Non-denominational church Sample church
Sundays at 9:00 and 11:00, and you're welcome at either
Halden Street Church is a neighbourhood congregation in the middle of town. This page covers what a Sunday looks like, what we do for kids and where to park, so you know what to expect before you come.
- A welcome desk and coffee inside the main doors
- Kids' groups from babies to grade 5 at the 11:00 service
- Step-free entrance and a hearing loop in the sanctuary
This Sunday, October 25Sample
- 9:00 amService with hymns and piano
- 11:00 amService with the band, kids' groups and the livestream
- 12:30 pmNewcomers' lunch in the hall
Service times
Both Sunday services have the same talk. Pick the one that suits your morning. Sample times
9:00 am
Hymns and piano
About 60 minutes. A quieter service with traditional songs, a talk and prayer. The nursery is open.
11:00 am
Band, kids' groups and livestream
About 75 minutes. Contemporary songs, the same talk, and groups for kids from age 3 to grade 5.
Wed 6:30 pm
Youth night and midweek groups
Youth meet in the youth room until 8:30. Several adult groups meet at the same time.
The building is at 218 Halden Street. Doors open 20 minutes before each service.
Your first Sunday, step by step
If you've never been to a church service, or haven't been in years, this is what happens when you arrive.
Park
Use the main lot off Mercer Lane. Accessible spaces are by the north door, and on Sundays there is overflow parking at the school across the street.
Say hello at the welcome desk
It's inside the main doors. Someone there can show you around, answer questions and point you to the coffee.
Check kids in
The kids' desk is next to it. You get a printed tag that matches your child's, and you collect them with it after the service.
Sit anywhere
There are no reserved seats. Songs are on the screens, and nobody will ask you to stand up or introduce yourself.
Stay for coffee
Coffee and tea are in the hall after both services. Stay as long or as briefly as you like.
Kids and youth
Groups for every age, run by trained volunteers. Your kids can also stay with you in the service the whole time.
Nursery
Birth to age 2
During both services, in the room beside the welcome desk. If your child needs you, a volunteer comes to find you.
Kids
Age 3 to grade 5
At 11:00, kids start the service with you and go to their groups after the songs. Stories, games and a snack.
Youth
Grades 6 to 12
Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 in the youth room, with a weekend trip each spring.
How we keep kids safe
- Check-in prints matching tags for you and your child. Only the person holding the tag can collect them.
- Every leader has passed a background check and child-safety training.
- Two adults are in every kids' room, every time.
- Allergies are noted at check-in, and snacks are nut-free.
Sample policies A live church lists its own.
Groups during the week
Smaller groups are where most people get to know each other. You can visit any of them once before deciding. Sample groups
-
Tuesday dinner group
Dinner first, then an hour talking through Sunday's talk. Bring a side dish if you like.
Ask about this group -
Morning Bible study
Coffee and a slow read through one book of the Bible. Childcare is available.
Ask about this group -
Young adults
For people in their 20s and 30s: food, a short talk and time to talk.
Ask about this group -
Grief support
For anyone who has lost someone, whether or not you come to church here.
Ask about this group
What's coming up
Everything here is open to visitors. Sample events and dates
-
Sunday, October 25, 12:30 pm
Newcomers' lunch
Lunch in the hall after the 11:00 service with one of the pastors. Kids welcome. Tell us you're coming in the visit form.
Community -
Wednesday, October 28, 6:30 pm
Youth night: games and pizza
Bring a friend. Parents can collect from the youth room at 8:30.
Kids & youth -
Saturday, October 31, 9:00 am
Neighbourhood litter pick
Meet in the north lot. Gloves, bags and grabbers provided.
Community -
Wednesday, November 4, 7:00 pm
Grief support group starts
Six Wednesday evenings in Room 4. Come to the first one and see if it helps.
Groups -
Saturday, November 7, 10:00 am
Kids' craft morning
For ages 3 to 10, with a parent or carer. Mess expected.
Kids & youth -
Tuesday, November 10, 7:00 pm
Parents' evening: talking with kids about big questions
An hour of ideas and conversation in the lounge. Childcare in the kids' rooms.
Groups -
Saturday, November 14, 5:00 pm
Community dinner
A free sit-down dinner in the hall, open to everyone. No need to book.
Community
Watch live or catch up on a talk
The 11:00 service streams live each Sunday, and recordings of the talks stay here.
Next livestream: Sunday, October 25, 11:00 amPick a talk from the list to play it here.
Series: Questions we get asked
Where is God when things go wrong?
Ruth Adeyemi, lead pastor · October 18 · 34 min
Is it OK to doubt?
Ruth Adeyemi, lead pastor · October 11 · 31 min
Why go to church at all?
Tom Varga, associate pastor · October 4 · 29 min
Sample talks Speakers and titles are placeholders, and no recordings are attached.
How giving works
The church is paid for by the people who call it home. If you're visiting, please don't feel you need to give anything.
Where the money goes
- Staff and pastoral careTwo pastors, a kids and youth worker and an administrator.
- The buildingHeating, repairs and insurance.
- Kids and youthCurriculum, snacks, trips and training for volunteers.
- The neighbourhoodThe food pantry, the community dinner and local partners.
Ways to give
- Online, by card or bank transfer, once or every month.
- In person, in the giving box by the main doors. We don't pass a plate.
- By check, made out to Halden Street Church and mailed to the church office.
Regular givers get a statement for their taxes each January, and anyone can ask for a copy of last year's accounts. Sample policy
Parking, getting here and access
If something here doesn't cover what you need, call the office and we'll sort it out before Sunday. Sample details
Parking and transport
- Main lot behind the church, entrance on Mercer Lane
- Six accessible spaces next to the north door
- Overflow parking at the school across the street on Sundays
- Bus stop at Halden and 4th, two minutes' walk
Inside the building
- Step-free entrance with automatic doors at the north door
- Accessible restrooms on the ground floor
- Wheelchair spaces on the aisle in several rows
- Hearing loop, plus headsets and large-print song sheets from the welcome desk
- A quiet room with the service on screen
What we believe
Sample text A live church writes its own short statement here and links to the full version.
- God made every person and loves them, whatever their story.
- We follow Jesus, and we read the Bible together to learn how to live.
- Church is a community: we pray for each other, eat together and look after our neighbours.
- Questions and doubts are welcome. Nobody has to have it all worked out to walk in.
Questions people ask before visiting
Anything else, call the office on (555) 014-7731.
What should I wear?
Whatever you're comfortable in. You'll see jeans and you'll see suits.
How long is a service?
About 60 minutes at 9:00 and 75 at 11:00. That includes songs, a talk of around 30 minutes and a prayer.
Do I have to give money?
No. Giving is for people who call Halden Street their church. Guests are never expected to give.
Can my kids stay with me in the service?
Yes. Activity bags are at the welcome desk. They can also join their group after the songs, if they want to.
I'm not sure what I believe. Can I still come?
Yes. Plenty of people here are still working out what they think. Come and listen; nobody will put you on the spot.
Plan your visit
Tell us when you're coming and someone from the welcome team will look out for you. You don't need to do this to visit. This is a demo form, so nothing is sent. Concept
- Address
- 218 Halden Street Sample address
- Office hours
- Tue – Fri, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Phone
- (555) 014-7731