We’re excited you’re thinking of visiting St. George's Church Brockworth, but we also know it can be tricky to navigate everything the first time you visit. Churches come in all shapes and sizes. We want to help you ​in any way we can, whether it's providing someone to sit with, explaining what happens on a Sunday or just having a chat one-to-one; please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

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Our two Sunday services offer a very different worship experience, so we've listed some top tips to help you work out which one might best suit your visit.

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TOP TIPS FOR VISITING OUR 9AM SERVICE:

• Our 9am service takes place in the main Church building (half way alone Roman Way, off Court Road, near the allotments). What3words: Beams.shelving.poppy

• There is parking along Court Road and some on Roman Way, however, there is then a short walk to the building itself which cannot be accessed by car. There is a gentle incline on the approach and a step to get into the church (a ramp can be put down on request).

• You can find information on whether our services are on each week by visiting our Facebook page or contact the church office. Sometimes (for special occasions and seasonal services) both services meet all together at 10am

• All ages and stages are very welcome

• Services commence at 9am and will usually last one hour. You can take a seat any time from 8:45am. Top tip - it's worth being seated before 9am because once the giant large wooden door is pushed to (when the service begins) it can be a heavy, creaky old thing to open on your own if you are a little late. The builders of this church made sure it was impossible to quietly sneak in! (Not that anyone minds at all if you are late - we're just pleased you came at all.)

• There are always stewards involved in the service who are happy to help you and answer any questions. Please reach out to them if you need anything or don't understand what's going on

• There are no toilets in the Church building. If you need the toilet, ask a steward and they can arrange for you to use the toilets at a venue nearby (a one minute walk) or at the Church Centre (a 5-minute walk), so where possible you might want to 'pay a visit' before you leave home

• As the Church building is old, it can get very cold in winter, so please bring any layers you might need, and feel free to leave your coat on in church. The flip side of this coin is that it's always lovely and cool in there in the summer.

• There isn't a dress code to come into church, although you might see people dressed smartly, this is a personal choice and not compulsory. We'd just rather you came as you are. The Vicar wears robes to lead this service (but he never expects you to do the same!)

• Our 9am service follows a more traditional format including; liturgy and prayers from the Book of Common Prayer, a short talk/message, Holy Communion and hymns led by the organ (when an organist is available) or our audio system

• There is no separate childcare available during the service - this is offered at our 10:30am service at the Church Centre instead.

• On arrival, or on your seat, you will be given a booklet of words, also known as Liturgy. This acts as an order of service and the Vicar will lead you through it. The congregation is encouraged to join in to read the bold text. However, please don't feel any pressure to do this, you are always welcome to just observe and listen

• The service includes Communion, prayers, readings and a short talk.

• Shortly before communion, the church fellowship (while standing) is invited to 'share the Peace' with each other. This is a short period, up to 5 minutes, where people greet each other with a handshake, a smile or a hug and saying something like "peace be with you". If you're new, and/or a proper introvert, this can feel like a time of unwanted attention! Clearly we don't want anyone to feel awkward so simply imagine this to be a type of family reunion, where our church family have the opportunity to lovingly greet one another. Some people will leave their seats and wander around, and it can be a bit of a free-for-all, but you are most welcome to stay sat exactly where you are - but do expect a friendly face to say 'peace be with you' and accept the peace that God wants to offer us all.

• Then onto 'the Eucharist' - which is the taking of the bread and wine, also known as Communion. If you don't wish to take Communion, just stay in your seat or shake your head if someone invites you to go up the front to collect it, this is perfectly normal and not something to be afraid of doing

• If you would like to take Communion during our 9am service, the stewards will invite rows at a time to go to the front of church to collect a wafer that has been dipped in the cup of wine, or you can drink from the common cup - it's personal choice. You are also welcome to ask for a simple prayer of blessing from the vicar at this moment if you'd rather - taking up your order of service and holding that will indicate to the Vicar that you would just like a blessing instead

• Unless directed otherwise, the congregation stands to sing hymns or worship songs, but again this is not compulsory. We use hymn books for the words (large print are available on request).

• At the end of the service, people remain in their seats until the Vicar has walked down the aisle and left the building. You are then invited to follow others to leave the church. When you get to the door the Vicar will be there to say "hi", greet you with a handshake, and chat if you want to, but you're equally welcome to just leave quietly

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Everyone is welcome to join us in the Church Centre for a coffee/tea from 10am-10-30am every Sunday, either after the 9am service or before the 10:30am service.

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TOP TIPS FOR VISITING OUR 10:30AM SERVICE:

• This service meets in the Church Centre building next to the library (just off the roundabout where Moorfield Road, Boverton Drive, and Court Road meet). What3words: Rainwater.amber.caveman

• You can find information on whether our services are on each week by visiting our Facebook page or contact the church office. Sometimes (for special occasions and seasonal services) both services meet all together at 10am

• Our 10:30am service lasts about an hour-and-fifteen minutes and includes sung worship (using a TV screen), Bible teaching and groups for the children to attend 

• Parking is available outside and toilets are on the left as you enter the building

• There is no dress code for this service, come as you are

• All ages and stages of life are welcome

• If you're sensitive to noise, please be aware this gathering can feel a bit loud and chaotic at times. Our first service offers a more peaceful environment if that's what you're seeking.

• The format of this service is flexible and people are welcome to come and go as they need to. No big heavy wooden doors here, but you might find the beeping alarm goes off when you enter the front door - this is for safety reasons on a Sunday with the children.

• The worship songs and hymns are a little bit more contemporary at this service and we use Worship Lyric Video's to have the words on the screen. We will sing three worship songs back to back at the start of our service and two worship songs at the end.

• We have a section for people to share their 'Highs and Lows' during the service if they want to, and then we pray and say The Lord's Prayer together.

• Once the children go out into their groups, there is a 20-30min talk on whatever series we are working though. If you have a Bible please bring one, if not, we have Bibles you can borrow on the window sills in the hall.

• There is a section at the back of our seating for parents with young children, and a small matted area with books - to help entertain them.

• Once a month (the first Sunday of the month), we have a gathering without separate children's groups, where we share Communion and testimonies and chat to each other. Communion is optional, you are welcome to not participate and just stay seated as people go up to take it (see first service for an explanation of what this is).

• If you have any questions the Vicar will be there (although not in his robes for this service), as well as other helpers who are more than happy to chat with you and help with anything they can.

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To check if both services will be going ahead on specific dates please keep an eye on our Facebook page or contact us, as it can vary throughout the calendar year.

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To find out more about being a Christian, The Church of England has produced the Our Faith series of videos. They cover topics such as the importance of Sundays, prayer, and the choice to invite Jesus into your life and become a Christian.

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Or why not consider Alpha? An 11-week course that creates space for people to come and discuss life's big questions. Visit the Alpha course website for nearby locations and dates.

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And if you have any questions at all about visiting us, just ping us an email at hello@stgeorgesbrockworth.org, there's no question too big or too small.