About Us
Everyone is welcome at St Bart’s, no matter your age, marital situation, ethnic background, gender identity, social standing or ability to sing. We welcome lively toddlers and crying babies, those who are growing up too fast and those who refuse to do so. We welcome those who have been a Christian for a long time and those who haven't set foot in a church for years, except maybe for their nan’s funeral 6 years ago. We recognise that no one has all the answers and that we all struggle with our own questions and doubts. Come as you are – no need for ‘Sunday best’ – we look forward to welcoming you.Everyone is different and there are a wide variety of way’s in which we each engage with God and Spiritual things. We have several services each week, each with a different ‘flavour’. All are welcome to come and find your place at whichever bests suits you.
The 10am Sunday Parish Eucharist is the ‘largest’ of our services. Following contemporary Church of England patterns and including music from our fine William Hill organ and piano and a wide variety of singing led by our choir, singers and young singers. This is the service where Christening’s take place, Banns of Marriage are read and where occasions such as Harvest and Remembrance are celebrated. Children of all ages are welcome and on the fourth Sunday of each month the service is especially prepared for all ages together.
The 8am Sunday Holy Communion is a peaceful service, without music, using the traditional form and language of the Prayer Book.
The 7:30pm Wednesday evening Holy Communion is a simple service inspired by Jesus’ words that “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them”. NB during the winter months, Wednesday services are at 7pm.
The 6:00pm Wednesday evening Prayers for Wholeness and Healing is a gentle service held the 1st week of each month instead of the usual Wednesday Holy Communion. It provides opportunity to bring our own and others needs before God in prayer.
The 10am Saturday Cafe Church, held the 1st and 3rd week of each month is an informal service, sat around coffee tables with drinks and home-made cakes! Though relaxed and informal, the service includes (interactive) prayer and praise plus conversation and discussion of the Bible reading for the weekend. Not sure about church, but would like to discuss faith rather than hear someone preach? Maybe this is for you. This service is currently on hold, but we plan to re-start as soon as we can.
The building of St Bartholomew's is itself a powerful statement of the presence of the Church in the community. It has active and busy congregations of a wide variety of ages and ethnicities, and a church school which is an important part of parish life.
As well as welcoming people to our services and the many activities which take place in St Bartholomew's, we also aim to play as full a part as possible in the life of the diverse communities of our Parish. We are eager to work wherever appropriate with community groups, agencies and all people of good will for the flourishing and strengthening of our communities.
A number of groups, clubs and classes use our hall, and the main building, with it's excellent acoustics, is host to a variety of concerts and recitals.
Come and join in and be part of the St Bart’s family.