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Why meet as a church? 

 

Exterior view

 

This is worth asking because we’ve all got quite used to church online. 

For some of us this suits our temperament.  For some it’s easier on our health.  We may even have been getting more out of a service when there are fewer distractions.  So why return to meeting in person?

Here are three reasons:

1) Church means gathering (from the word Ekklesia = “to gather”).  The story of the Bible is of God gathering scattered people.  Because of sin, Adam and Eve are sent from the garden, and the people at Babel are sent over the whole world.  The exile later in the OT is a scattering.  But Jesus said “when I am lifted up I will gather all people to myself.”  His saving death would bring us together.  So the Bible ends with a gathering of people of all nations.  God wants us to gather in person because that is why he saved us.  To be family, to show off his power, and to express love for those God has loved. 

2) Church is for God's glory.  We do gather for our own good - we need others to show us, pray with us, sing to us, speak to us face to face about God’s goodness and love. (Hebrews 3.13 says we can’t be left spiritually on our own for a day!)  And we do gather for the good of others.  I want to be there for their encouragement, to pray for them.  And us being away from church does spiritually affect others – even in intangible ways.  But above all we gather for God’s glory.  He’s so worthy that we’ll happily put up with not singing, and wearing face masks, and the social distancing.  Believers round the world have put up with far worse.  
 
3) Church has been good!  We’ve really found that.  Sure it’s not as good as it was and will be.  But we’re finding real opportunities to express our love for Jesus, our joy in him, our togetherness.  Testimonies have been a great addition.  Children’s songs with actions or shakers are encouraging.  If you have other ideas we’d welcome them. 

We quite understand that some of us are feeling deeply anxious.  Others we know have become too frail to attend and we’re committed to supporting you.  But for the rest of us - do come!  Personally I’d suggest that if you’re vaccinated don’t wait until the all clear in June.  There is a spiritual benefit in coming despite the restrictions - because it underlines that we do it for the Lord.


 

Elders, 01/06/2021
HelloWhite
Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have this page for you to get to know us.
Click here to read more.

Welcome...

Come and join us...

 
Barnaby 4 Hello, my name is Barnaby, and I am the Pastor here at Lancing Tab. The aim of this website is just to give you a flavour of who we are and what we're about as a church.
 

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We’re a church for the whole community in and around Lancing. Come as you are whatever doubts and questions you have.

icon3 As a church family, we all face different challenges, but we believe the Bible’s message about Jesus’ love and rescue are what we most need.
 
icon2 We meet at our building on North Road (next to the Co-op) at 10.30am each Sunday. It’s free and informal with tea, coffee, and kids’ groups.
 
Tabfront2
 

Sat Nav Postcode BN15 9BB

Our address is:
105 North Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN15 9BB

There is limited street parking around the Tab. A public car park in North Farm Road is a two-minute walk. The charges for the cark park are £1 on Sundays.

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up. There are disabled toilets available.

 
 

Sundays...

 


SundayWEC


Our 10:30am service is simple and informal and normally runs for just over an hour. People wear anything from T-shirts to suits. You are welcome to bring kids of any age. 
 
We do the following:
  • Share news – because we’re a family.
  • Sing – because we love God.
  • Confess sin – because we don’t want to pretend, we’re anything but people in need of grace.
  • Look at the Bible – because that’s how we listen to God.
  • Pray – to ask God for his help.
  • We might have a baptism or take the Lord’s supper - to celebrate Jesus’ rescue.
  • We have coffee afterwards - to take real time together.


What about my kids?


kids

We love having the noise of lively children – so don’t worry!   They stay for the first 15 minutes of the service and then head to some excellent groups.  (Link to Itab) Creche (0-3), 4-10s group, and 11-15s group.   Older teens stay in the service.

Children stay with their parent or grown-up at the start of the service for the welcome, songs and notices. We really value worshipping God all together as a family. At the end of the notices someone will announce that it’s time for the younger members to go to their various groups. 

The kids group activities vary depending on the age but usually there is a friendly welcome, bible stories, testimonies, praying, music, craft, drama, fun games, and free play. Please pick your children up as soon as the service finishes.

If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, you can sign up to serve on a team. 
 
 
 

More than a Sunday...

 

While Sundays are a fantastic way to meet new people, it is often in smaller gatherings that you can really get to know someone. Being part of one of our pastoral groups allows you to make new friends, share together and support each other. We have a variety of groups that meet during the week, some daytime, and some evenings. 

 
kidslogo Kid’s club (£1 per child)
Reception to year 6
Wednesday 6-7pm, term time
Lots of fun. Bible stories. Hide and seek. Sports. Tuck shop!
 
Toddler Group Toddler group (£1 entry)
Wednesday 10-11.15am, term time.
Toys, craft, and songs. A chance for parents to meet and chat and have a cup of coffee.
 
Youth Youth group (£1 entry)
School years 7-11
Wednesday 7.30pm, term time.
Lots of fun. Opportunities to ask questions about the Christian faith. Games, trips to the beach, camping and much more!
 
senior Older people’s group
Tuesday fortnightly, 10.30am.
Hymns, prayer, Bible talk, coffee, and biscuits. A great place for friendship - all welcome.
 
coffee Cafe in the church
1st and 3rd Saturdays, 10am-12.
Free coffee and cake. Kids toys. A friendly space.
 
  
Have any questions? Feel free to send us a message via our contact page