If you are a visitor to Dingwall, or simply want to find out more about what happens in church, we would love to have you join us in our worship. The morning service lasts about 55 minutes. The evening service is approximately 50 minutes. We thought it might be helpful to outline what to expect at a typical service……

Come in! ...... as you enter the front door you will be met by one of the office bearers and offered a hymn book and notice sheet which details what is going on in the church.  If you are visiting from further away we would be pleased if you would sign the visitors book.  Wheelchair access via the rear door of the church. Please feel free to sit wherever you feel comfortable in the church …..there are no reserved seats.

Music ……. is a very important part of worship, expressing our praise to God. A typical service will include 5 or 6 singings of psalms, hymns and modern songs of praise.  Generally we stand to sing, and are usually accompanied by an organ. Occasionally the Singing Group will lead the congregation to encourage new songs of worship which are projected on the wall.  We mainly use Church Hymnary 3 (CH3) (psalms, paraphrases and hymns) and Mission Praise.

Prayer …… is simply speaking to God and includes praising him for all that he is, asking his forgiveness where we miss the mark, thanking him for what he has given us and bringing our concerns to him.  Prayers are usually led by the minister or one of the congregation.

The Bible …… is God’s written message to help us in our daily living.  It is carried into the church at the start of the service to signify its importance.  A passage from the Bible will be read during the service. This is often done by a member of the congregation.  We use the New International Version and copies are available in the pews for your reference.

Children ……. are most welcome in our worship services at Castle Street.  Although we have relatively few at present we value them highly and a children’s talk is usually included in the service.  Visiting children are welcome to remain with you during the service or go though to the halls to join the crèche and Sunday school.

The Sermon …… is a talk usually by the minister who will teach from the Bible for around 20 minutes.  This is normally focused on a passage from scripture and aims to encourage us in our daily living.  The outline of the sermon will often be projected on the wall.

Baptisms ...... On some Sundays there may be the baptism of a child. For more information concerning baptism, please click here.

Flowers ...... members of the congregation are encourage to provide these to symbolise God’s gifts to us in the beauty of his creation.  Afterwards they are usually given to someone in the congregation who is ill, house-bound or bereaved.

Money ...... a plate for an offering is provided at the front door as you enter the church.  As a visitor, you should feel under no pressure to contribute to this.  The money is used to support the church and the services and missionaries which it supports.

Hearing OK? ...... an amplification system and induction loop system has been installed for those hard of hearing.  The morning services are recorded and available as tapes to those unable to join us during the service.  Sermon outlines and new praise items are projected on the wall via Power-point.

Tea & Coffee ……is provided in the hall after the service on the first Sunday of each month.  This is an excellent chance to have a relaxed chat with each other and we particularly encourage visitors to join in this fellowship.

Baptism

In the Church of Scotland Baptism is a Sacrament. It is through this event that we are welcomed into God’s family. Baptism is the sign of God's grace in Jesus Christ, and marks our entry into the fellowship of the Church.

Who can receive Baptism?
The Sacrament of Baptism is available to children of those parents who believe in God, and who also accept and confess Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Saviour. Adult Baptism is also offered to every believer if they have not already been baptised as a child. Adults can take vows for themselves but where children are being presented for the Sacrament, the parents [who must have been Baptised themselves] are required to answer “I do” the following questions:

• In presenting this child for Baptism, do you confess your own faith in God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

• Do you promise, depending on God's help, to teach your child the truths and duties of the Christian Faith; and by prayer, precept, and example, to bring him/her up in His ways and in the life of the Church?

What if I cannot answer "I do" to these vows for my child?
Should you feel that you cannot make the commitment as stated in the vows then we can provide a Service of Dedication and Thanksgiving. This is not a Sacrament, and no vows are taken by the parents. This leaves an opportunity for Baptism at a later date.