Facilities and features
Accessibility
We have a level entrance at the West Door, level access throughout nave, kitchen and toilets, and a fixed ramp to enable access to the chancel and vestry
The church has step free access, a wide door, and a disabled WC
We have a baby change area in the left hand toilet (accessed beyond the kitchen)
We offer gluten free wafers - just let the celebrant know when you come up to receive communion.
Assistance Dogs are welcome in our church
We have a level access disabled toilet
Ear defenders are available for use to reduce the noise level for those who find loud music disturbing during services such as Tea Time Praise - just ask the welcomers when you arrive if you would like to avail yourself of these.
We have a modern sound system with a hearing loop.
We offer large print service books - please ask the Welcome team for assistance.
Our Building
Royston Parish Church is the largest Grade 1 listed building in Royston and is post-Reformation adaptation of the Augustinian Priory dating from the second half of the 12th Century. For over 800 years the walls of this building have absorbed the prayers of the faithful, and there is a very special atmosphere in this light and airy building.
In 2018 it suffered a serious fire but has been completely restored and refurbished - we hope you enjoy this welcoming space. Have a look round and see the historic font, beautiful stained glass windows and interesting memorials.
Every Saturday mornings from 10-11:30 our Church Café in the South Aisle serves tea, coffee and hot chocolate for just £2 a cup - including free biscuits!
Music and Worship
Royston Parish Church has a peal of eight bells, the oldest dating back to 1739 (although they all had to be recast following the 2018 fire in which they all cracked). Contact the bell captain if you are interested in finding out more.
Royston Parish Church hosts a variety of concerts. Recently there have been concerts by the Royston Choral Society, Royston Town Band, the folk group Megson, an organ recital, and the IMDC Gospel and Soul Choir
Royston Parish Church has a two manual Viscount digital organ. The previous pipe organ was destroyed in the 2018 fire. The new state of the are digital organ sounds very impressive - come and see if you can tell the difference!
There is a BCP Holy Communion on the fourth Sunday of each month at our 9am service.
We have an SATB choir and sing an anthem plus lead the hymns/sung setting every Sunday at the 10:30 Eucharist. A larger choir (reinforced by congregation and friends) sings at special events such as the Christmas Carol Service, Choral Evensong and weddings. Robes are worn for special occasions. New members are welcome - get in touch with our Director Music at any service.
We have a worship band who play at various services such as Tea Time Praise and Evening Praise.
Groups, Courses and Activities
We have a home group for young people to meet up and ask questions and discuss the deeper meaning of life
We have a number of house groups that meet each week at various times.
During Lent we have a specific Lent course with a different theme each year.
We serve coffee to the general community in our "Church Café" each Saturday morning. Coffee is also served after our Sunday and Wednesday morning services.
During term-time on Thursday mornings there is a weekly "Tots in Church" session where children can play and their carers can enjoy a coffee and chat.
Once a month we have "Tea Time Praise" on a Sunday afternoon, an informal service with worship band, aimed at all ages - followed by tea and cake!
Help for Visitors
Our church is open on Weekdays from 9am to 4pm, plus on Saturday mornings (for the Church Café) and Sunday mornings
Visitors are welcome to light a candle in the Lady Chapel. We also have a series of prayer cards covering a range of situations. You may also write a prayer and attach it to the prayer boards to request specific prayers.
Whilst there isn't a bike rack within the church yard, there is one just outside in Church Lane
Other Features
We have achieved Eco Church Bronze award, and are now working towards Silver status.