Can anyone attend a service at St Mary’s? Yes, and you would be made most welcome. If you have any questions, please drop an email to Nerys on rector @ stmarysdunblane.org or phone the Rectory on 01786 824511
What happens as I enter the building? A welcomer will greet you and give you an order of service and a hymn book. There will be an opportunity to sanitise your hands and you are welcome to wear a mask if you wish.
Where will I sit? You are welcome to sit wherever you wish. If you prefer to sit apart from others or would like to be near the exit, please let the welcomer know.
What if I need to use the disabled entrance? A welcomer will show you where to go or if you prefer, contact Nerys before hand. There is a space for a wheelchair towards the front of the church and towards the back.
What about children? Children of all ages are welcome to attend and take part in Sunday services. A Whole Church Service is held roughly once a month. On other Sundays children and teenagers gather in the hall or in the grounds at the beginning of the service and join the rest of the congregation for communion. Please consult the Calendar and contact Liz on events @ stmarysdunblane.org for more information.
What will the services be like? The early morning service at 8:30am is a said Communion Service using traditional language. It provides a calm space for reflection and prayer. The main Sunday service at 10:30am is a livelier and more interactive communion service with readings and prayers, a short address and hymns played on the organ or by the band. The Night Service at 8pm is a short, reflective, candlelit service using a variety of styles including traditional and modern Compline, Taize and Iona.
What about music? There will be hymns and organ music most Sundays at the 10:30am Service and the band will sometimes play. At the Night Service there is often singing and instrumental music.
Will there be a collection? There will be a bowl at the back of church for you to leave an offering if you wish but if you attend regularly, we would prefer you to donate by BACS or by standing order or direct debit, if possible. For details, please contact Alastair at treasurer @ stmarysdunblane.org
Will the service be filmed? The main service is usually livestreamed so that those who can’t attend can watch it at home. It is broadcast on Facebook Live, which can be easily accessed via our Facebook page and will hopefully appear on your ‘home’ screen if you follow St Mary’s on Facebook. A video recording will appear on the St Mary’s website, www.stmarysdunblane.org, soon after the service. Only those taking part will be filmed. The camera is switched off during the distribution of communion.
What about communion? Every baptized Christian is welcome to receive communion at St Mary’s and anyone can come forward for an individual blessing. If you wish to receive communion but are unable to come up to the altar please speak to a welcomer who will alert the priest. Receiving communion in the form of the bread alone is regarded as complete in the Anglican tradition. You don’t need to drink from the common cup if you are not confident to do so. Just return to your seat after receiving the bread.
What happens at the end of the service? You are welcome to join us in the hall which is behind the church, for tea or coffee and a chat.
What if I need to go to the toilet? There is a toilet in the church (through the door to the Vestry which is clearly marked) or in the hall.
What if I need to speak to a priest? Whoever is leading the service will be around outside at the end of the service. You are always welcome to phone the Rectory on 824225 or send Nerys an email on rector@stmarysdunblane.org to make an arrangement to see her another time.
What provision is there for those who can’t attend services? In addition to the recording of the main service, every Saturday, Material for Worship is sent to those on the congregational email list and distributed to those not online. It contains a reflection and a prayer by a member of the Ministry Team. If you wish to receive this regularly, please contact Nerys.
Can I visit the church at any other time? The church building is open during the daylight hours and you’re also welcome to visit in the grounds which has a Quiet Garden and a Prayer Garden for Ukraine.
What about weddings and baptisms? Nerys would be delighted to hear from you!
