Hello!

We understand that visiting a new church and getting to know new people can be a bit overwhelming and intimidating. We want to help make your first experience of Grove Church St Aidan's a great one, so here is a quick guide on what to expect when you visit us.

Service times

We have three services at Grove Church St Aidan’s and they all have a slightly different feel to them. While the talk is the same, the songs, prayers and other elements of the service vary.

8am church – This is a more traditional service that follows an outline in a prayer book, with different responses for everyone to say together at times. The songs are all hymns and the Lord’s Supper (communion) takes place every week. After the service, we have morning tea together in the cafe area.

10am church – This is a modern and family-friendly service, with separate programs for all children up to Year 8. The songs are more modern with a full band, although we also sing one hymn each week as well. The Lord’s Supper takes place once a month. After the service, we share morning tea together in the main church. This service is also translated into Chinese (Mandarin) in real time and there is a Chinese language Bible study afterwards.

5pm church – This is a contemporary style service for all ages, with modern songs and a full band. The Lord’s Supper takes place once a month. A youth Bible study for those in Years 9-12 takes place beforehand, with most of the youth staying for the service.

How long is a service?

Services generally run for about 1 hour 15 minutes.

What happens during the service?

Services typically include four songs or hymns, two passages read from the Bible, a 25-minute talk on one or both of the passages, and one or two sections of prayer.

All the song lyrics appear on the screen and you are welcome to join in as much as you feel comfortable with. Any prayers that are said as a group, such as the Lord’s Prayer, will also appear on the screen or can be found in the prayer book for 8am church. If the Lord’s Supper (communion) takes place, there is no obligation to take part, but you are most welcome to if it feels appropriate and instructions will be given on how to participate. All our services offer grape juice and gluten free bread alternatives.

A monetary collection or offertory is taken at the end of each service to support the work of the church both here in Australia and overseas. This is how some of our church members choose to give, while others do so online. Please don’t feel under any obligation to give towards this – you’re our guest and we’re just happy to meet you!

What is the atmosphere like at church?

Sundays at Grove Church St Aidan’s are a vibrant, relaxed and enjoyable time. We try to be friendly and get to know newcomers, and many people stay after the service to chat with one another and share morning tea or supper. We want our community to be one where people feel welcomed and comfortable.

When should I arrive?

We recommend arriving 5 minutes before a service to have time to collect a name tag and find a seat, or 15 minutes beforehand if you’re attending 10am and need time to settle your kids into their programs.

What should I wear?

There is no need to dress very formally – while some people choose to dress up a little, such as wearing a collared shirt, others can be found in jeans, a favourite football jersey and thongs – particularly at 5pm church! The best rule is to come in whatever makes you feel comfortable.

What about my kids?

We want your kids to have an awesome time at church! During 10am church, programs run for children aged 1 year old to Year 8 at school, with lots of games, craft, Bible stories, music, prayer and fun. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your first service to meet your children’s leaders and help settle them into their program.

Younger children or those who don’t want to attend the program are welcome to sit in the service with you. There is also a parents’ room in the main church where you can care for your young children while still being part of the service.

Many youth in Years 9-12 attend 5pm church after taking part in the Sunday afternoon youth Bible study. Families with children are also welcome at 5pm church (and 8am!) and do attend, however there are no formal children’s programs.

Giving your children the best care possible is of upmost importance to us, so all our regular leaders have Working With Children Checks and have completed the Anglican Safe Ministry Training. If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s care, then please don’t hesitate to talk to the leaders or one of the ministers when you arrive, or feel free to fill out the form below to let us know your coming and include any questions you have.

Where do I park?

Free street parking is available in the surrounding area, particularly on Lansdowne St and Hillcrest Ave. Please help us show respect to our neighbours by not parking across any driveways.

Can I just show up?

Definitely! You are more than welcome to show up any week at church when it suits you. Alternatively, if you’d like to let us know in advance when you’re planning to visit so we can keep an eye out for you, then feel free to fill out the form below. Whatever works best for you!

Let us know you're coming!

If you'd like to let us know you're coming or have any questions about what to expect, then feel free to fill out the form below. Alternatively, you're more than welcome to just show up at church when it suits you. We'd love to meet you either way!

Fields marked with an * are required

Please provide an email address or phone number above.