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WHAT TO EXPECT

We know visiting a new church can be a bit daunting.

Whether you've been going to church for a long time or are completely new to it you are welcome at The Gathering. Below is a guide to an average Sunday evening service so that you know just what to expect when you visit, however if you'd like more information or just to chat to someone before coming along please get in touch with us here.

  • Where are you based?
    We are based in Cardiff and meet at City United Reformed Church in the city centre. We also stream our services on Facebook - which you can watch anonymously provided you do not like, comment or share the video. If you've watched our service online and want to interact further get in touch and we'll chat to you about what we can do.
  • When do you hold your services?
    We have services every Sunday evening at 7pm. You can either book a ticket for our in person service at City United Reformed Church or you can join us on Zoom. For either please get in touch via our contact us page.
  • I've never been to church before, can I still come to a service?
    Absolutely! The Gathering is for anyone and everyone, whether you have been going to church for a long time or are just curious to find out a bit more. If you are nervous are unsure about coming along on a Sunday you can get in touch with us via our Contact Us page and we will arrange to chat to you before you visit.
  • Do I need to bring a Bible with me?
    No, you don't need to bring a Bible or anything ese with you - but you are more than welcome to bring one if you'd like to. We usually read from The Bible at our service but this will projected/ shared on the screen depending on if you are visiting in person or via Zoom. There is no need to feel worried about not having a Bible or not knowing where specific books or passages are. The Bible has been new to all of us at one stage and we understand that it can feel daunting and confusing when you first start to explore it - it can often feel confusing even if you've been reading it for years! Just remember that we're all exploring together and there are no silly questions.
  • Will I have to sing/ pray out loud?
    No, we encourage you to experience The Gathering however you feel comfortable. We do have times of worship (songs played over the computer with the words on the screen) and open prayer (when anyone is welcome to say a prayer out loud) but lots of people choose to stay quiet at this time. The leader of the session will tell the group clearly when we are going to have a time of worship or open prayer. Likewise, if you'd like to sing at the top of your lungs or say a prayer out loud you are welcome to do so! - You can also either stay seated or stand up when we worship.
  • Can someone meet me before I visit?
    We know visiting a new place can be a little nerve wracking. We'd be happy to chat with you before you visit and can arrange for a leader or long standing member to meet you outside the church before we begin. If you'd like to speak to us about this you can get in touch via our Contact Us page.
  • What Bible does The Gathering read from?
    Generally we read from the NRSV translation but this sometimes changes if the leader of a session wants to use something different. You are welcome to read from the translation you prefer.
  • Where are you based?
    We are based in Cardiff and meet at City United Reformed Church in the city centre. We also stream our services on Facebook - which you can watch anonymously provided you do not like, comment or share the video. If you've watched our service online and want to interact further get in touch and we'll chat to you about what we can do.
  • When do you hold your services?
    We have services every Sunday evening at 7pm. You can either book a ticket for our in person service at City United Reformed Church or you can join us on Zoom. For either please get in touch via our contact us page.
  • I've never been to church before, can I still come to a service?
    Absolutely! The Gathering is for anyone and everyone, whether you have been going to church for a long time or are just curious to find out a bit more. If you are nervous are unsure about coming along on a Sunday you can get in touch with us via our Contact Us page and we will arrange to chat to you before you visit.
  • Do I need to bring a Bible with me?
    No, you don't need to bring a Bible or anything ese with you - but you are more than welcome to bring one if you'd like to. We usually read from The Bible at our service but this will projected/ shared on the screen depending on if you are visiting in person or via Zoom. There is no need to feel worried about not having a Bible or not knowing where specific books or passages are. The Bible has been new to all of us at one stage and we understand that it can feel daunting and confusing when you first start to explore it - it can often feel confusing even if you've been reading it for years! Just remember that we're all exploring together and there are no silly questions.
  • Will I have to sing/ pray out loud?
    No, we encourage you to experience The Gathering however you feel comfortable. We do have times of worship (songs played over the computer with the words on the screen) and open prayer (when anyone is welcome to say a prayer out loud) but lots of people choose to stay quiet at this time. The leader of the session will tell the group clearly when we are going to have a time of worship or open prayer. Likewise, if you'd like to sing at the top of your lungs or say a prayer out loud you are welcome to do so! - You can also either stay seated or stand up when we worship.
  • Can someone meet me before I visit?
    We know visiting a new place can be a little nerve wracking. We'd be happy to chat with you before you visit and can arrange for a leader or long standing member to meet you outside the church before we begin. If you'd like to speak to us about this you can get in touch via our Contact Us page.
  • What Bible does The Gathering read from?
    Generally we read from the NRSV translation but this sometimes changes if the leader of a session wants to use something different. You are welcome to read from the translation you prefer.
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