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Everything you need to know before your first Sunday at Blackburn Presbyterian Church, and nothing you don’t.
The short answer
When
Every Sunday, 11:00am
Where
53 Gardenia St, Blackburn VIC 3130
How long
A little over an hour, then morning tea
Our size
Come as you are.
We’re a small, close-knit church family in Blackburn. Somewhere between twenty and thirty of us gather on a Sunday, ranging in age from toddlers to folks in their nineties. We meet just near the Blackburn shops and railway station.
Nobody will make you stand up, introduce yourself, or explain why you came. It simply means that if you walk in, someone will say hello, and by the time you leave you’ll have had a real conversation with a real person.
There are no tests, no awkward moments, and no expectations. Come as you are.
A Sunday, step by step
What actually happens in the service
Our service is shaped around the Bible and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Roughly, it goes like this.
Welcome and call to worship
One of our leaders welcomes everyone, visitors included, and calls us to worship God together.
Singing
We sing hymns from the Rejoice hymnal, accompanied by piano and a small music team. The words go up on the screen, so you can join in or simply listen. Both are fine.
Prayer
We pray together at several points, thanking God, confessing our sin, and praying for our world, our church, and people we love.
Bible reading
Someone reads from the Bible, usually the passage the sermon is about.
The sermon
Mitch preaches from the Bible for around thirty minutes, explaining what the passage means and how it points us to Jesus and shapes our lives. Take notes, or just listen.
Final song and blessing
We sing one last hymn, and the service closes with God’s blessing.
Good questions
The practical questions everyone asks
Where do I park?
There’s a small car park on site, plus easy street parking on Gardenia St and the surrounding streets. You won’t have trouble finding a spot. If you’re coming by train, we’re a short walk from Blackburn station.
What should I wear?
Most people wear smart casual to formal, but you’re genuinely welcome in whatever you’re comfortable in. No one will look twice.
Do I need to bring a Bible?
Bring one if you have one. If not, that’s fine. We have copies available, and the readings go up on the screen.
What about my kids?
Children of all ages are warmly welcome in the service. For now children stay with their parents right through, and there are activity packs and books at the back for you to grab. Wriggles, noises and little voices are all part of the family of God, so please don’t worry about it. Our Kids & Families page has the full picture.
Will I be asked for money?
No. There’s no pressure on you to give anything. If you’re new, we’re simply glad you’re here, full stop.
What if I’m not a Christian?
You are especially welcome. Plenty of people come along while they’re still working out what they think about Jesus. You can listen, ask questions, or say nothing at all. Nobody will corner you.
Afterwards
Stay for morning tea
Every Sunday after the service we share morning tea, with coffee, tea, biscuits and conversation.
Please stay. It’s genuinely the best part, and the easiest way to meet people, ask questions and get a feel for who we are. If you’d like to introduce yourself to Mitch, look out for him near the front of the hall or by the tea table.
The heart of it
Curious about Jesus himself?
If what you’re really wondering about isn’t the parking or the singing but the person at the centre of it all, start here.
Midweek
During the week
Sundays are central, but a lot of the friendship and growth happens midweek.
Wednesdays, 2pm
Wednesday Bible Study
Every Wednesday at 2pm at the church. We read a passage together, share what stands out, pray for one another, and finish over a cup of tea. All welcome, no preparation needed. Just turn up, or let us know and we’ll watch out for you.
Thursdays, 7:15pm
Thursday Night Bible Study
Every Thursday at 7:15pm. An evening study for anyone who cannot make Wednesday afternoons. We read a passage together, share what stands out, pray for one another, and finish over a cup of tea. All welcome, and no preparation needed. Get in touch with Mitch and he will let you know where we are meeting.
We’d love to meet you.
Let us know you’re planning to come and we’ll be looking out for you on Sunday. Or if you’d rather ask a question first, just email. There’s no question too small.
Sundays 11:00am · 53 Gardenia St, Blackburn VIC 3130 · Get directions