St James 10.30am Family Service:

Is it OK for me to come along?

Yes!  It really is!  We would love you to join us, whatever you do or don’t believe.  There’s no pressure to do or say anything you’d rather not.  Children of all ages are very welcome, as are those with physical and mental disabilities.

How can I find St James’ church building?

St James Church Building is on Church Street in Audley, at the top of Wilbraham’s Walk, 5 minutes from Junction 16 of the M6.  If you’re coming by car, try using the postcode ST7 8DE (although it takes you to the wrong side of the road).  Buses run from Newcastle Bus Station and from Hanley.

Where’s a good place to park?

If you’re coming by car, there’s a free public car park over the road from the church (this may get full at busy times).  Audley Community Centre very generously let us use their car park – try using the postcode ST7 8DH, and please park in the rear car park where possible: directions here.  There are also some parking spaces on streets around the church building.

What’s disabled access like?

The front steps are a bit intimidating, but there’s a path up from the road by Audley Health Centre to a side door that is much easier for wheelchair-users and buggies, but you will need to ask someone to arrange for a wheelchair ramp to be provided at the time.

What should I expect in the service?
We enjoy being a church family meeting together around God’s Word.  There’s a huge range of ages (from tiny to very senior) and different types of music (from traditional hymns to more modern songs).  There’s a crèche for little ones if parents would like it; The Mix for Reception to Year 9.  If children and young people would prefer to stay with their parents in the service, that’s not a problem.  We sing together and someone leads us in prayer.  We listen to the Bible read and preached, and, for those who would like to, there’s a chance to join in saying a statement of faith together.  The service normally lasts about an hour – a bit less for an All-Age service, and a bit longer for a service with Holy Communion.

What’s an All-Age service?

Once a month (normally, but not always, the first Sunday of the month), The Mix stay in the service, and we try to make our time together particularly accessible to children and young people.

Do I need to wear anything special?

Definitely not.  Some people prefer to dress smartly for church, others prefer to be more relaxed, so please wear whatever you feel comfortable in.

Will there be a collection?

No – there’s no charge for coming to church!  There’s a collection plate on the way in for regulars who would like to give in that way, but we don’t want visitors or guests to feel under obligation to give.

Will there be Holy Communion?

We normally share Holy Communion together once a month – often (but not always!) the third Sunday in the month.  Please use the contact us page or fill in a Welcome Card when you visit to receive a copy of the weekly email for details of upcoming services.   If you’re trusting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, please feel free to join us in taking bread and wine.  If you’re not sure what you believe, you’re welcome just to watch from where you’re sitting, or to keep your hands by your side at the communion rail, and someone will pray for you.

What happens after the service?

There’s tea, coffee and biscuits, a chance to talk and to pray with someone, and normally a kick-about game of football in the church hall afterwards – stick around if you can!