Grace Church Cowley

Sundays

We're delighted to now be able to meet together, in a socially-distanced way, on Sundays! 

From 1st November, we're doubling our services so that we can fit everyone in who wishes to attend, every Sunday!

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Health precautions

We are following Church of England guidelines in order to ensure the safety of our congregation.  These include:

  • Our building is large and airy with windows open and no air conditioning.
  • All seats will be 2 metres apart (except those attending from the same household).
  • Face masks are now mandatory for public worship according to government guidelines - apart from for certain groups like children and some adults.  Church staff will wear face masks unless speaking up-front.
  • Our creche is currently suspended.
  • Currently the congregation will be asked not to sing.
  • Hand sanitiser must be used on entry and exit to the church building.
  • No refreshments or food will be served.
  • Bibles will not be provided so please bring your own if you wish.  All Bible texts will also be shown on the screen.
  • The Lord's Supper will be available in one kind only - only the bread will be distributed and this will only be handled by the minister with sanitised hands.
  • The congregation will be asked to leave prompty at the end of the service.
  • While those at extra risk and the ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ should be advised of the risks of attending, the decision is theirs alone.
  • Government guidance includes a request for names of attendees to be recorded and kept for 21 days to assist ‘track and trace’ if required.
  • Toilets will be open as normal.

You can read our risk assessment here.

General information

When and where does the church meet?

We meet every Sunday at 10.30am in the former Temple Cowley URC church building.  That’s the building opposite the Police station on Oxford Road in Temple Cowley, OX4 2ES.  You can find us on Google Maps.

Is there parking?

Parking is limited in our small car park and we encourage people to a walk or cycle if possible.  A covered bike rack is available at the front of the Emmaus building next door, which Emmaus kindly let us use.  The closest car park is at Templars Shopping Park which is about a 5 minute walk.  However, Temple Cowley Health Centre, right opposite us on Temple Road, have generously let us use their spaces on Sundays.  Please only park in spaces marked, "Health Centre Staff."

What can I expect if I come to church?

Our service runs for about an hour and is very informal. Be sure to look out for our welcome team as you come in: as well as welcoming you, they'll be able to explain how things work and where to go.  No prior knowledge is assumed and we won’t ask you to say or pray anything you don’t believe, or force you to do anything you’re not comfortable doing.  

Some people have the idea that you need to be ‘sorted out’ before you can come to church. That's not true at all - the truth is that Jesus came for people with mess in their lives. We want you to feel at home and enjoy the service.

What happens to the kids at church?

Childrens groups are available for pre-school children 3+ (Woddlers) and primary school children 4+ (Trekkers) at every service apart from our monthly all-age service. Our creche is currently suspended.  Colouring for the children will be provided in the service.

There is a feeding room with a sound and video relay of the service.

Is there a dress code at church?

No! Just wear whatever you normally wear!

I have more questions; how can I get in touch?

Please feel free to email with any questions you have and we’ll be happy to help you: