Inclusion & Accessibility
We are a community of Christians committed to The Way demonstrated principally in the life, actions and teachings of Jesus. We believe that all are loved by God and offer an inclusive welcome to people from all backgrounds. All are invited to seek God with us.
Inclusivity Statement
1. Stony Stratford Community Church believes that all people are loved by God. We welcome and serve people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, physical and mental abilities, neuro diversities, education, classes, economic status or political outlooks.
2. We welcome all who seek to follow Jesus to participate fully in church life. Opportunities such as believers’ baptism, membership, child dedication, ministry and leadership remain open to all, without exception, following our usual processes of preparation and discernment.
3. We will warmly receive same sex couples into our community to participate in all church life. Recognising our differing convictions on the nature of marriage we are unable to conduct same sex weddings, though we affirm their love and commitment and encourage them in their walk with Jesus.
4. We commit ourselves to living graciously together in the community of Christ regardless of differences on these matters and call each of us to the love and grace which are fundamental aspects of the Christian community.*
Note:
* We affirm the Bible as the authoritative Word of God and Jesus Christ as the final authority in all matters of faith and practice, while recognising in line with our Baptist tradition that faithful Christians and churches may interpret Scripture differently. Even where such differences arise, we believe they need not break our covenant relationships, and that by God’s grace it is both possible and desirable to continue in joyful fellowship with those who, through sincere reflection, prayer, and openness to the Spirit, reach conclusions that differ from our own.
Accessibility
Our aim is to be a welcoming and accessible church so that everyone, including those with additional needs can feel that they belong. We have been awarded a Growing Hope Silver Award for accessibility.
Our building was mainly built in the 19th Century, but almost all areas are wheelchair accessible. We advise that you come in via the entrance from the Cofferidge Close Car Park, which is level access up a shallow slope, with a handrail on the right. There is an accessible toilet available. Disabled parking spaces are opposite the church entrance.
Throughout the building signage is in text and Widgit symbols.
We have chairs with and without arms which can easily be moved.
An induction loop system has been installed for those with hearing impairment.
A large print song sheet is available on request for those who find it difficult to read the large screen at the front.
We have a Quiet area with comfortable sofas for those who need to take a break during the service.
Multisensory boxes, which include ear defenders and fidget tools are available in the main sanctuary, children’s and youth areas.
The order of service in text and symbols is available on a board at each entrance and will be displayed at the beginning of the service. Please take a photograph if you wish to follow along or ask for a printed copy.
At communion we use gluten-free bread and alcohol-free grape juice.
We have red lanyards available on request – this can be used to indicate you would prefer a ‘wave hello’ rather than a handshake or hug. Please ask a member of the welcome team.
If you have questions, please email the accessibility coordinator: access.coord@stonystratfordcommunitychurch.co.uk
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