Is it all down to timing?
When we started Grace Church, Thetford (part of the Thetford Team Ministry) ten years ago, we plumped for 4pm as a start time for a variety of reasons.

First, as a team vicar covering five other congregations, all of whom met at various times in the morning, 4pm gave me enough time to take two or three morning services, plus be available for any lunchtime thanksgiving or baptism services, have lunch and then get set up for Grace Church.
Even if I had had a clear morning though and a blank sheet in terms of start time, I would have opted for 4pm. It works well for families. Teenagers can have a lie-in or go to sports clubs in the morning,
have a leisurely lunch and then come to church. It also works well for parents with younger children as it allows time for a rest for little ones after lunch if needed and the service ends by 5:15pm with sandwiches, cakes, biscuits and drinks so that parents don’t need to cook a main meal when they get back home. With a school day the next day, children can be in bed in good time.
For those starting or thinking of starting a new service at 4pm it might enable some folk to join them who have commitments in a morning service which they want to maintain. For example, there might be someone who leads worship or helps at Sunday School in the morning and wants also to be a part of the new congregation.
Another factor is that in contrast to later start times, it’s only dark outside at 4pm for three months of the year and for most of the year it’s light not just before but after the service. Also, if people want to get away for a weekend break, a Sunday 4pm service is less disruptive, in that people can get away, enjoy Sunday lunch with friends and family and then head to church afterwards. For all these and other reasons I find 4pm works very well as a start time.
The author...
This article is from...
Articles in this issue...

Something is stirring on the eastern edge of the Diocese
At St Margaret’s Church, Hopton on Sea, there is plenty of excitement on a Thursday morning each week. This is the day when the PlayVan arrives and a new group is being formed at the church. It has been much anticipated, having been delayed by Covid 19 restrictions.
More
Sustaining church families
One of the challenges of working with children and young people in church is ensuring that their whole family is supported.
More
Partnership and collaboration
It has been so encouraging to see how God has been at work over the last 16 months despite restrictions. As part of the sports ministry, we are running three lunch time clubs, three after school clubs and Active RE in three schools, reaching over 100 children each week.
More
Raising the roof in Kessingland
Our quest to start raising funds fora new thatched roof and associated repairs at Kessingland Church began in 2018, when we launched our “Raise the Roof” Campaign, with a Heritage Weekend.
More
Bats and roof repairs
Our church of St Leonard Billingford is 4 miles east of Diss and overlooks the picturesque Waveney Valley & Billingford Mill. It has served as a place of worship for more than 800 years.
More
Help with fundraising
Church Grants is a bespoke Christian fundraising consultancy that supports Christian Charities and Churches of all denominations.
More
Delight for the giver and the receiver
For me there is a small window each year in the quiet between Christmas and the end of January when I look forward to the coming events, in good years a wedding or a new baby in the family, a holiday, maybe the start of a resolution to run, sail, exercise, read more.
More
Responding to God’s grace
We only have to look at the Diocese of Norwich Parish Share figures to see that our parishes are full of the most generous people.
More
Finding “green” grants for your environmental project
Are you looking for funding for a new environmental project at your church? Low-carbon heating, solar panels, or a new nature garden perhaps?
More
All Saint’s Necton plant a tree for The Queen
On a perfect sunny morning in January, with blue skies above, we gathered in the churchyard after a United Benefice Service.
More