What should you expect if you haven’t been to one of our services before? Well, we’ve tried to include answers to as many questions as we can think of, but if there is anything you still aren’t sure of, please do get in touch.

On arrival at the church, there will usually be somebody at the door to welcome you, and you can feel free to ask them anything too.

What Should I Wear? There is no dress code, wear something that you feel comfortable with. Some people like to dress smartly for church, as it’s their way of showing how important it is to them. Others want to show they feel at home there, so they dress more casually. You will see people dressed in a variety of ways and honestly, we are delighted to have you with us, however you are dressed.

Where Should I Sit? Sit wherever you want. Whilst some people tend to sit in the same seats out of habit, there are no reserved seats. Unless the church is very busy, the very front rows tend to be used by those helping with the service in some way, but you really can sit anywhere.

How Long Will The Service Last? The service normally lasts around an hour.

What Happens? The service normally consists of several singings, some prayer (led from the front), one or more short readings from the Bible and a talk based on the readings. We call this talk the sermon, and it normally lasts about half an hour. In the mornings we usually have tea and coffee afterwards in the hall, and you are welcome to stay behind. At the end of the service the minister (or whoever was leading the service) will normally go to the door to shake hands with folk.

What Do you Sing? We sing from the Psalms and we sing a capella (without instruments). The singing is led by someone we call the precentor. On the first Sunday of every month (and occasionally other times) we also have a Psalm sung in Gaelic in the traditional manner, with the precentor ‘putting out the line’.

Do I need to Speak Gaelic? No. Apart from that occasional Psalm, the service is in English. We have a lot of Gaelic speakers, so you may well hear some being used in conversation, but you won’t need to know any. When we have a Gaelic Psalm, those of us with no Gaelic just listen and enjoy.

Will I Have to Sing or do Anything Weird? No. Honestly. We encourage folks to join in with the singing, but until you get used to it, don’t worry. You won’t be singled out or asked to go up to the front or say anything during the service, and there is no test afterwards.

How Much Does It Cost? Nothing. There is a collection plate at the door on the way in which people can put donations into if they wish, but this is completely voluntary and not an entry fee. The church is a charity and funded entirely by donations and relies on the givings of our members and regular attendees, but there is no cost to attending our services.