What to expect
If you've not been to one of our Sunday gatherings before, here is a bit about what you can expect on a Sunday. The main thing is: wherever you're at in life and thinking about God, come as you are, be where you're at, explore at your own pace.
Whether you're looking for a Church, just visiting, or interested in finding out more about Christianity, everyone's welcome.
We meet 10am and 6pm Sundays, at the Holdfast Bay Community Centre, 51 King George Avenue, Hove.
At the 10am gathering we have a Creche and also offer programs for Primary School aged and Pre-school aged Children.
While everyone's welcome at 6pm we don't currently offer any Children's programs or creche.
Before the Gathering:
Signs will be out to guide you to the car parks and the front door.
When you enter front door, you will be greeted by one or more people on the Welcome Team. They'll answer any questions that you have, show you the ropes, help you with a name tag (first names only) and point you in the direction of a coffee or tea.
When you walk into the Hall you will be welcomed and given a Bible containing a leaflet that will let you know a bit about what's going on. You're welcome to find a seat where you'd like or we can help you with that as well.
There's usually music to let everyone know we're about to start. We usually begin with standing and singing together. But if singing is not your thing, please free to stand or sit and have a think about the words projected on the wall.
During the Gathering at 10am
At the heart of all we do involves trying to connect with God through his Word, the Bible. So, words from the Bible will be a part of everything we do at Trinity Bay.
At 10am everyone begins off together for the first 20 minutes or so. There's music shakers available for the kids so they can have some fun with the first bunch of songs. Lots of the kids like to stand on a chair so they can bop along as well.
Because 'big days' are worth celebrating we have a '(big) Book of Big Days' for birthdays, anniversaries or any big day you want to share that's happening that week. Not in the big book? No worries. Stick your hand up to dob in whoever is with you that is having the 'big day'.
An 'all in talk' time on the main idea we're looking at from the Bible usually follows, involving puppets, meeting a new character or sometimes even a bit of magic. There'll be a kids song as well to finish things off before the kids head out to their age appropriate programs. You're welcome to send them out with our friendly team leaders, or head out with them to settle them in.
We'll usually get some information off you to help the kids min team look out for the safety and well being of your children. (Eg food allergies, any other info worth knowing) Information is available if you wish to know what program the children will be doing. Some parents keep their sleeping babies in with them, which is fine.
While the kids head out, we have a 'G'day' time. It's a chance to meet people around you, stretch your legs, grab another tea or coffee before we get back into things.
Usually we'll sing another song to get everyone back. This will often be followed by a interview or news of interest. We'll then have one or two passages read from the Bible. You can follow along in the Bible that you are handed by the welcomers. Following this, someone will give a 20-30 minute talk about the Bible passage helping us connect with what it meant then and how it's relevant for our lives in today's world. The talk is usually given by John Warner, the pastor at Trinity Bay.
We'll usually have a chance to respond to what we've heard in song, or talking to God in prayer. Prayer time is usually lead by someone who's part of the Church. There will sometimes be a prayer we all join in on, like The Lord's Prayer. The words for this will be displayed on the wall with the data projector. You're welcome to participate or use the time to think.
Things usually finish up with another song before we go collect our kids from Creche (the primary aged kids are brought back) and enjoy chatting some more over morning tea.
During the Gathering at 6pm
While the goal of engaging with God through the His Word, the Bible remains the same as 10am, 6pm tends to be more chilled and interactive. After some singing we usually meet one or two people, introduce the big idea we're thinking about and then we're straight into the Bible reading and talk. Straight after the talk there's 15- 20 minutes to talk over finger food.
We usually then get back for the second half, that includes a Q & A time that goes for about 10 minutes. You can stick your hand up and ask a question about the talk or text a phone number if you want to stay anonymous.
Once a month at both gatherings, we remember Jesus' death with the Lords' supper or communion. Whatever your background, if you're trusting in Jesus you're welcome to join in. If you're still working the God question out for you, then feel free to watch and take the opportunity to have think about things.
After the gathering at 10am and 6pm
There will be a morning tea provided after the 10am service, and after 6pm tea and coffee will be available.
We encourage visitors to fill out a 'Connect Card' to let us know you've been with us or how we can help you out or answer any questions. The connect card is a great way to let us know if we can be praying for you about anything as well. Your contact details will not passed on to anyone else, and if you decide you want to opt out later, you can simply let us know, and we will respect your wishes.
There are lots of other opportunities to connect over the week. Just follow the links in the webpage.
Links
Beyond Trinity