You are welcome here.
A church family in the middle of Springfield. Come on Sunday as you are: there is coffee on, a place for your kids, and nobody will put you on the spot.
Sunday 9:30 & 11:00
Kids church 11:00
Coffee from 9:00
All welcome
This Sunday
12 Elm Street, Springfield. Step-free entrance and free parking behind the building.
Plan your visit
Your first Sunday, before you leave the house. Nobody will ask you to stand up, sign anything or give money.
What to expect
Parking
Free car park behind the building, with spaces by the door kept for visitors and blue badge holders.
Coffee
From 9:00 in the hall: coffee, tea, decaf, and juice for children.
Children
Kids church runs during the 11:00 gathering for ages 0 to 11. You are welcome to stay with your child the first time.
How long
About 75 minutes: songs, a talk of around 25 minutes, and a few quiet moments.
What to wear
Whatever you are comfortable in. Jeans are fine.
When you arrive
1
Come to the blue door
The main entrance is on Elm Street. Someone from the welcome team will be there to say hello.
2
Grab a coffee
The hall is just inside on the left. Help yourself, and ask anyone if you are looking for something.
3
Check in your children
At the kids desk we write your child’s name and your phone number on a label, so we can reach you during the gathering.
4
Sit wherever you like
There are no reserved seats. If a little one needs space, the quiet room at the back has sound and a view.
This week
Gatherings and groups, day by day. Everything is open to newcomers. Items marked this week only are one-offs.
Sunday
9:00Coffee and pastriesThe hall
9:30Morning gatheringMain room, about 75 minutes
11:00Morning gathering with kids churchMain room and kids rooms
12:30Harvest lunch this week onlyThe hall, everyone welcome
Tuesday
10:00Toddler groupThe hall, for under-fives and their grown-ups
19:30Home groupsHomes across Springfield, ask us for one near you
Wednesday
12:30Quiet half hourMain room, drop in and leave when you like
19:00Choir rehearsalMain room, no audition
Friday
18:30Youth night, ages 11 to 18Youth room
Saturday
10:00Food bank openSide entrance on Mill Street
14:00Garden work afternoon this week onlyBehind the building, gloves provided
Example week. Times can change in school holidays, so check here before you come.
Children and youth
Children are not an interruption here. Bring them along: there is a group for every age, and noise in the main room is fine too.
Little ones, 0 to 4
A soft-play room with toys, stories and a parent nearby. Sundays at 11:00.
Kids church, 5 to 11
Games, crafts and a Bible story told simply, in small groups by school year. Sundays at 11:00.
Youth, 11 to 18
Food, music and honest conversation about big questions. Friday nights at 18:30.
Keeping children safe
Our safeguarding policy sets out how we choose, train and support everyone who works with children and young people. If you have a question or a concern, talk to our safeguarding lead, Alex Morgan (sample name).
Recent talks
Missed a Sunday? Read the notes from recent talks.
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What to expect at your first church service
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Bringing children to church: a guide for parents
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Five easy ways to meet people at a new church
Visiting is one thing; getting to know people takes a little longer. These small steps help.
Coming up
Lunches, evenings and things to do together. Friends and neighbours are welcome at all of them.
Sunday 25 October
Harvest lunch this week
After the 11:00 gathering. Bring a dish if you can, or just bring yourself.
Saturday 7 November
Elm Park clean-up
Two hours of litter picking with neighbours, then soup in the hall.
Friday 20 November
Quiz night for the food bank
Teams of up to six. Entry by donation, all of it goes to the food bank.
Sunday 13 December
Carols by candlelight
An evening of carols and readings at 18:00, with mince pies after.
Sample dates.
Find your place
Church runs on people giving an hour here and there. Try a team for a month before you decide; nobody signs up for life.
Welcome team
Say hello at the door and help newcomers find their way.
Coffee team
Make the first cup of the morning and wash up after.
Kids team
Lead crafts and games on a rota. Training comes first.
Music team
Sing or play on Sundays. The choir needs no audition.
Sound and screens
Run the sound desk and the slides. We will show you how.
Food bank
Sort donations and welcome guests on Saturday mornings.
Giving
Giving is for people who call this church home. It pays for the building, the kids and youth work, and the food bank.
If you are visiting, please do not feel you need to give anything. You are our guest.
Ways to give
Online
A one-off gift or a regular one, by card or bank account, through our online giving page.
In person
There is a giving box by the door on Sundays. Envelopes are on the table beside it.
Bank transfer
Email us and we will send you the account details.
People you will meet
A small staff team and a lot of volunteers. Any of us is happy to talk after the gathering.
Daniel Hart
Lead pastor
Gives most Sunday talks and is always up for a coffee and a hard question.
Ruth Ellison
Pastoral care
Visits people at home and in hospital, and leads the Wednesday quiet half hour.
Grace Mensah
Children and families
Runs kids church and the toddler group, and knows every child’s favourite song.
Sam Rivera
Youth and music
Leads Friday youth night and the Sunday band, and tunes the old piano.
Sample team and bios.
Why people stayed
“We came the first time because of the toddler group. Someone remembered our names the next week, and we kept coming back.”
Sample member
Came with two small children
“I had not been to church in twenty years. Nobody asked why. They just made room at the lunch table.”
Sample member
Started coming last spring
“I moved to Springfield for work and knew no one. The Tuesday home group became my first friends here.”
Sample member
Home group regular
Questions people ask
Something else on your mind? Call us, or ask anyone with a welcome badge on Sunday.
Do I have to believe anything to come?
No. Many people come with questions, doubts or no faith at all. You are welcome to listen, ask, or simply have a coffee.
What happens on a Sunday?
We sing a few songs, someone gives a talk of about 25 minutes, and there are short times of prayer and quiet. The words are on the screen, so you can join in or just follow along.
Can I bring my children?
Please do. At 11:00 there is kids church for ages 0 to 11, and children are welcome in the main room at any time. There is a changing table in the accessible toilet.
Will I be asked for money?
No. Giving is for people who call this church home, and there is no collection passed along the rows.
Is the building accessible?
The main entrance is step-free, there is an accessible toilet, and we have a hearing loop in the main room. Call us if you need anything else and we will help.
Who can I talk to?
Look for the welcome team at the door, or call the office during the week. If you would rather talk privately, one of the team can meet you for a coffee.
Times and how to find us
Sunday gatherings
9:30 and 11:00
Kids church
Sunday 11:00
Quiet half hour
Wednesday 12:30
Church office
Tuesday to Friday, 9:00–15:00
12 Elm Street, Springfield, ST 10007
Step-free entrance on Elm Street. Free car park behind the building.
Come as you are this Sunday
Let us know you are coming and someone will meet you at the door, show you where everything is and sit with you if you like.