Plymstock United Church, Plymouth, Devon

Hearing aid
loop in use

Level access
to sanctuary

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Visitors' F.A.Q.s

Painting of the church building by a local artist

Twinkle Tots' play equipment ready for our little visitors

If you haven't been to this church before you may wonder what to expect if you do pay a visit. Hopefully these FAQs will answer most of your queries. Please feel free to send an email if you want to know more.

What time are the services?
How long do the services last?
What are the services like?
Do I have to wear my 'Sunday best'?
What about people with disabilities?
Will there be many people present?
What about my children?
Will there be a collection?
What is the seating like?
Do you serve refreshments?
What happens if it's a communion service?
Will the Minister be there?
Is there car-parking space?
How do I find the church?

What time are the services?

We normally have two services on a Sunday. However, on the 5th Sunday evening of a month we join with other local churches for a combined service. Information about the venue for each of these is posted on the noticeboard.

Morning services start at 10.00 am
Evening services start at 6.30 pm

How long do the services last?

That varies, depending on what type of service it is, but normally they last between an hour to 1hr 20 minutes.

All-age family services and Parades tend to last about 55-65 minutes.
Morning and evening Communion services tend to last about 1hr 20 minutes.
General Sunday services tend to last 65-75 minutes.
Evening services led by Homegroups tend to last about 50 minutes.

What are the services like?

It varies from week to week, but 'relevant' 'relaxed', and 'enjoyable' are words that we hope describe what goes on! We tend to use a variety of modern and traditional songs and hymns, often led using a band of musicians. There will be prayers and a reading from the Bible, and a sermon based on the Bible reading. Once a month we celebrate communion in the morning and evening. We also hold a monthly all-age family service which is often creative and may involve storytelling, drama, congregational participation, video or dance.

Do I have to wear my 'Sunday best'?

Most people dress casually for our services, but you are free to wear whatever you prefer, whether that's a suit or summer shorts, posh dress or dungarees. Plymstock UC is a relaxed church and we want people to feel comfortable when they come.

What about people with disabilities?

Wheelchair access is very easy, as there are no steps to negotiate provided you enter through the front gate. A hearing aid loop system is installed for those who are hard of hearing, and large print songbooks are available if required (please ask).

Will there be many people present?

Our morning congregation varies between 80 (normally) and 140 (Parades and other special occasions). The evening congregation is usually around 15 to 25, but again there will be many more present on special occasions.

What about my children?

Our 'Family Services' are all-age occasions, so the children and adults will stay together for the whole service. On other Sunday mornings there is a Junior Church in three different age/ability groups, and after the first 10-15 minutes the children will go to their various groups. Everyone who works with children has gone through a Police CRB check.

For babies and infants (up to 3 years old) there is a carpetted 'creche' area in the church so that they can remain with their parents and play safely during the service.

Will there be a collection?

Yes there will be, as we believe this is an important part of our worship and committment. However, we are pleased to welcome visitors and do not want them to feel under any pressure to make an offering. Many of our Members give via bank standing orders, so they and visitors can simply let the collection plate pass by without feeling awkward.

What is the seating like?

Comfortable! We have upholstered chairs which are linked together, and some also have arms. The flexibility also means that sometimes the chairs will be in rows, sometimes in a semi-circle. Come and try one for size!

Do you serve refreshments?

In the mornings, yes. Tea, coffee, squash and a variety of biscuits are available (and if it's a special occasion, you may even get some cake!). The refreshments are free, although some people choose to make a donation. Be our guest.

What happens if it's a communion service?

Communion, or the "Lord's Supper" as we usually call it, normally happens in the latter part of the services. In the mornings, Junior Church will rejoin us for this part of the service. We use individual glasses and non-alcoholic wine, bring the bread and wine around to where people are seated, and after everyone has been served we eat and drink together. We welcome all who wish to take communion with us, but children are encouraged to wait until they are ten years old and have discussed it with the Minister.

Will the Minister be there?

Yes, on most Sundays. Paul is away on some weekends as he also works part-time for a national organisation promoting renewal and evangelism in churches. On those occasions the services are led by a visiting preacher or Minister, by one of our other church leaders, or by one of our homegroups.

Is there car-parking space?

We have room for about 25 cars on the rear car park, 5 on the front one, plus plenty of on-street parking outside the church too.

How do I find the church?

We are situated opposite the Computer Shop on the Plymstock Road at the top of the rise between Oreston waterfront and Plymstock Broadway shopping precinct. Coming from the city over Laira Bridge, turn right at the Morrisons' / McDonald's roundabout, head into Oreston, and then follow the road up the hill. For more detailed instructions, there's a map here.