Welcome to St. David church and, if you are new to the area, to St. David's. We pray that you will be happy here.
We look forward to welcoming you at one of our events or services, so please do call our team vicar, Revd Alison Wagner on 01604 816979 or make yourself known to the people who welcome you when you come into church or speak to our churchwardens.
Frequently asked questions
Walking into a church, any church, for the first time can be a little daunting. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions. Do please contact us if you have any other questions.
1. Where do I park my car?
Please find a parking space in our small car park or on Eastern Avenue South, leaving enough room for residents to be able to get their cars out of their drives or their side roads.
2. ​Where do I sit in church?
You may sit anywhere in the body of the church. There are no reserved places or pews. If you are new to church, you may prefer to sit where you can follow the people in front of you.
3. ​How do I know what to do during the service?
Both the service booklet and the person leading the service should give clear directions, such as when to sit and when to stand, and what happens next. Words for everyone to say or sing are in bold. We use a hymn book for our traditional hymns and all-age songs and the hymn numbers are usually announced by the person leading the service.
4. What if I do not know the tunes to the hymns or the other parts of the service?
Don't worry. Our small choir lead us in the singing of hymns and the other parts of the service. Feel free to just listen to the music and the words, and join in when you feel ready and comfortable to do so.
5. ​What am I supposed to do when people leave their pews to go up to the altar rails?
There are three options. Please choose the one which seems most appropriate to you.
​Option one ​is simply to stay in your pew, and enjoy the time and space.
Option two ​is to come to the altar rail when directed to receive a blessing from the priest. If this is what you want, kneel with your arms by your side and the priest will know to bless you. Once this has happened, simply return to your seat.
Option three ​is to come to the altar to receive the bread and wine of the Eucharist. If you are used to receiving communion, even if this was some while ago, you are welcome to come and receive at our altar. If this is what you want, hold out your hands in front of you, and you will be given a wafer of bread, with the words 'The body of Christ'. You may like to respond 'Amen' before eating the wafer. You will then be invited to take a sip of wine from the chalice, with the words 'The blood of Christ'. You may like to respond 'Amen' before drinking from the cup. This option of receiving Holy Communion is for those who have committed themselves to a life of following Jesus. If you'd like to find out more about this, and the service of confirmation that normally precedes receiving communion, do please contact our team vicar, Revd Rachel Hetherington, on 01604 717005.
6. How do I get to know other people who attend the church?
Feel free to just chat to people after the service over a cuppa - we do try to be a friendly and welcoming church! Alternatively, the churchwardens, welcomers or clergy would be more than happy to make one or two introductions.
7. Are children welcome in church?
Yes, absolutely! Children of all ages are very welcome in our church. On the first Sundays of the month, we have a service that it is designed for families of all ages and stages in the Christian faith - do come and experience an All-Age Worship with Eucharist service. On the other Sundays of the month, the children go out for part of the service to continue their worship in Sunday School in the church hall. They rejoin the adults in church at the Communion.
Our church has toilets and a baby changing facility, and there are plenty of toys and books to borrow during the service.
8. Are there any House Groups?
Across the Parish there are a number of House Groups. if you are interested in attending one for fellowship and study then see the weekly newsletter for information of where they are held each week, or contact the Parish office.
Jesus said,
​'Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them.'
​Matthew 19:14 (NRSV)
For more details, please see our Children's activities page or contact our team rector, Revd Rachel Hetherington, on 01604 717005.