One Life.
What’s it all about?
Life throws up all sorts of questions and challenges. Why am I here? Is there a God? What happens when we die? Why is there so much that’s beautiful in the world and so much that’s broken?
If you’re asking questions like these, you’re in good company. St Oswald’s is a friendly local church in Sowerby, on the edge of Thirsk in North Yorkshire, and helping people explore the Christian faith is one of the things we love doing most. You don’t need any background in church. You don’t need to have your life sorted. You just need your questions.
Who is Jesus, and why does he matter?
At the heart of the Christian faith isn’t a set of rules or a building it’s a person. Christians believe that in Jesus, God himself stepped into our world. That he lived the life we couldn’t live, died on the cross to deal with everything that separates us from God, and rose again so that death doesn’t get the last word. That’s why we call it good news. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10) and we’ve found that to be gloriously true.
You don’t have to take our word for it. Come and weigh it up for yourself.
I’ve got questions. Where do I start?
Try a course. We run friendly, no-pressure courses like Alpha and Christianity Explored, a meal or coffee, a short talk, and honest discussion where every question is welcome and nobody is put on the spot. Many people in our church family started exactly here. Get in touch to ask when the next one starts.
Come to a service. You’d be so welcome on any Sunday, just turn up, just as you are. Our Sundays page tells you what to expect and when. Nobody will single you out, and you can sit at the back with a coffee and simply see what church is like.
Meet up for a coffee. Sometimes the best first step is just a conversation. One of our ministry team would gladly meet you for a coffee to chat through your questions, no agenda, no pressure. Contact us and we’ll sort a time.
Do I have to believe before I come?
No! Our church family includes people who grew up with faith, people who came to faith later in life after years of scepticism, and people who are still exploring. Jesus’ own invitation was simply “come and see” (John 1:39) and that’s ours too. Doubts and questions aren’t a barrier to exploring Christianity, they’re usually where it starts.
What if I used to go to church, years ago?
Lots of people find themselves drawn back, after a bereavement, a big life change, or just a quiet sense that there’s more. If that’s you, you would be so warmly welcome at St Oswald’s.
Where are you?
St Oswald’s Church is on Front Street in Sowerby, a short walk from Thirsk town centre and market place. Directions and parking details are on our Find Us page.
Take a next step today. Life is too short to hold back from discovering the greatest joy, hope and love there is. Get in touch we’d love to hear from you.