WHAT CAN I EXPECT 

... on Sunday Morning

We worship at 9:30am every Sunday at the Cessnock Church. We have a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, so you can make yourself at home. Each service is a little different depending on who is leading worship.

Here's a helpful list of what you can expect to experience when you visit on Sunday morning from when you park to getting around the church, following along in worship, and the all-important coffee and chat after the service.

Parking

There's no parking lot (sorry!) but there is plenty of parking in the streets around. There's also the Cessnock Council parking area opposite which is usually unused on Sundays.  There are a few handicapped parking spaces in between the church and church hall.

Where are we

Our Cessnock worship centre is located in the heart of the shopping district of Cessnock, only a few minutes' walk up the hill from Vincent Street, along Cooper Street. 

Our Bellbird church is located on Wollombi Rd, heading west out of Cessnock towards Wollombi. Church at Bellbird is currently a work in progress, with plans afoot to have church under the stars, church around the meal table, Godly Play, Messy church as well as Bible Studies and Prayer group. This site will be updated as plans develop.

Bellbird! Our Messy church services will be monthly and will start in September; CubbyClub, our playgroup, will start in 3rd term, July 25, 2024. Watch this space for more details soon!

Entrance

When you come the Cessnock church building you will move along the verandah through the main entry door, then you’ll enter the lobby area. There are no steps to negotiate. You’ll see people milling about, and a noticeboard with church news and information about upcoming events and programs. You will be welcomed with a smile and a lolly!  Bathrooms are located across the gap in the hall. 

Worship Services

Worship happens in the main centre. Sit anywhere and feel free to bring your coffee travel-cup with you. Our services traditionally include hymns, readings from the Bible and a message from the leader of the day. We have Communion on the first Sunday of the month. Everyone is welcome to receive Communion.

Everything you need to follow along with the worship services is either printed or projected on the large screen in the worship centre. All the parts of the service are clearly laid out and the leaders provide additional guidance and explanation, if needed, throughout the service.

Sunday School and Young Adults

We have no actual Sunday School. BUT CHILDREN ARE VERY WELCOME! There is a kids' area with table, cushions, textas, paper and puzzles which your child can access at any time during the service. Feel free to bring your own from home. We also like to involve kids in the service as and when they feel comfortable - they can light the candle (at the appropriate time and with supervision!), take up the collection, greet worshippers at the door etc.

Music

While we have an organist and pianist who play most Sundays, we often sing/listen to music from the internet on the screen. We encourage anyone with any musical talent to talk to us about your participation!

After the service

We'd love you to stay around after the Sunday Service, share tea or coffee and chat with us. If you're new to Church make yourself known to our welcomers (you would have seen them at the beginning of the service) and we would love to give you more information about our Church. We have a congregation lunch after communion on the first Sunday of the month. This is at a venue chosen on the day.

Announcements

During the service each week there are announcements about what the church is doing in the community and how you can be involved.

Our welcome pack for first-timers!