A Warm Hello
This is what you can expect when you're new to visiting St Edmund's and St James' churches.
If you are planning to visit either church then the following might be helpful for you to be aware of, especially if you're new to coming to church.
Where and When
We meet at the Church Building (details here) for our Sunday Service starting at 10:30am at both St James, Moss Side and St Edmund's Whalley Range.
Our Service
Our main service begins at 10.30am and lasts just over an hour (1hr 15-30). It is relaxed, welcoming and easy to follow, even if you have never been to church before. We take part in prayers, songs and a short talk based on a Bible reading. There is also an opportunity to share in Holy Communion (bread and wine), but no one is required to take part — you are very welcome to simply remain seated and observe if you prefer.
Our music is a mix of styles, including lively modern songs using a small band and video screens, as well as well-known hymns played on the piano and organ. At times, people may share short reflections, thanks, or stories of answered prayer, and we also share what is happening in the life of the church.
At the end of the service, the team would be glad to pray with you if you would value that opportunity. After the service, everyone is warmly invited to stay for drinks and biscuits, and often someone has brought along a home-baked treat to share. It’s a relaxed time to chat, meet new people and enjoy being together.
What about my kids?
Children, young people and families are an important part of our church life. It doesn’t matter how old you are — everyone is welcomed and valued as part of our worshipping community. We love gathering as a whole church family and making space for every generation to belong and take part.
At St James, our services are fully intergenerational. Children worship alongside adults throughout the service and are warmly encouraged to participate in prayer, singing and reflection. A resource table is available within the worship space, offering creative and engaging activities so children can explore faith in a way that suits them, while remaining part of the main service. We value their voices, questions and presence as a genuine part of our church family.
At St Edmund’s, we follow a regular intergenerational and Sunday School pattern. On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, everyone stays together for all-age worship. On the 2nd and 4th Sundays, children move into age-appropriate groups for Sunday School. The Youth and Children’s Team is committed to interactive, creative sessions where children can play, explore Bible stories, pray, create, and grow in faith as they learn to follow Jesus in everyday life.
Getting Connected
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 smaller 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. We have coffee mornings at both St Edmund's and St James'.
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. |
We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at our church.
Best Wishes
Revd Tom and the team