The Haven Vision
Haven is a new ministry of Holy Trinity & St Mary’s Guildford, which offers Christian worship that is both informal and inclusive. Too many churches talk about ‘everyone’ being welcome, but too many people discover that – because they are different or hold different views – they are not quite as welcome as they thought.
Haven is different: there are no barriers, and we seek to be open to the insights and contributions of anyone who seeks to explore the way of Jesus Christ, who seeks to draw all people to himself. Worship is relaxed, and centred around modern worship songs; the words we use are accessible and we seek to hear and value the contributions and involvement of anyone.
Haven is led by an experienced team of women and men, lay and ordained, whose roots are in the Church of England. It is a ministry of Holy Trinity & St Mary’s Guildford, a church well known for its commitment to an inclusive understanding of the Christian Gospel. HTSM is led by Canon Simon Butler.
But Haven is a real team effort. People from all walks of life are involved – those on the margins of faith, LGBT+ people, people who come along from other churches to be fed and encouraged, people who have been bruised or damaged by hurtful experiences in other churches, and plenty of people who are coming to explore faith for the first time. We welcome everyone to be part of the Haven team.
Haven Gatherings
Haven meets almost every week at 6pm on Sundays at St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street. We have light refreshments available from 5.40pm so people can gather, catch up and say hello.
We start worshipping at around 6pm, with songs that draw us to focus on God and to the theme of the day. There’s a bible reading and someone will talk about the passage and the chosen subject. There’s usually some quiet or singing by way of response. Sometimes people will share a bit of their own faith and life journey.
There’s then time for some prayer for people and situations that worry us, and our time together finishes with some news and notices and some final sung worship. Haven lasts around and hour. Come and see!
Join the Haven mailing list!
Just scan the QR code or email haven@htsmguildford.org.uk
