General FAQs

When are your services?

Click here for details. We hope you can make it to one.

Where can I park?

Parking is available in the church car parks on Heaphy St and Kinross St. There is also on street parking around the church, just watch out for the 60 minute bays!

What happens during a service?

At 9am we have both traditional and modern music,  prayers, questions of the day, readings, and a sermon, confession and communion followed by prayer ministry at the end of the service (opportunity to receive prayer).

At 11am we focus on getting to know the small group by sharing stories and general catch-up conversation, followed by a short talk and a discussion around the table.

Messy church runs from 4 pm til 6 pm on selected dates during the year. We have drinks and games followed by crafts. We celebrate together with some fun action songs and a short teaching/story time. We share a meal to finish.

What will my kids do during the services?

We welcome everyone into our services and they are intentionally intergenerational. We believe we can learn from each other at any age. There are tables for those that worship by being creative and anyone can use them. There are activities on the tables for all ages to use. We love it when all ages join in with the readings or get to know your neighbour through the questions and prayers.

I am going to come to a service but am not sure what to wear. Do I need a suit and tie?

Dress casually and you will fit right in. And you don’t need to wear a tie unless you want to, or a bowtie unless you are Dr Who. Sometimes you need an extra layer due to the extra ventilation we need at present.

Do I need to bring a Bible?

Please feel free to bring your own Bible. We do have Bibles available on the foyer bookshelf if you do not have one or forget. All our readings are also on the screen, we use NIRV.

Who should I contact about getting married at Church of the Saviour?

Give us a call or drop us an email at the office to discuss. As well as holding weddings at COTS, we can also assist you with marriage preparation. We love people getting married and can help make your wedding a very special occasion.

Do you baptise babies?

We offer baptism, dedication, or thanksgiving services for babies. Ask Lorraine for the details of these. Baptism services for babies and young children are usually held as part of the 9 am service.

What about adults who want to be baptised?

Yes, we baptise adults. We usually have some baptism preparation to help you get ready for your special service. Contact the office for details.

I was baptised as a baby but have come to faith as an adult. Can I be baptised again?

We offer baptised adults the opportunity to renew the promises made for them at baptism. We also occasionally hold a confirmation service should you wish to be confirmed instead.

Do you do funerals?

Yes. We can support you and your family through this difficult time and can help you to say farewell to your loved one. Contact the office to discuss.

I would like to rent the community hall or book a room. How do I go about doing that?

Contact the office and they can give you details of the room availability and costs. We have reduced rates for charity and community group bookings.

How do I register my child for the school holiday programme?

Registrations usually open a few weeks before each programme. They are online on the website or contact the office for a form. The holiday programme is very popular and spaces fill up fast.

Church member FAQs

I am interested in joining a life group. How easy is it?

Excellent! The good news is that it’s really easy. Contact the office to find out what life groups are available.

I heard that the sermon last Sunday was really good. How do I get a copy of it?

Our sermons are all online, check either Facebook or Youtube for our services.

I would like to give money to the church on a regular basis. How do I do this?

Contact the office to go onto the regular giving system. You can directly credit us or request envelopes on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis. Then you just need to bring your envelope to church to put in the collection If you are a taxpayer we will give you a unique giving number, and a receipt at the end of the year so you can claim some back too.

I have my giving envelopes but keep forgetting to bring them with me to put in the collection on Sundays. What should I do?

Setting up an automatic credit with your bank should solve the problem. You can collect an automatic credit form from the office, or just bring them all together next time you come.

I have forgotten the phone number of another parishioner! Can I call the office to get their number?

Look in your parish directory first. If you do not have one, then try the White Pages. If that fails, call the office to request a copy of the parish directory. (The parish directory is only given out to registered members of COTS).

Where do I get keys to the church or hall?

Check you’ve booked the room first. Get in touch with the office.

How do I know what’s happening at COTS this minute, hour, day, week, month, year?

Check our online calendar here, it may not give you a minute-by-minute breakdown, but it should cover all of the main things you might be looking for, or check the newsletter. If you can’t find it on the calendar give the office a ring, they will be happy to help.