Visiting anywhere new can be scary, particularly if the other people there all seem to know each other ! You can be sure of a warm welcome though, and the information here will give you an idea of what to expect. Also our youtube channel contains typical services, which vary week by week but always include songs, prayers and a talk
Check out how to find us. You can enter the church either from Reigate High Street or from Priory Park/Morrisons service road. Coming into the forecourt from the High Street, the church frontage is easily identified. The entrance doors are opened at least half an hour before the service, and people will gradually arrive right up to 10.30. There will be a volunteer door steward to welcome you as you come in
Coming from the other side, you’ll see our modern community centre building joined to the church. Here’s a short video of the way in from the car park to the church, which is also wheelchair accessible using the lift in the centre
From either entrance, you’ll arrive inside the church, which is relatively unchanged from when it was built in 1884. Below is a 360 view – drag to look round or up/down. It shows the communion table and the area where choir and musicians sit, and the wooden pews for everyone else (they aren’t the most comfortable seats but there are cushions). We don’t have a pulpit now, so the preacher will usually stand at the lectern, and words for songs are projected – although hymn books are still available
Where should I sit?
Sit anywhere you like. Occasionally seats are reserved for special services (such as Baptisms) but these will be marked by signs at the end of the pews. There are two areas at the front of the church which can accommodate wheelchairs.
What should I wear?
Jeans, shorts, casuals, suit – anything that makes you feel comfortable
How long will the service last?
Approximately 1 hour. Afterwards you are welcome to go into the community centre and downstairs to the cafe for tea & coffee (free, donations invited) and a chance to chat
What facilities are available for babies and children?
There is a crèche for babies and children up to school age most Sunday mornings. If you would like your baby/toddler to stay with you through the service that’s fine – there are toys available at the back. During term-time for school age children up to year 5 there is Junior Church and from Year 6 upwards there is Hi-5, where the children and young people can enjoy age appropriate teaching, worship and activities together.
Is there a money collection?
Yes there is a collection to fund the work of the church, and at the end of a communion service there may be another collection for charitable causes we support. If you are a guest, please don’t feel obliged to contribute, just pass the bag on to the next person. Many people who give regularly by bank standing order also let the bag pass by, so you won’t be alone, and we also have contactless card donation facilities by the entrance doors.
Where do I park?
We don’t have enough spaces in our Centre car park and on the forecourt for everyone coming by car, so please use one of the public car parks signposted around the town centre, or Morrison’s supermarket, which has free parking for maximum 2 hours (unless arriving after 7pm) There are disabled parking spaces in our Community Centre car park, which can be reached via the service road from Morrisons car park
What is Communion? Can I take part?
Generally the service on the second Sunday of the month includes Communion, and all are welcome to participate. In these services, bread and (non-alcoholic) wine are served to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection. A steward will invite people to come to the communion rail, in groups of about 10-15, where the minister and stewards give each person an individual glass of wine and a small piece of gluten-free bread. If you would rather not receive the bread and wine but would still like to take part, feel free to come forward for a blessing, just keep your hands down by your sides to indicate your wishes.