*What is it?
It’s going to be a wonderful weekend packed full of teaching, worship, food, going deeper with God, Hog Roast, Quiz, Kids programme, games, building church family relationships and much more!
Who can attend?
Anyone from St Clare’s, St.Francis and Emmanuel Church.
Where is it being held?
Emmanuel Church, Stoughton – 1 Shepherds Lane, GU2 9SJ.
When is it?
The Big Church Weekend will be from 7.15pm Friday 2nd May – 12.15pm Sunday 4th May.
What is the cost?
The cost of a ticket is £15 for an adult and £5 each for a child. Please note we want everyone to be able to attend, so please see *FAQs for pay-what-you-can.
More information?
Click below for a list of *Frequently Asked Questions.
Saturday
9:15 – 10 : Coffee & pastries
10 – 12 : Session 2 / Deeper Discipleship
12 – 1 : Lunch (buffet provided)
1 : Seminars & Afternoon fun, Cafe open
4 – 5 : Church at 4pm
5 – 6 : Hog Roast
6 – 7 : Quiz
7:30 – 9 : Session 3/Deeper Evangelism
Matthew Porter
I’m the Bishop of Bolton, in the North of England. After a short spell in law I’ve served churches of different shapes and sizes in Sheffield and York and now in Greater Manchester, and have been an Honorary Chaplain to the Monarch.
Married to Sam, we have five grown-up sons and love life in the North! I’m passionate about practical discipleship, servant leadership and church revitalisation, with a Masters degree in evangelism and a Doctorate in church planting.
Among the bishop’s I’m the new Chair of the College of Evangelists and a Champion Bishop for Missionary Discipleship. I write books, aiming to equip ordinary people to live well and impact those around them with the extraordinary kindness of Jesus Christ.
Pelumi Adeyemi
What is the theme of the weekend?
Deeper – we want to go deeper in prayer, discipleship and evangelism.
I don’t know if I can afford it, can I still come?
Yes! We want everyone to attend regardless of financial situation. When you sign up there is an option to buy a free ticket.
What food and drink will be available?
You will be provided Tea & Coffee, Squash, pastries, buffet lunch and a Hog Roast dinner. Please bring a bottle of something you would like to drink for the evening meal and quiz.
The Emmanuel Cafe will be open 1-2.30pm for coffee and cakes – these will need to be paid for as usual.
FREE Tea & Coffee will be available from the Old Church kitchen.
What if I have special dietary requirements?
Please let us know of any dietary requirements when you sign up.
What are the arrangements for children?
We love our children and young people and want them to be a full part of the church weekend.
Saturday morning we will have provision for children aged 0-13. Our children and young people will be exploring the same topics as the rest of the church as well as having lots of fun and games.
Saturday afternoon we are inviting all families to come to a special church at 4 event. This event is designed for families to explore faith together so do come along!
Sunday morning all groups will run as normal with a paint party celebration for Kids church and Rooted.
Please sign children up in advance so we can make sure they have the best support and team.
Is there parking?
Yes there is parking at the church but spaces are limited so please consider walking if you are able
Are we expected to come to everything?
No. Whilst we encourage you to come to as much as you can, you are not expected to come to everything. Some events are designed for everyone: Saturday morning, the hog roast and quiz, Sunday morning. Some events will suit specific groups more than others: Friday night, Church at 4.
Why aren’t we doing a barn dance this year?
Whilst we have loved the barn dance the past two years, we were keen to offer something this year that allowed different groups of people to engage in both the social time and the worship and teaching sessions. We are really excited about the meal and quiz. The activities have been designed to favour teams that have a variety of people on them.
Do we need to make a team for the quiz?
You are welcome to form a team in advance or turn up on the night. The quiz will favour teams with a variety or people and ages on them.
What is church at 4?
Church at 4 is a family friendly service in the style of St Clare’s church at 4 service. It is designed for everyone to be able to attend, and especially for families to have the opportunity to worship and explore discipleship together.
Saturday morning in more detail
Saturday morning is a time for everyone. We will have pastries and drinks to start the morning and lunch to finish. During the session we will have worship and teaching. The programme in the main church is designed for adults and older teenagers. Children and younger teens will have worship and teaching as well as games and food in the sports hall and meeting rooms.
Evening meetings in more details
We are very excited for our evening meetings. They give us the oppportunity to go deeper in worship and teaching. There is no provision for children during these sessions though young people are invited to come as well as all adults.
What can I bring?
We suggest you bring a bottle of water, a bible and perhaps pen and paper if you like to take notes. For the hog roast and quiz please bring anything you would like to drink. We will provide water and squash but if you would like anything else you are welcome to bring it.
How can I get involved?
We would love some help on our refreshments and logistics team. This means you would be assigned a specific event to serve drinks at or set up/pack down for. Please context youth@emmanuelchurch.co.uk if you can help.
Accessibility concerns
All the events are held in an accessible building. Hearing loop is available for those who need it.