Sunday Services

When you arrive at Donabate Portrane Community Centre, go through the front doors and head up the stairs to the left (or use the lift). Once upstairs, you will be greeted by someone at the doors into the studio where we meet. Feel free to take a seat anywhere. There are no assigned seats, no forms to fill out, and Bibles on the chairs if you need one.

To start the service, someone will get up and welcome everyone from the front. They will usually read something from the Bible and then introduce the first song we will sing together. The words will be up on the screen. (Don’t worry if you don’t know the song or if you don’t want to sing.) From there, the person leading the service will tell everyone what’s next.

There’s always a talk or skit for the kids, and after that the kids are dismissed to “Sunday Special”, a time of teaching and activities especially for them, in the partitioned studio next door. Ages 3-2nd Class will be in one part of the room, and 2nd Class-6th Class are in the other part. There is also an area out in the upstairs lobby for babies and toddlers to play (with supervision).

All of our teachers are Garda vetted. You can read our Child Safeguarding Statement and Child Protection policy for further details.

While the kids make their way to their classrooms, there will be a brief time for greetings and chat. Someone might introduce themself to you, but don’t worry, you won’t get caught in a long conversation as we transition swiftly to the rest of the service.

We will sing a few more songs, someone will pray for people’s needs in the world and in our church and community, and there will be announcements.

After that, the Bible passage for the day will be read, followed by a Bible talk, usually by our minister Andy. This will last about 20 minutes and is always an explanation of a passage of the Bible with ways that we can apply it to our lives. (You can listen to previous Bible talks on our Learn page to get a better sense of what to expect.)

After the Bible talk, we will sing one more song and then say “the Grace” together to end the service by blessing one another. The words for the Grace will be on the screen.

You’re very welcome to stay for free tea and coffee, treats and chats.

At the end of the service, next door will transform from the kids’ classrooms to coffee shop. This is the best time to really get to know what kinds of people have decided to make this church their home - and the tray-bakes aren’t bad either!