Looking for a Church Near Me in Manston? Here Are 8 Things to Know Before Your First Visit
If you have searched for a church near me, a nearby church service or a local parish church in the Manston and Cross Gates area, you are very welcome at St James the Great.
We are at Church Lane, Manston, Leeds LS15 8JB, next to Manston St James C of E Primary School and the parish hall. Whether you are looking for a regular Sunday church service, a quiet place to pray, or simply somewhere to come and see, you can just turn up. There is no need to book, and all ages and backgrounds are welcome.
Here are eight things to know before your first visit.
1. We are a local parish church for everyone
St James the Great is a Church of England parish church serving the local community around Manston and Cross Gates.
Our worship follows a regular pattern, with both quiet and sung Eucharist services, as well as more informal all-age worship on the second Sunday of the month. You do not need to be a regular churchgoer, and you do not need to know exactly what to do.
When you arrive, you will usually be given a service sheet or guided through the service. You are welcome to join in as much or as little as feels right for you. You can find out more about us on our About Us page.
2. You will find us on Church Lane
Our address is:
St James the Great
Church Lane
Manston
Leeds
LS15 8JB
The church is next to Manston St James C of E Primary School and close to the parish hall. If you are using a sat-nav, the postcode is LS15 8JB.
There is on-street parking, as well as parking around the church hall. We also have two clearly marked disabled parking bays.
You can use the Find Us page for further directions and a Google Maps link.
3. There are two Sunday services most weeks
Our regular Sunday services are:
- 8.30am , Said Eucharist
A quiet service with a sermon and no hymns. - 9.45am , Sung Parish Eucharist
Held on the first, third and fourth Sundays, with hymns, sermon and prayers.
On the second Sunday of the month, the 9.45am service is Generations Sunday, our more informal all-age worship. This includes songs, interaction and ways to engage with the Bible readings.
On a fifth Sunday, there is one service at 9.45am.
You can check the latest arrangements on our services and events page before coming, particularly around Christmas, Easter and other special times of year.
4. You can choose the service that suits you
If you are visiting a local parish church for the first time, it is quite reasonable to wonder which service to attend.
The 8.30am Said Eucharist may suit you if you prefer a quieter service, or if you would like time for reflection before the day begins. There are no hymns, but there is a sermon.
The 9.45am Sung Parish Eucharist is the main Sunday service on the first, third and fourth Sundays. It includes hymns, prayers and a sermon, following the familiar pattern of a traditional parish Eucharist.
The 9.45am Generations Sunday on the second Sunday is a more informal choice for people of all ages. There are songs and opportunities to take part in different ways. Children and families are particularly welcome, although you do not need to have children with you to attend.
You can also join us during the week:
- First Wednesday of the month, 9.15am , Said Eucharist
- Other Wednesdays, 9.15am , Morning Prayer
The midweek services are a helpful option if you would prefer a smaller gathering. Please see the Sunday Services summary for the regular pattern.
5. You do not need special clothes or church experience
There is no dress code at St James the Great. Wear whatever is comfortable and appropriate for you.
You do not need to know the words, understand every part of the service or have attended church before. Most people simply follow the service sheet and watch what others do. If you are unsure, please ask someone nearby. We are happy to help.
The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, is the central part of many of our services. If you normally receive Communion in an Anglican or another Christian church, you are welcome to come forward. If you would prefer not to receive, you can remain seated or come forward for a blessing.
There is no pressure to take part in anything. You may simply sit quietly, listen and see how the service feels for you.
6. Refreshments are served afterwards
After our services, refreshments are served. This gives you an opportunity to stay for a cup of tea or coffee and have a chat, although you are equally welcome to leave when the service finishes.
If you are visiting alone, you will not be expected to introduce yourself or speak in front of everyone. A member of the congregation may say hello, but you can take things at your own pace.
Our parish hall, next to the church, is also used by a wide range of local groups and organisations. You can find information about the St James the Great Parish Hall on the church website.
7. The church is accessible and family-friendly
We want people to be able to attend comfortably and safely. Our facilities include:
- Two disabled parking bays
- A ramped entrance at the side door
- Step-free access through the side entrance
- An accessible toilet at the back of the church
- Toilets at the rear of the church
- A hearing loop
- Large-print materials
- Baby-changing facilities
- Assistance dogs welcome
- On-street parking and parking around the church hall
There is also an automatic defibrillator by the school entry door.
Children are welcome at our services. Generations Sunday offers a particularly informal way for children and adults to worship together, with songs, interaction and different activities. On some occasions, children may take part in a group while parents attend another part of the service. Please ask if you would like to know more when you arrive.
You can see the full list of facilities and accessibility information before your visit.
8. You can contact us before you come
You are welcome to just turn up, but you can contact us first if you have a question about service times, access, children, prayer or anything else.
Parish Office: 0113 513 2701
Revd Daniel Miles: 07538 916546
You can also use the Get in Touch page to contact the parish.
If you are looking for a church near me in Manston, why not come and see us at St James the Great? Choose the service that suits you, wear whatever you normally wear, and arrive a few minutes early if you would like time to find your way around.
All welcome. There is no need to book. We would be pleased to see you.