Facilities and features
Accessibility
All parts of our buildings are accessible - either step-free or via a ramp where we can't be.
We've changed how we distribute communion to remove the need to climb a step.
There are excellent rail services about 10 minutes, the 321 bus stops 2 minutes away and the local Harpenden Hopper Bus stops outside the church.
A loop is available in the church - not yet in the Hall.
All service books and notice sheets are available in larger-print.
Our Hall has facilities for changing.
Our Building
St Nicholas is 2* listed, the tower and some of the interior features dating back to the 14th Century. Most of the building is Victorian.
There are accessible toilets with step-free access in both the Church and the Hall
Cornelia's, our community café, is open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, serving excellent coffee and home-made cakes.
Music and Worship
We have an active and wonderful team of ringers, always open to visitors and to newcomers. They practise on Wednesday evenings and ring on Sunday mornings before the 9.30 service - as well as for weddings etc by arrangement.
St Nicholas is popular venue for concerts, with a large flexible area for performances and good facilities too.
Our organ - like our organists - is excellent, with 3 manuals and a wonderful range of stops. It is maintained to a high standard and has recently acquired additional pipes.
We use the Book of Common Prayer for our 8.00 am Holy Communion Services and 6.30 pm Choral Evensong Sunday. There is also a monthly Communion Service on the first Saturday of the month at 10.30 am.
We have an excellent choir, ably led by Marie Price, and comprising adults, teenage choral scholars and boys' and girls' choirs. As well as singing every Sunday morning (Sung Eucharist) and evening (Choral Evensong) they also make regular visits to Cathedrals. The choir welcomes new members - it is non-auditioned but you will need to be able to read music competently.
Groups, Courses and Activities
We have an active branch of the MU with monthly meetings and activities.
We run the Pilgrim Course as an introduction (or refresher) to Christian life and faith. It also serves as preparation for Adult Baptism or Confirmation.
Harpenden has a very active Scouting community, and the church is host to its own group which meets on Wednesday evenings.
Help for Visitors
Other Features
Cornelia's, our community cafe, uses Fairtrade products.
We have a collection point for the Kings Pantry Foodbank, run by our friends at the Salvation Army.
The Church Hall offers spaces of different sizes and is available for regular or one-off bookings. Book via the Parish office.
We are delighted to offer prayers of blessing for same-sex couples, and seek to be as creative and welcoming as possible in affirming love and commitment in all its forms.