We really do try to be a friendly and welcoming bunch, and know that many of our "regulars" are not accustomed to traditional church services and indeed may not be sure of their own beliefs. We see this as being entirely natural. Most folk have doubts and questions: isn't that a condition of being a thoughtful human person? As a church built to resemble a temple to Apollo, a Greek god associated with enlightenment, we feel we should be a place open to enquiry as well as faith.

Various secular events are held in the church during the year, many of them musical but also literary, particularly associated with one of our famous residents, George Bernard Shaw. In recent years we have run fully staged, professional plays. Such events help us raise money to maintain our church building.

We are, of course, a church within the Church of England and report to the Diocese of St Albans and follow their advice on many matters. In particular, the parish of Ayot St Lawrence is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of St.Albans’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.