You are welcome here. At St John’s, we believe that everyone is made in the Image of God (Genesis 1:27) and has a place in the life of our church and community. We want people not simply to be welcomed through our doors, but to feel valued and able to fully be themselves.
We are one body with many different parts, and all are equally valued and precious in the eyes of God. This includes LGBTQ+ people, who are sacred, loved and valued as equal and full members of our church family.
INCLUSIVE CHURCH NETWORK
St John's is a member of Inclusive Church and has adopted the Inclusive Church statement of belief:
"We believe in inclusive Church - church which does not discriminate, on any level, on grounds of economic power, gender, mental health, physical ability, race or sexuality. We believe in Church which welcomes and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ."
St John's Inclusive Church page
LGBT+ Inclusion
BLESSINGS: Our PCC has approved use of the 'prayers of love and faith' for blessings of same-sex couples who wish to commit themselves to each other before God and to receive God's blessing. More information is available on the link below.
MEETUPS: Monthly on the first Saturday of the month, the Church organises an 'LGBT+ social', which takes place in Caterham Valley Library, 2-4pm. It is a community-focussed space, rather than a service, so you do not need to be a person of faith to attend.
Our toilets are gender-neutral, single-cubicles.
Disability Inclusion
Physical access: We are both blessed and hindered by our Church building. We are currently fundraising to make the pathway around the Church accessible. There is currently step-free access using a portable ramp. Would you like to help us in our mission and ministry fundraising efforts? You can find out more and donate here: https://givealittle.co/c/5gKdsRx1Y2VTJDwdKsZE0e
In 2024 we gratefully received a grant from Your Fund Surrey for the Church Hall to be made accessible and for an accessible toilet to be installed.
Sensory Access: Service booklets are available in large print, and there is a hearing loop fitted in church.
Neurodivergence: we have had several speakers during sermon slots who shared their experience of neurodivergence. In 2026 we hosted Autism Awareness Sunday.
Quieter services are held on the first Sunday at 8am and every Thursday. There is an informal service on the first Sunday which is designed to be a more relaxed and comfortable space if you're someone who struggles with sitting still. We also provide fidget toys at services.
Hear Here: This is a monthly, free hearing aid clinic and cafe, run by Milica, one of our wonderful Church members, and a team of volunteers from Church. Every first Thursday of the month, 9.30-11.30, in the church hall.
Is there anything we can do to make Church more accessible? Let us know using the contact form on the website.
New to Church?
We welcome people who are used to Church and complete 'beginners' on their journeys of faith.
When you enter Church, you will be welcomed and given a service and hymn book. If you need a large print, please ask, they are available.
If you feel able, tell the sidesperson that you are new to Church and would like someone to chat with you or to sit with you.
Hymn numbers are on the boards at the front of church.
You might notice that we stand and sit at different times in the service. Whilst you are invited to follow what others are doing, it is not strictly necessary. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable.
There is tea and coffee (and often cake!) In the church hall over the road. You are welcome to join us.