Visiting a new church can be daunting, so we aim to make your experience as easy and welcoming as possible. Here's everything you need to know to feel confident and relaxed about your first visit:
Where and When
Our Sunday services take place in the six churches in our parish.
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1st Sunday: Hessay Chapel at 9:30 am, All Saints Wighill Communion Service at 10:00 am
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2nd Sunday: All Saints Moor Monkton at 10:00 am, St Helen’s Bilton BCP at 11:30 am
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3rd Sunday: St John the Baptist Hessay at 10:00 am
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4th Sunday: St John the Baptist Healaugh at 10:00 am
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5th Sunday (4 times a year): St Helen’s Church, Bilton in Ainsty
For your first visit, we recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early. This allows one of our friendly team members to greet you, answer any questions, and help you feel at home.
If you're attending a Breakfast Service, arrive from 9:30 am to enjoy a complimentary light breakfast. For all other services, tea, coffee, biscuits, and homemade cakes are served after the service. This is a great chance to meet people, chat, or simply take a moment to relax and get your bearings. All refreshments are free, and you're welcome to join us whether you're a regular churchgoer or just curious about exploring faith.
What to Expect During the Service
Our main services begin at 10 am, and each starts with a warm welcome from one of our team. We aim to create an environment that is friendly, comfortable, and open to everyone.
Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:
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Duration: Most services last about an hour.
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Style: Services include a mix of hymns, prayers, and a message designed to encourage and inspire.
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Children: We warmly welcome children of all ages. Feel free to ask about what’s available for your child during your visit.
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Accessibility: Our buildings are equipped with ramps and accessible seating. If you have any specific needs, let us know in advance or speak to one of our team members when you arrive.
If you're unsure about anything – from where to sit to what to say during the service – don't worry! Just follow along or simply observe; there's no pressure to do anything you're uncomfortable with.
After the Service
Stick around after the service to enjoy refreshments and chat with others. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, ask questions, or just enjoy the atmosphere.
Whether you’re new to faith or simply exploring, we’re here to make your visit as welcoming and relaxed as possible. If you have any concerns or specific questions before your visit, please feel free to contact us – we’d love to hear from you!
Getting Connected
Small Groups
While Sundays are a great way to meet new people, it is often in smaller gatherings that you can really get to know someone. Being part of one of our small groups allows you to make new friends, share together, and support each other. We have a variety of groups that meet throughout the week, some afternoons and some evenings. Check out Small Groups and see if there’s one that you could join, or we can put you in touch with a small group leader who will be more than happy to invite you along to their group.
Serving and Volunteering
If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, you can sign up to serve on a team.
Get in touch with us to plan your visit
If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.
Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit. |
Leadership
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Tony Holmes, Church Warden, Bilton in Ainsty |
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Priscilla Smith Church Warden, Healaugh |
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Janice Quinn, Church Warden, Wighill |
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Kathryn Wright, Church Warden, Hessay and Moor Monkton |
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We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at our church.
Best Wishes
Leadership Team