About us

Behind the scene

Who's who

Matching faces to names: some people you might meet on your visit

History

Back in 1875 a lightning struck the church spire

Hiring our church and hall

We would love to see smiles and hear laughter from our church and hall every day of the week, not just Sundays

Safeguarding

We may be able to help if you have concerns about your or your loved one’s safety and wellbeing

Privacy policy

We would like to keep in touch, especially in real life. The law tells us how we must do our part to protect information about you

Documents

Lists! Plenty of newsletters and reports from the past few years

About us

New to us?

Visitors are very welcome at St James’ Church.

 There are lots of reasons people visit church. Perhaps you went to church as a child. Perhaps a friend invited you along. Perhaps you’d like to connect with God. Perhaps life’s been tough and you’d like some comfort and support. Perhaps you’re just curious about what happens at church.

Whatever your reasons, you’re very welcome to join us at our worship.

We understand that trying anything new can be a daunting experience. So here is a quick guide to what you can expect if you visit one of our services.

St James' Church is at the junction between A27 (Church Hill / Moorhill Road) and West End Road. You can find a map, directions and car parking information on our Contact Us page.

We have two main services every Sunday: Parish Eucharist and Church Alive. They are very different in style and you might like to have a look at both.

For Parish Eucharist, when you come in you will be given

  • a order of service booklet (usually with a colour cover) which sets out what happens during the service, and the prayers and responses;
  • service sheet (white) which contains the day's hymn numbers and readings, and special prayers for the day;
  • hymn book; and
  • "pew news" (colour) which tells you what happens over the coming weeks.

    • For Church Alive, all the words and prayers are on an overhead projector at the front of the church. When you arrive you will find people around the back of church having coffee and you are most welcome to join them!

    There are also other services each Sunday, do have a look at our Services page.

    Our Children's Church takes place at the same time as Parish Eucharist. Children start at the Hall and return to the main service during Holy Communion. There are two age groups: Pathfinders for children over 4 years old, and Mustard Seeds for the very young ones. The Hall can be accessed from the church through the doors on the left (north aisle), so if you would like to be able to check on your child during the service you might like to sit close by those doors.

    During Church Alive the children join the adults at the main service, and there are break-out activities suitable for children.

    For very young children, as well as Mustard Seeds, there is a children's corner at the back of the church on the right (south aisle). There are colouring material, toys and building blocks, and books. We understand children can be noisy and we don't expect them to stay quiet throughout! Quite often you will see parents and grandparents walking babies up and down the side aisles during services.

    We have a collection plate at the back of church which you can leave your donation either before or after the service. There are no collection bags passed around during the service itself.

    If you are a tax payer we would appreciate it if you could gift aid your donation. There are yellow envelopes for this purpose by the collection plate and at the ends of pews.