North Walsham
Visitors' Frequently Asked Questions
What is your aim?
Our aim is that whether you are just looking into Christianity for the first time or have been a Christian for many years that you should be encouraged and inspired by the morning. We hope that everyone will draw closer to God.
Who are you?
Our Methodist Church at North Walsham consists of a wide range of different people, from all ages and different backgrounds. All are welcome.
Whoever you are you are assured of a very warm welcome.
Where are you?
By Car:
If you are driving then you'll be pleased to learn there is plenty of parking at the Bank Loke Car Park which is only fifty metres from the church door. Unfortunately it is a Pay and Display car park! For directions to reach us please see the Map Page
By Bus:
Sanders Coaches operate Service 5 & 5A around North Norfolk on a Sunday for a Timetable
By Train:
North Walsham Station is 500 metres from the church, there are regular trains to and from Norwich, a journey taking 30 minutes. and to Cromer taking 20 minutes
What time can I arrive for a Sunday Service?
If it's your first visit then it's probably best to turn up around 10.15.
If you are arriving much earlier than 10.30 on a Sunday morning the church is usually opened by the Stewards on duty from around 9.30 who will be getting the church ready.
From 10.15 you'll be greeted on the door by our welcoming team who will give you some information about the church and notices of forthcoming events.
What shall I wear?
This is easy. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. We are an informal church and accept people as they are. There is no need to dress up to try and be someone that you're not. Whether you come as a suited businessman or in a pair of work overalls that is fine with us.
What happens on a Sunday Morning?
For some people going anywhere for the first time can be a bit of a nerve-racking experience. To help avoid any worries here's a quick summary of what you can expect here at North Walsham Methodist Church at the Sunday Morning Service.
To aid the worship we have an excellent sound system with loop and digital projection of the hymn words - often images are used during the service, depending on the preacher.
First of all we aren't super-spiritual beings, we all had a 'first day' at church, you'll find we are a friendly bunch, if you don't understand something please simply ask, there are always Stewards on duty (wearing a badge).
They are there to help.
We promise we won't ask you to stand up, come to the front, or embarrass you in any way.
The church has about 100 chairs and a regular congregation of about 60 each Sunday Morning.
We start our service at 10.30 with a few minutes of notices keeping us informed of diary dates etc, and begin with a short prayer before welcoming the Preacher for the day.
The Preacher then leads worship which includes:
Hymns and Songs, usually 4 or 5 from the Singing the Faith Hymn Book or other sources. We do have copies of the Methodist Hymns and Psalms available.
Some songs are traditional some more contemporary we have a pipe organ and a piano for accompaniment and occasionally digital through the sound system
Words of the hymns and songs are usually projected but they will also be a printed word sheet or hymnbook if you prefer.
We usually stand to sing if we are able but please sit if you prefer, and if you are not familiar with the hymns, don't worry, just listen.
Prayers:
Prayer is very important to us at North Walsham and it will be part the Service.
Sometimes read, sometimes made up (extemporaneous) and likely to include the Lord’s Prayer. If you would like someone to pray with you just ask one of the Stewards wearing badges. - they will be sensitive and discreet.
Bible Reading:
Members of the congregation often read the lesson for the day using the church Bible currently the Good News Version, there are lots of copies in the church so you can follow the reading if you wish.
Sermon:
Every Preacher has been trained and is qualified to bring a message which will be a talk lasting about 20 minutes.
We do have the facilities to show images and video clips during the service if the preacher has an illustration.
Holy Communion:
This special service is held approximately once a month and again if you wish not to go forward and receive bread and wine (non-alcoholic) that is fine, don’t feel pressurised.
Offering:
The regular congregation do voluntarily contribute to the running of the church expenses. Some in cash, others in a regular Gift Aided Envelopes. Still others contribute by Direct Debit so not everyone puts money in the collection plate at the back of the church.
Is there a crèche?
Children are welcome in our service, and occasionally take part.
We do not have a crèche but some of our church team are DBS checked and all officer holders will have successfully completed Safeguarding Training.
If you would prefer to take your children out of the service at any time there are facilities in other rooms in the building. The Stewards will show you the way.
How long is the Service?
The Service lasts for about an hour
What happens after the Service?
Everyone is invited to stay for refreshments after the Service on the first and third Sundays in the month.
Is the Service like this every week?
The service varies each week but generally there is a regular pattern.
Are there other Services on Sunday?
We do not normally hold a regular evening meeting but just occasionally we arrange something special.
What facilities do you have for less able people?
We aim to be an all-inclusive church. However our resources are limited so we try to provide for our current attendees. If you wish to discuss specific needs please contact the church office. Our premises are accessible for those with disabilities. Both the kitchen and toilets are accessible.
We have a loop system for the hearing impaired
What do you believe?
We are a Christian church and believe that all can have relationship with God. We believe this relationship with God is possible because of Jesus (God's only son) who invites us to follow him. We have friendly relationships with other local churches from both traditional and modern backgrounds. If you are interested in exploring the Christian faith then please come along on a Sunday.
Is there just one room at the church?
No. There is the Worship Area of course but there is a Lounge, a large meeting hall we call the Dayspring which opens onto a small lawn. A Vestry room and finally the Circuit Office. All are heated and regularly used.
The Kitchen is in the centre of the complex and has recently been renovated to a high standard.
Is it just Sundays you meet?
Absolutely not! God is with us all week long and we aim to lead lives pleasing to him.
Small Groups:
To further encourage us we have midweek small groups (a small group is simply a meeting of maybe 10 people in someone's house).
Small groups are a great way to get to know others in the church and to be real with each other about everyday living. If you are just looking into Christianity you are welcome to come along to a small group.
Coffee Mornings
Held on Tuesday at 10.30 till 12 in the Lounge which is a very relaxed atmosphere. People come and go, many while they wait for the bus which leaves just around the corner.
Are other Organisations using the building?
Yes, during the week you could find:
Quilting Group
Fitness Groups
Book Circle
Art Group
All regularly hire the rooms in the church building. Please note that no alcohol is permitted in the building.
How can I get more information?
We suggest you contact our Minister who will be happy to have a chat.
We hope this encourages you to visit our church and we look forward to seeing you.
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- Circuit Office, North Walsham Methodist Church
- Grammar School Road
- North Walsham
- Norfolk
- NR28 9JH
01692 501003
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