Welcome!

Whether you've just moved to Guernsey, or have lived here all your life, whether you are new to Church or a have been a Christian for many years, we would love to welcome you to St Saviour's Church. 

We understand that walking into a new building full of new people can be difficult. We can promise that we will be welcoming whilst also giving you space to settle in.

We hope the below information helps to answer some of the questions you may have about St Saviour’s Church and what you might expect at one of our services. 

Please also browse our website and social media accounts to find out more about the many activities we get involved in. We aim to provide something for everyone.

What can I expect in a Church service?

Our main service of the week is 9.30am on Sundays. 

You will receive a warm welcome particularly from our Welcome Team who will be able to answer your questions and direct you to where you would like to sit.

On one Sunday a month, there is service for children and adults together, called a Family Service. Through a talk, prayers and singing, we celebrate God’s love and the presence of Jesus Christ with us. It lasts around 60 minutes and is followed by tea, coffee, squash and biscuits. Sometimes there is cake too!

On other Sundays, the service is Holy Communion. In this service, we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and in response, we pray for God’s church and the World. We think about Jesus through readings from the Bible, songs (known as hymns), and prayers. There will be a themed talk (known as a sermon), and we also encounter Jesus as we come forward to receive bread and wine, or a prayer of blessing towards the end of the service. At the end, we are blessed and go to serve God in the coming week. This service lasts just over an hour.

Tea, coffee and biscuits are served after the service when there is plenty of time to meet new people and ask more questions. 

What happens for the children at Church?

Usually on the first Sunday of the month we have a Family Service at 9.30am where children and families are particularly welcome. We have toy bags available for under 3s and Liturgy Bags for 3-11year olds, which contain a series of books and objects related to each part of the service, helping children to take part in a way that is meaningful to them. 

On the other Sundays, the service at 9.30 is Holy Communion. Children are welcome to come to this of course, but 3 to 11 year olds are most welcome to join in with our Sunday School, otherwise known as Sunday Club. Typically, parents remain in church for the service, and children walk over to our Sunday Club room, “The Hayloft”, with is above the church hall, across the road from the church. The children explore faith and the Bible through stories. games, prayer and conversation. Everyone is welcome!  

At the back of church we have a small room that is used as a crèche during the service. There are toys, a toilet and baby changing facilities. There is also a tv screen on which you can watch the service as it happens! Just ask one of the Welcomers (near the doors with badges on), when you come into church. 

For more information about about how children and young people can be involved please visit our Children and Young People page.

Is there a dress code?

No! Please just be yourself and come dressed in what you find comfortable.

Will I have to join in?

Not at all! You are free to simply observe or participate as much as feels comfortable for you. You are welcome to sit and don't have to kneel or stand.

Can I take Communion?

Communion (bread and wine) may be received at the altar rail at the front of church during the service.  If you take communion in your own church, whatever denomination, please feel free to take communion with us. However, if you do not want to receive communion, you and/or your children are most welcome to come up to the altar rail at communion to receive a blessing. It helps us if you take a service sheet or hymn book with you to indicate if this is what you want, especially for adults. Otherwise just stay seated in your pew.

If you would like to receive communion, but are unable to make your way to the altar, please speak to one of the sidespeople or welcomers. Gluten-free wafers are available but let one of the sidespeople know when you arrive.

What provision is made for people with a disability?

We endeavour to make our church and its services as accessible as possible. 

We understand that people with disabilities may have specific access requirements and we therefore would suggest you contact a member of our team to find out how we can best meet your needs. 

The Church building as such has level access, however the toilet facilities at the back of the Church can only be accessed via a step.

Parking

There is plenty of parking in the Revel field behind the Rectory, and in the small field opposite this adjacent to the churchyard. There is also parking at the Rectory and on the road. 

If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our ‘The Team’ page lists all the people who may be able to answer your question. You can also send us a message on one of our social media pages.