Worship at Central Hall
Coming together to praise and adore ChristSunday Worship returns in person on May 2nd 2021
What is worship?
We’re a community of Christ-followers here at Central hall. Throughout the week, we’re called to live out his inclusive, radical mission of loving transformation. On Sundays at 10:30am, we gather to praise God, to learn more about the life God calls us to, and to support one another in our call.
On any given Sunday, you’ll find us praising God in song, learning from ministers and preachers expounding passages from the Bible, praying for the city and the issues in the world around us, and meeting together in fellowship over tea and coffee.
If you’re new to Christian worship, or just want to know about how we encounter God here at Central Hall, then read through our Frequently Asked Questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be expected to do anything?
We’d never ask you to do something you’re uncomfortable with, but during services, you will be invited to stand (if you’re able) to join in with the worship songs, and come to the front of church to receive communion (when offered) if you wish. Most weeks, we also take up an offering/collection to support the work of the church. As a visitor, you’re welcome to either contribute or just pass it along to the next person.
Can I bring my children with me?
Absolutely! We love working with children and young people here at Central Hall, and there’s always something on for them. Most weeks, children come into the services with their grown-ups and are invited to seperate children’s activites during the worship services. If you’re new, just let us know your child will be joining in the children’s activities. If he or she is a bit nervous, please feel free to accompany your child to the children’s ministry activities. Once every other month, we also have an all-age service, where children and adults worship together. These services are designed specially to be accessible to young children as well as adults. You can read more about what we do for children and young people on our Children and Youth page.
How long do the services last?
Most of our services last between an hour and an hour and a quarter. We have tea and coffee straight after every service, so that’s the best time to hang around and make new connections!
What's the music like?
We enjoy praising God through a wealth of classic hymns in the Methodist and wider Christian tradition as well as through more contemporary worship music. It’s not uncommon to find the organ, piano, guitar, drums and even the ukulele all being used in the same service!
Who can take communion?
Communion is a tradition in which Christ invites all who love him to take part. We take the bread and (non-alcoholic) wine in rememberance of his sacrifice for us and as a way of joining in with Christ-followers all over the world. At Central Hall, we welcome all to join in this act of rememberance regaurdless of age or membership status.
Is there a dress code?
Not at all! Some members of our church view the act of worship as a formal occasion- almost like a wedding. The Bible speaks of church as “the bride of Christ” coming together. Other members dress quite informally as they would when relaxing with friends. Jesus said to his followers “you are my friends”
Will I be asked to give money?
Most weeks we take up an offering/collection in support of the work of the church. We aim to cover most of our building/maintenance costs through letting our conference centre facilities, so anything you give in the collection can be used towards ministry. Please don’t feel obliged to contribute, especially if you’re new to Central Hall. You can read more about our perspective on contributing financially on our giving page.
How do you cater for those with additional needs?
We welcome everyone, reguardless of age, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, and ability. We try to be inclusive of everyone by offering
- Hearing loops
- Disabled toilets
- Disabled access and lifts
- Large print hymnals and Bibles (on request)
- Assistance with finding a place to sit or in acessing refreshments and facilities upon request
Please let a steward or leader know if you need any help, or if something hasn’t been provided that we can sort for you. If you don’t know who the stewards are, ask someone to help you find one.
I'm a bit unsure about church. Can someone show me around?
Absolutely! Whether you’re new to the area or completely new to the faith, we’d be very happy to arrange for a church leader or member to meet you outside the worship hours and sit with you during your first visit to worship. To arrange this, just get in touch!