NEW TO CHURCH
All your questions answered
Whether you are new to the area, new to faith, or are just looking, it’s great to see you! In this section you’ll find some handy tips on what to expect when you come to Buckskin.
WHEN DO WE MEET?
Our main morning service starts at 10:30am and we aim to finish by 12pm at the latest. We have children’s activities, a creche and youth activities as part of our morning service.
WHERE DO WE MEET?
We meet at Buckskin Evangelical Church, Chiltern Way, Basingstoke, RG22 5BB.
WHERE DO I PARK?
You can park in the Chiltern School car park, just across the road from the church on a Sunday morning. There is also a small church car park, up the ramp by the side of the church. We ask that you do not park in the car park spaces opposite the church in Cotswold Close, or on the road in Mourne Close. There are 2 disabled parking bays by the main entrance to church, and 1 in the church car park itself.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I GET HERE?
You’ll be greeted at the door by our welcome team, who can answer any questions you may have, and may introduce you to some people. They will also show you down to our auditorium. There you can choose to sit wherever you wish, although our youth usually grab the first few rows on the right hand side by the drum kit!
IS THERE A DRESS CODE?
No, just come in whatever makes you feel comfortable. We want you to feel welcome.
WHAT KIND OF SONGS DO YOU SING?
We like to sing a mixture of old and new songs at Buckskin. The words are projected onto a screen at the front of the church, above the band, so no need for a hymn book or song sheet. If you don’t fancy joining in, that’s okay too, please feel free to just sit and listen.
ARE THERE DISABLED FACILITIES?
Yes! We have 3 disabled parking spaces, and a disabled toilet as well. All our rooms are on one level. We also have an hearing induction loop within our main hall and reception area.
WHAT FACILITIES ARE THERE FOR CHILDREN?
We have a range of facilities for children.
We hold a creche as part of the morning service, and a range of children’s activities, from age 3½ to Yr 6. Yr 7- 13 have their own youth activities during the morning service. Just ask a member of the welcome team or stewards (they have badges on) for more information.
There are nappy changing facilities within the disabled toilet in the main corridor (by the front entrance).
DO YOU TAKE A COLLECTION?
We don't take a cash offering during the service. However, we believe that part of our worship is giving back to God something of what He has given us. If you would like to give, we are able to take card payments - a card machine is available at the end of the service on the table at the back of the church. The offering bags will also be on this table if you did want to give cash. People also give online through a regular standing order. But we do not want you to feel obliged to give in any way.
WILL THERE BE COMMUNION?
We celebrate communion in the main service on the first Sunday of each month, and if you are a Christian, we would warmly invite you to take part. Bread and grape juice are served, sometimes passed around, and sometimes from stations at the front of the church. If you feel you do not want to take communion for whatever reason, that is absolutely fine too.
DO YOU HAVE AN EVENING SERVICE?
We do not currently have a weekly evening service. However, we hold a number of Sunday evening events throughout the year. Sometimes this will be an evening of extended prayer and worship, or we will join with other churches across the town at a One Church Basingstoke event. Sometimes we will use a Sunday evening to go deeper into a particular topic, looking more in depth at a book of the Bible, or teaching theme. You can find out more on our events page.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END?
At the end of the service we offer prayer if you would like it- usually at the front of the church- some of our prayer team will be there waiting. We also offer tea, coffee and biscuits (yum!) in the Oak Room just off the main auditorium. We would love you to stay so we can get to know you a little bit more!