What to Expect
We know that coming to church for the first time can be a little daunting. Below we have outlined what you can expect when you attend a Sunday morning service at Forres Baptist Church.
Welcome
As you enter the church people will be there to welcome you warmly and show you where to go. Someone will help you find a seat wherever you feel most comfortable and will sit with you if you would like them to. We do not have designated seats and so you can’t sit in the wrong place! There is no dress code, just wear what you feel comfortable in.
Worship and Music
We usually sing four songs during the service - a mixture of hymns and worship songs. This part of the service is an opportunity for the congregation to collectively express their faith and devotion to God.Sometimes we have a worship team of singers and musicians leading. Words are projected onto a screen at the front of the church. We usually stand to sing but if you are not able to stand or prefer not to it is fine to remain seated. You don’t have to sing if you don’t want to.
Prayer
The service often begins with an opening prayer. During the service we have a short period of open prayer where members of the congregation will offer spoken prayers. You do not have to pray out loud and can pray privately or just listen if you prefer.
Sermon
We have a bible reading and a sermon will follow this. The sermon is based on the bible reading and usually lasts about 30 minutes.
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Giving
Together we say an offering prayer. Members and regular attenders often make a financial offering to cover the costs of running the church. New people and visitors to the church are not expected or asked to make any financial contribution. We are just happy to have you with us.
Communion (The Lord’s Supper)
We take Communion on the third Sunday of every month. Communion involves eating a small piece of bread and drinking a small glass of non alcoholic wine which symbolises the body and blood of Jesus Christ in remembrance of His sacrifice on the Cross. Anyone who takes Jesus as their Lord and Saviour are welcome to take Communion with us. If you are not yet a believer we ask that you let the bread and wine pass by.
Children's and Youth Church
Children’s Church - Each week there is a talk in the service which is for the children. After the Bible reading they can leave the service and go to Children’s church with helpers where they will have a bible talk, play games and do crafts. Children’s church is for children of primary school age. The leaders and helpers are all PVG checked. Children’s church is every Sunday except the first Sunday of the month. On this Sunday colouring and other activities are set out at the back of the service for them to keep occupied
Youth Church - On the first Sunday of the month we have a group for Secondary age young people to meet and have bible discussion. The leaders and helpers are all PVG checked.
Creche
We have a creche room with comfortable chairs and toys suitable for preschool children. Parents and carers can sit with young children in this room and still hear the service while the children play. A church member can come and keep you company if you would like.
Fellowship and After-Service Activities
After the service many people stay for coffee, snacks, and informal chats. It is a great way to meet people and find out more about the church. Someone will ask if you would like to stay and show you where to go and ensure that you have people to talk to. We are a church family and value community. We enjoy meeting new people and so it is commonplace for people to introduce themselves to you. The hall can be quite busy and a little noisy - if this is not comfortable for you, you are welcome to stay in the chapel where it is quieter and someone will bring you refreshments and stay to chat.
We have designated prayer teams available after the service for anyone seeking personal prayer or spiritual guidance. People will stand at the front of the church at the end of the service with prayer lanyards and are available to pray with you if you would like them to.
Facilities
Toilets and a disabled toilet are available within the building.
The building is wheelchair accessible.
We have ample parking, there is a slight incline from the car park to the front door. If you have mobility problems and this is a problem, you can park your car or be dropped off close to the front door.
We hope that this gives you a flavour of what to expect when you come along to one of our services. If you have any questions or special requirements please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to seeing you soon!