Welcome to Grace Church Cowley. Whether you’re new to Cowley, or have lived here for many years, we’d love to welcome you to our Sunday service. We hope the information here will help answer your questions.
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. Â
At the heart of each service is a reading and sermon from the Bible, and there is also a mixture of hymns and more modern songs, prayers, news, baptisms and the sharing of the Lord's Supper.
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?
We have groups for children aged 3-10 during the main talk. Children stay with their parents at the start of the service as we sing together and then return during the last song. The service leader will make it clear where and when children need to go to their groups.
We also provide a supervised crèche for babies and toddlers, and there is a feeding room with a sound and video relay of the service.
The children’s groups last for about 30 minutes and include Bible teaching, crafts, games, music and prayer in friendly small groups.
Will I be late for lunch?
The service lasts for about an hour and then we enjoy free tea and coffee in the church building straight afterwards. Every other week we also have a free hot church lunch provided and we encourage everyone who can to stay for this.
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: