. · • Limekilns Parish Church - FAQ • · .

I am interested in the Church but don't know anything about God or the Bible. Does this matter?

Faith is a journey and we are all at different stages on this journey. If everyone had to know all about God and the Bible before joining a church, the building would be empty! Journeys all start from where we are right now, and it's just the same with getting to know God. So, whatever your current understanding of God, don't let that stop you from coming along to find out more.
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What is the first step in finding out about joining the Church?

Speak to the Minister, Norman Grant, or anyone you know who goes to Church and tell them you are interested. The Minister runs a short series of meetings to introduce you to the Church and all about Faith. They are very relaxed meetings with other people at the same stage as yourself so you all learn together. It's only after these meetings that you need to decide if you want to take it any further.
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How do I know which is the best Church for me?

Only by trial and error really. It's all about your level of comfort in the services or with the people. Sometimes it's about practical issues like, time of services; type of music; transport; access etc. but it can also be about how you feel yourself. Usually it helps to talk it over with the Minister.
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I would like to join but I'm not sure how much I can help or contribute?

Everyone contributes to their own level, whether that is time, talents or money. Everyone's circumstances are different so nobody judges you. If you think you have something to offer, that's great, but if you feel you don't want to get involved in that way, that's OK also.
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I'd like to help in some way, what should I do?

There are lots of pratical ways you can help around the church and there are lots of things which are done by people on a rota. If you are not sure who to speak to, ask any one of the elders and they will point you to the right person. You can find a list of elders and their pictures on the elders page of this site.
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Isn't the church just after more money?

No it isn't! In fact, you could walk past the offering plate every day in our church and no one would ever ask you to put anything into it, or make you feel guilty if you didn't. The church does a lot of good work in the community and needs money to do this, but there is no entry fee for church.
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Why do I have to get all dressed up just to go to church?

You don't have to! While many people do like to wear their 'Sunday best', it is not a requirement.
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Where else can I go to meet with similar people to learn a bit about the Bible?

Most churches have house-groups. This is a meeting at someone's house where you can learn in a relaxed atmosphere. There is such a group which meets every fortnight at 7 West Harbour Road, Charlestown. You can come along and see if you like it. We sing a bit, study a bit, have a chat and a laugh and then have tea/coffee and rock buns - it's very relaxed. You don't have to know anything about the Bible in advance. To find out more, click here
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What is the benefit of going to a house-group?

House-groups are more relaxed than church. You can sit in a comfy seat with people who are all at different stages in their Christian life. Some will know a lot, but there will be others who know very little and are there to learn just as you would be. Most people would not want to ask a question in church, but you can in a housegroup, without feeling silly.
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Should I just go to a house group then instead of church?

No! While house-groups are a good way of learning and meeting new Christians, they are not a substitute for church. They are like the sticky toffee pudding of Christian life and it's better to include them with a main course. (Although you could have either one first - The Webmaster)
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Is the Church still relevant in today's secular society?

The Church today is quite different from the Church of yesterday and always tries to keep itself up-to-date. However, the fundamental beliefs upon which it is based are the same today as they were 2000 years ago and founded on the love of Jesus Christ. Society still needs a solid foundation of love and faith upon which to build our future and there are millions of people throughout the world who still believe this. The Church is still a growing organisation in most parts of the world, its only in some of the affluent Western countries that decline is happening. Perhaps it is no longer convenient for their fast-moving way of life, but that doesn't make it irrelevant.
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Can I go into the Church other than on a Sunday?

The Church is open for a large part of the week for contemplation or prayer. If you want access and the door is closed then the manse next door will be glad to accommodate, or the Church office is open from 09.30 - 12noon on Tuesday to Friday and they will be pleased to let you in.
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Do you have disabled access to the church?

Yes we do. There is a ramp which provides access for wheelchairs and prams.
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Is there anything for children?

We provide a créche every Sunday during the service and there is also 'The Lighthouse' for older children. For more information go to The Lighthouse page.
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Do you only have a service in the morning?

In addition to our morning service, we have a monthly evening service which is usually held on the first Sunday of the month. This service does have a short break during summer and also there is not one in January. It is more contemporary than the usual Sunday morning service and we have a band providing the lead. You can find out more about it on The New Life page.
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