What’s the name of your church?

WVCC, which stands for, Wear Valley Christian Centre.

Where’s it at?

In the centre of Bishop Auckland. Head for the traffic lights in the middle of Newgate Street. We are just behind Sak’s hairdressers. Only 5 minutes walk from the bus station.

If I go there, what happens when I arrive?

You will be greeted by someone as you enter the main hall. They will shake your hand and probably engage you in a little conversation. It is just to put you at ease and please feel free to ask questions about the service or anything else on your mind.

Will people talk to me?

Oh yes, there is no doubt about that. We like everyone to feel welcome. You may even find that someone, purposefully, comes to sit beside you during the service to help you with any doubts or worries that you may have.

What’s the service like?

Possibly different to what you expect. At our morning service: we sing worship songs and choruses, have a time of prayer, most weeks we celebrate communion and of course there is a sermon to finish with.

I’ve heard that you have to put money in the collection

We take up a collection (we call it an offering) to help with the running of the church. There is no obligation to give, you only do that if you wish to. Some people come unprepared but it doesn’t matter, no one will notice or make a remark about it.

Is it noisy?

Well, sometimes it can get a little bit loud because we get enthusiastic when celebrating the love of Jesus, but it is well controlled. We get the opportunity of saying prayers out loud ourselves, but only if you are comfortable with that. Not everyone takes up that challenge.

I tried church once, a long time ago, and I was bored to death with the sermon.

Well, all I can do is encourage you to try ours. We have several people who are good and interesting speakers and so you can judge for yourself. If you don’t like it, you have lost nothing and don’t have to return, but on the other hand,you just may find that it is exactly what you are looking for.

Would I have to go every week?

That is entirely up to you. You are the only one who can answer that question. Give it a try, see what you think, then make your decision. Maybe this is a turning point in your life. Hope to see you soon.