 noon, lasting approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Do I have to believe in God to come?+
Not at all. Everyone is welcome, wherever they are on their faith journey. Many people discover that belonging comes before believing, and we encourage everyone to explore faith at their own pace in a supportive community.
Do I have to give money?+
No. There is a collection at most services, but there is absolutely no obligation to give. Donations can be made using envelopes or our contactless giving point if you wish to support the church.
Will I be expected to do anything?+
No. Feel free to simply observe if that's what you're comfortable with. We'd love you to join in with the singing, but there's no pressure. If you later wish to become involved, there are many opportunities to volunteer.
How will I know whats happening?+
Each week we produce a pew sheet with upcoming events and notices. Events are also announced during services and published on our website and A Church Near You.
Will I have to talk to lots of people?+
Some members of the congregation will probably introduce themselves, but there's no pressure to stay. We do hope you'll join us for tea or coffee after the Tuesday and Sunday services if you'd like to get to know people.
Worship
“Worship the Lord with gladness.” Psalm 100:2
10.45am Sunday Worship
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20
This service follows the modern Common Worship pattern, with two Bible readings, hymns and a sermon. Although it is a traditional service in which the Eucharist is offered, the atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and welcoming.
Following the Gospel reading, children are invited to join our Sunday Stars children’s activity group in the hall at the rear of the church.
All Christians are invited to receive the bread and wine. Some choose to receive the bread only, and gluten-free wafers are available if requested before the service. Adults or children who would prefer a blessing are warmly invited to come forward and cross their arms over their chest at the altar rail.
Refreshments are served after the service, and the congregation enjoys meeting together socially to catch up on news.
10.00am Tuesday Worship
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35
This is a short, intimate Said Eucharist which takes place at the side altar in the Lady Chapel.
Following the service, people are invited to stay, chat and enjoy coffee together.
Monthly All Age Service
Once a month, usually on the third Sunday, there is an All Age Service. This is a more lively service where every generation is welcomed and included.
A Bible message is shared using songs, prayers, artefacts, drama and interactive activities. Sunday Stars is not offered during this service as the service itself is designed to be family-friendly.
Special Services
Across the year, a range of other services are offered that sit beyond our normal weekly pattern. These have included Celtic-style worship, prayerful reflection and guided meditation, often linked with key times in the Church year.
Please look out for details in our notices and in the What’s On & Events section of the website.
Prayer
We believe that when we pray, God listens and that prayer makes a difference. We invite you to join us in prayer, or send us a prayer request and we will pray for you.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30
Send Us a Prayer Request
If there is something or someone you would like us to pray for, you are warmly invited to send us a prayer request. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
[PRAYER_REQUEST_FORM]
Resources to Help You Pray
The following resources are available to help you make prayer part of your everyday life.
Apps That Support a Prayer Habit
These are widely used, gentle and accessible resources for daily prayer.
- Lectio 365 (24-7 Prayer) – Daily morning and evening prayer with Scripture, reflection and silence. Warm, pastoral and very user-friendly.
- Daily Prayer – Church House Publishing
- Pray As You Go
Websites That Support Prayer
Try These Prayers
The Three-Minute Pause
A tiny daily practice:
- Thank God for one thing.
- Ask God for one thing.
- Offer one person to God.
It’s small enough to stick, and it grows naturally.
The Prayer of Examen (Ignatian)
A gentle, reflective end-of-day prayer:
- Where did I feel close to God today?
- Where did I feel far from God?
- What do I want to carry into tomorrow?
Beautiful for beginners and seasoned prayers alike.
Breath Prayers
Short prayers prayed with your breathing:
- “Jesus, be my peace.”
- “Jesus, have mercy on me.”
- “Lord, here I am.”
- “Spirit, guide me.”
Perfect for busy people or anxious moments.
Prayers to Help Us on Life’s Journey
When We Are Bereaved
Holy God, you know the weight of my sorrow and the ache that sits quietly in my heart. You understand the empty spaces where a voice, a touch, a presence once lived.
Hold me gently in this time of loss. Give me moments of rest when grief feels heavy, and moments of courage when the day feels long. Help me to remember with love, to grieve with honesty, and to hope with tenderness.
Be close to me in the quiet hours, when memories come unbidden and tears fall without warning. Be my strength when I feel fragile, my light when the path ahead seems dim, and my comfort when loneliness settles in.
Thank you for the life I have loved, for all that was shared, for all that will remain in me forever. Gather the broken pieces and hold them in your healing hands.
Walk with me, Lord, one small step at a time, until peace returns, and joy — gently, slowly — finds its way back to me.
Amen.
A Navajo Prayer
Grieve for me, for I would grieve for you
Then brush away the sorrow and the tears
Life is not over, but begins anew
With courage you must greet the coming years
To live forever in the past is wrong
It can only cause you misery and pain
Dwell not on memories overlong
With others you must share and care again
Reach out and comfort those who comfort you
Recall the years, but only for a while
Nurse not your loneliness; but live again
Forget not. Remember with a smile.
We Trust
We trust that beyond absence there is a presence.
That beyond the pain there can be healing.
That beyond the brokenness there can be wholeness.
That beyond the anger there may be peace.
That beyond the hurting there may be forgiveness.
That beyond the silence there may be the word.
That beyond the word there may be understanding.
That through understanding there is love.
An Old Gaelic Blessing
May the road rise to meet you:
May the sun shine always on your face:
May the wind be always at your back:
May the rains fall gently on your fields:
And, until we meet again, may God keep you
In the hollow of his hand.
Courses
Throughout the year, we offer a range of courses to help people grow in faith, explore the Bible, and discuss Christian ideas. Some courses are based on a book or film, while others follow themes within the church year.
Every Year We Run
- Lent courses
- Advent courses
- An annual enquirers’ course for anyone wanting to learn more about Christianity or explore faith for the first time
- Additional courses that vary throughout the year
Finding Out What’s On
Details of upcoming courses are advertised through:
- This website
- Our church Facebook page
- The weekly newsletter
Everyone is welcome — whether you’re new to faith, returning after some time away, or simply wanting to go deeper. Our courses are generally well attended and offer a friendly setting in which to learn, explore and discuss faith together.
Groups
Mothers’ Union
Our Mothers’ Union group meets once a month on Thursday afternoons at 2pm, offering friendship, fellowship and faith-filled support for women of all ages and stages.
Each gathering includes time to share, pray, learn and encourage one another as we explore what it means to live out Christian care in our families and communities.
Dates for upcoming meetings can be found on the What’s On page.
Everyone is warmly invited — whether you’re a long-standing member or simply curious to come along and see what we’re about.
Watch & Listen
Our Sunday worship is livestreamed and can be watched on the St James’ Church Facebook page.
You can also join the Church of England’s weekly online service:
