St John’s, Egglescliffe stands within the centre ground of the Anglican tradition. We hope to offer a home to those who may have differing understandings of how to be church and to worship, but who are committed to discipleship. We also hope to be a congregation which will accept whatever anyone wishes to give by way of sharing of gifts and talents; and to be a place where the explorer will find help on his or her journey.

The church building is mediaeval with a fine seventeenth century interior, which has recently undergone a transformation to make better use of the space for welcome, prayer, and socializing. A small extension provides an equal access toilet, a baby-change area, and better facilities for utility and storage. There a sound enhancement and loop system.

The two main services on Sunday are at 8 a.m. and 10 a. m. At 8 the service is quiet and reflective, without music, using the traditional language of the Prayer Book as found in Common Worship Order 2. At 10 the style is more informal, though there is usually a robed choir. Every month the service is radically transformed in order to provide an opportunity for more engaging worship, and on the second Sunday of each month there is an opportunity for debate and discussion. On many Sundays, as announced, Evening Prayer is said at 6 p.m. We sing a couple of hymns unaccompanied. From time to time, especially in Lent, different forms of service are used, including material from Taizé or Iona.

Children are most welcome at any service. If children are of such an age that it is appropriate for them to stay in church for the service, we provide activity sheets and bags. At 10, we usually provide a space for children to be withdrawn from the service to go either into the vestry or into the hall across the road for appropriate activities. Every 4th Sunday, there is a 'Families@Four' service.

Evening Prayer is said most weekdays at 5 p.m. During term time, on Tuesdays, from 9 o’ clock until 10.30 the church is alive with prams and children at our ‘PIPS’ (Prayer, Instruction, Play, Song) service for the under 5s. A very short service time – prayers and candles, a story and some songs – is followed by play and juice. Once a month the youngest children from our local Church of England Primary school across the road join us. This service complements our Parent and Toddler group (OOPS – One o’ clock play at St John’s) which meets on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Parish Hall in Butts Lane

Calendar of forthcoming services and events

List of all services and events in this benefice

Other information