We’ve driven down the Windsor Road and the A40 so many times! For me, Usha, and the rest of the family, we never thought Saint James would be like this?! We thought it would be a collection of sombre, serious, older people with a few hymns, and that’s it! But we thought we’d give it a go. I think what surprised us was not just the content, but the warmth, the welcome… the multiple opportunities to serve, and the preaching of a gospel that is not only authentic, but also relevant. Nine months later, we’re delighted and thankful to God for Saint James.

I returned to the area following university and life afterwards and was exploring different churches. I was surprised by the joy I experienced. It felt warm, welcoming, full of life. Coming to The 5:30, I felt instantly welcomed. I was able to get involved with an ever-growing group of people my age. The warmth of the people and the rich teaching from God’s word, made it clear that this was where I wanted to belong.

I came to my cousin’s baptism many, many years ago and I really liked the atmosphere. So I decided to continue coming! It was a bit nerve-wracking at first…a group of people I didn’t know, but coming into a new environment with such welcoming people was amazing, both for me and my children. They get to spend time with their friends, and I get to listen to good teaching and enjoy church family — I really look forward to it!

I was a little bit nervous the first time walking in because it was somewhere new, but what stood out to me most was how welcoming everyone was. They identified I was new, but didn’t make me feel new… They were really welcoming! There was a selection of everyone from every sort of background here, and the church atmosphere was really nice, it was up upbeat, there was a buzz about it, which was really good.