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When are the services held?
All service times (and regular events) are shown at the top of this page.
I’m a member of another church, can I come to Renewal too?
If you are thinking of coming to Renewal permanently, of course you are welcome to visit. Also, you may be visiting to attend one of our special events, or to hear one of our guest speakers. However, it is not appropriate for you to be a member of more than one church. Every church has its own vision to follow, and being a member of more than one could be confusing.
A family member attends Renewal. I’m not religious but want to understand why.
Everyone has their own reasons for joining a church. But joining Renewal is not something you need to be concerned about. You are welcome to come along to a service and experience it for yourself. You could come along with your family member and meet some of our pastors. We are a family based, community centred church and we welcome everyone who is interested in joining us, or interested in finding out more about us. Alternatively, explore our website. We have a huge amount of information on the site, including details about our faith, our beliefs and our vision.
What sort of people go to Renewal?
That’s a bit like asking ’what sort of people live in Solihull?’. We have a hugely varied community within church - all ages, many nations (we are delighted to have 52 nations represented within our congregation), people from all walks of life. Doctors, lawyers, shop workers, accountants, ex-offenders, nurses, gardeners, police, recovering drug users, single parents, divorced people, employed people, unemployed people, retired people. But, at the end of the day, we’re all just people, connected by our faith and resolved to help and care for each other and our local community.
You allow criminals to attend church? And drug addicts?
We welcome people to our church. And many ex-offenders have benefitted from the support and mentorship of one of the charities of which Pastor Dave is patron - the Gateway Foundation, together with the Churches’ own ‘Open Gate’ Mentor Group on a Tuesday night. The transformations are remarkable and the vision is one that will ultimately benefit us all, with fewer re-offenders and the reduction of drug misuse and alcohol addiction. Renewal tackles community issues face on - in every practical way that we can. We work closely with the police and social services and are very active in supporting people who want to change their lives.
I’m doing a school project. Can I interview you?
We’d be delighted. Just ask your teacher to get in touch with us.
I’ve heard about your healing services. Do I have to join the church to come along?
Not at all. Many people who are not members of our church come along to our Healing service on a Tuesday evening at 7.30pm. We also travel around the UK with our Ministry of Power Healing Service, so that people across the country can attend. We have received incredible testimonies of healing following our services.
I’d like to come along but it looks a bit daunting.
What, even with our lovely blue doors and flowers outside? Yes, we know that new things can be a bit of a trial - but you can give us a call and talk to us first. It really is nothing to worry about - just turn up, walk in and you’ll be amongst very friendly people straightaway. Our stewards will give you a welcome booklet and answer your questions - they’ll show you around and you’re welcome to join us for coffee after the service. Bring a friend if you’d prefer, and you don’t have to stay for the whole service if you don’t want to ...we don’t lock the doors!
Will you be asking me for money?
That’s not what we’re about. And we don’t expect new visitors to contribute to anything. Our church doesn’t receive government funding - so our congregation make a contribution, in whatever way they can, to ensure that the church can open. We have to pay for heating, lighting, buildings, water, maintenance etc and without the support of our congregation, we wouldn’t be able to do that. We also support the local community. We have charities that feed people within the Solihull area, overseas missions that support orphanages and regions devastated by natural disasters. We have a large family centre, that is for the use of all of the local community. We are more interested in what we can do for you, though, than what you can do for us. That’s why we’re here.
Can I bring my children?
We’re a family church and welcome children of all ages to our family services on Sunday. We also offer chidren’s programmes at the same time on a Sunday (for a wide age range) so that they can take part in activities with children their own age, whilst you attend the service. Whether you’ve got a tiny baby, a toddler or a teen you will all be made welcome. We’ve got excellent baby changing facilities too - and in Wilsdon’s Coffee Shop (within our Family Centre) we have high chairs, bottle warmers available. There is an incredible range of children’s activites throughout the week, too. From pre-schoolers right up to 17 year olds. On Friday nights we put on the area’s most ambitious youth club - with skate park, basketball court and games consoles! Young people have their own Pastor (Pastor Jim, Pastor of Youth) and we have other leaders for our different age group activities. Young people are extremely well represented at Renewal and we have a thriving youth church.
Is it formal? Do I have to wear a suit and tie? Or a hat?
There’s no formal dress code. Some people wear suits. Some people wear jeans and trainers. And yes, some ladies do wear hats. You’re just as likely to see someone in casual clothes, though. T-Shirts or jumpers depending on the weather!
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