We hope our website has answers to many questions about what we believe and what happens in the life of Trinity Road Chapel. There is a search box on the top of the page so you don’t need to navigate all the menus looking for topics.
Here are answers to some questions about our services. But if your question is not there feel free to contact us here
Table of Contents
When are the Sunday Services?
On most Sundays, the services are at 11 am and 6 pm. For Sundays when this is different for any of our services it will be advertised in our bulletin (notice sheet), on the notice boards outside the building, and our website.
How long is a Sunday Service?
About 1h 15mins – 1h 35mins.
What happens when I arrive?
Usually, a couple of members of the church will be near the main double doors in the foyer area to welcome you and answer any questions you might have about where things are. In the foyer, there are hooks available to hang your coat and a place for umbrellas. There are two doors from the foyer into the chapel (where the service takes place).
Where do I sit?
Most of the seating is in pews. There are some chairs in the back row. Apart from the back pews at the sides used to store hymn books, you can sit anywhere.
What do I need to do in a Sunday Service?
The first thing to say is that after choosing where you would like to sit, you don’t have to do anything. We want everyone to be comfortable, especially those who are not used to going to church services.
What happens in a Sunday Service?
The service is led from the front. Usually, 2 different people will introduce the hymns and songs, draw attention to any notices, pray, read from the Bible and preach the sermon. Everyone in the congregation usually stands to sing the hymns and songs and sits for everything else in the service.
Which Bible translation is used in a Sunday Service?
The readings from the Bible are usually read from a highly popular translation called the New International Version.
How many and what types of hymns and songs are sung?
There will usually be four hymns. Some could be 21st-century hymns. Others could be perennial classics. Singing is accompanied by the piano and often other instruments played by members of the congregation. The words of the hymns are projected on a screen at the front.
How long is the sermon?
The sermon is as long as it needs to be; usually 30-45 minutes. Downloads of sermons are available here soon afterwards during the week. The audio from the service is relayed to the foyer and a side room, ask the welcome team in the foyer for more information.
Is there a Sunday School for my children?
After the first part of the service (about 15 mins), children aged 3-11 are welcome to go through to the back of the church for Sunday School classes. A parent or guardian needs to remain on the premises and collect the children at the end. We hope older children and those in senior school will be engaged by the entire service.
My children are shy. Is it OK for them to stay with me in the service?
All children are welcome to stay for the service. If your children aren’t able to sit during the sermon, we have chairs available in the foyer where the audio is relayed from the service and there is more space for children to stay with you to read books or play quietly.
What is the offering?
God has given us every good gift. As an expression of worship to God (how we live before God) we have an opportunity to give back to God something of what He has entrusted to us. At the back of the chapel, we have secure boxes by each exit where we have the opportunity to give. Many of us give by other methods like standing order, electronic faster payments, payroll giving etc. If you would like to give with gift aid, please ask for a form.
What is the offering money used for?
Broadly speaking, some of the offerings are used to fund the running costs of keeping the buildings and facilities. Some are used to pay for and accommodate staff employed by TRC to serve the people of the church and the wider local community. A proportion goes towards supporting missionaries who have been sent and are supported by TRC, and some are used to fund events held on the premises and in the local community. TRC is an independent church and it is the responsibility of the church members to approve the budget as it is presented each year.
Do we have a child protection policy?
Is there wheelchair access?
The main entrance is up 4 steps, and we do have a temporary ramp that the stewards can put out, however, if preferred, there is step-free access from the entrance next to the car park for the flats at 207. Access is around the side of Cafe207 and the car park through the double doors on the left.
What happens after the service?
An important part of our meeting together on a Sunday is the time we can spend together after the service to chat over a cup of tea or coffee. It’s also an opportunity to discuss the sermon and explore any questions. There are quiet areas available for anyone who would like someone to pray with.
What is "communion"?
Often also called the breaking of bread. We remember Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, as he taught His disciples to. Jesus used bread and the cup at the meal he was having with his disciples to help us remember in a visual way that he gave his body and blood, his life, as a sacrifice for everyone who turns away from their sin, and toward Him, and puts their trust in Him.
What happens at communion?
During the service, after the sermon we take communion. This is usually led by the preacher or an elder of the church who will first remind us of what communion is about and read a passage from the Bible about what we are about to remember. The leader will give thanks to Jesus for the bread representing His body, and a group of stewards serve the bread to any in the congregation who can take it. Once the bread has been distributed and received, the leader will give thanks to Jesus for the cup representing His blood, and the stewards will serve small glasses of grape juice for the congregation to hold onto. Once everyone has been served, all the congregation drink the grape juice together as a sign of the congregation being united in Jesus. When communion takes place at the evening service, time is spent praying for the missionaries we have sent and supporting as a church.
Who can take communion?
We remember the all-sufficient sacrifice of the Son of God (Jesus) in our place. All who have received salvation by grace (salvation is God’s free gift) through faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, and are in a right relationship with God are invited to take part in the communion services. All who are not in a position to take part are welcome to stay and reflect.
How often is communion?
Communion is generally included as part of the morning service on the 1st Sunday of the month and the evening service on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
