One Church, Five Denominations
Most villages have several churches or chapels, each with different variations on denomination. Bar Hill is quite unusual in that there is only one church. It is sponsored by the Baptist Union, Church of England, Methodist Church, Society of Friends and United Reformed Church, and it shares a 'local covenant' with the Roman Catholics. Christian Unity is not only talked about here; it is practised week in, week out. After many years as a 'Local Ecumencial Partnership', we take it for granted that Christians of different denominations can work and worship together.
Sunday Services
The morning service follow a monthly pattern, drawing on our various traditions in turn. The idea is that everybody comes, regardless of what type of service it is - even if it's not your core denomination. During the evening services there is often scope for variety, where a sometimes more informal style of worship is carried out. There are also opportunities to attend workshops and pray for current events in the world. This may seem a little confusing at first, but we hope that our visitors will quickly get used to it, and enjoy the rich diversity of services here.
Youth & Children's Activities during Services
During our Sunday service we provide activities for Children and Youth.
TOTS ZONE is for 0 to 3 years who meet in the TNT room, just off the Worship Hall during the service, where parents may remain close by. If you wish to be out with them you can hear the service in this room. We have 6 leaders who work on a rota system.
KIDZONE is for pre-school and primary school age. This is held in the Octagon building next door to the church. The children usually leave for their activities during the first part of the morning service, on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Sundays. On the first Sunday of the month the children usually rejoin the adults for Family Communion. The 4th Sunday is All Age Worship, so the children remain in church.
We have 12 leaders who work on a rota system.
YOUTHZONE is for the youth aged 11-14 who meet in the Octagon building next door. They usually meet on the 2nd, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month. They join the rest of the church for worship on the 1st and 4th Sundays. We have 5 leaders who work on a rota system. All together for a Social Gathering on the 4th Sunday of the month in the Octagon.
At present all our other Youth activities are being reviewed and this page will be updated when we have things in place.
After the Morning Services
Several things happen after the 10am services. At the front of the Church there is an opportunity for specific prayer about any personal concerns you may have, or maybe something has touched you during the service. A bookstall, which holds a good selelction of Christian literature, operates in the Octagon building (the original church building) next door, and there is also tea and coffee available there as well. You will also find a Traidcraft stall, which promotes and sells fairer trade goods from the Third-World.
Newcomers & Visitors
If you are thinking of visiting Bar Hill Church for the first time, please do give your name and address to a member of the Steward team so that we can keep in touch. We look forward to getting to know you more and would be delighted to welcome you to our services.
