What can I expect?
Visiting a church for the very first time or returning after an absence gives rise to many questions and can make anyone anxious and may even make you feel like staying at home rather than braving the uncertain.
But don’t do it!
We want you to experience inspiring music, helpful teaching and preaching, friendly people and a place where you feel welcome and at home.
Here are some answers to a few of the most common questions.
What are your services like?
Most Sundays we have two different service styles to choose from.
Our 8am and 11am services in Hall are a traditional style using the Anglican Church of Australia’s Prayer Book. This means that we sing, pray, hear the Bible read aloud, hear a reflection on the bible, greet each other, and celebrate Holy Communion.
Our 10am service is a more relaxed family style service.
We still sing and pray and study God’s word, but instead of books anything you might need is displayed on TV screens throughout the church.
You are welcome to participate in as much or as little as you like in either service.
Will I be struck by lightning?
Many people who are thinking of attending a church for the first time often believe that they can’t because they are not perfect or that they are just too “bad” for church.
The truth at the heart of the Christian faith is that none of us is perfect and none of us measures up to the standards we set for ourselves, let alone God’s standards.
But this isn’t a surprise to God, in fact, it’s why God decided to become a human being and enter our world in the first place.
The bible tells us that God’s deepest instinct is to move towards those who have made mistakes, those whom others deem too “difficult”, those who feel unworthy, doubters, and seekers.
As Jesus himself said, “it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Luke 5:32).
Will my children be welcome?
Children are always welcome at our services.
We believe that all are equally loved and valued by God, regardless of their age or what they can contribute.
Our church building has dedicated children’s areas with toys and activities, and we have plenty of space for prams and strollers.
We understand that kids will be kids and sometimes need to make noise and move and we welcome their energy and enthusiasm.
We take child safety seriously. All of our clergy and volunteer leaders have been vetted and have Working with Vulnerable People clearances.
Every Sunday there is something special and intentional for the children, a song, a story, and activity or a video. Their God journey is as important to us as the journey their parents or guardians are on.
On the 4th Sunday of the month, we have Hope Kids, which is a time just for the children where they can engage with God at their level.
On the 1st and 3rd Sunday we celebrate the Lords Supper. Everyone is welcome, even the children with their parents’ agreement.
Can I come to your Groups and Activities and not join the church?
We have many volunteers who are not members of Hope Ginninderra and the Community Choir and Dance Exercise groups are very much community based, so come along!
Our prayer is that you might meet God in a way that will transform your life. How you start that journey doesn’t matter…
What should I wear?
There is no particular dress code for any of our services. We have heating and cooling in our venues. But having said that, layers in Canberra is always a good idea, not everyone agrees on what is cold, cool, warm or hot!!
Where do I sit?
You may sit wherever you wish.
St Michael’s and All Angels at Hall has wooden pews. Some people bring a cushion.
St Barnabas at Charnwood has individual padded seats.
If you have any problems with finding a good seat, we have a couple of people at the entrance who will help you find the place that best suits you.
Are your services accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes! We have ramp access and wide doors which can accommodate walkers, wheelchairs and mobility aids at both our locations.
There is a hearing loop operating at St Barnabas Charnwood and we zoom our 10am and 11am services.
