Who are we?

St Alban's Church is situated in the heart of Gossops Green, adjacent to the local shopping parade, community centre and close to the primary school. The neighbourhood dates from 1958 and prior to the church being consecrated in 1962 people worshipped at house groups and then in the church hall. Our church is somewhat unique in that it was reordered 'into the round' in the 1990's, emphasising that we are one in the spirit - that 'we believe, we share, we worship and we pray' - literally around the altar.

Around 85 persons of all ages on average (65 - 70 communicants) attend our Sunday Sung Mass each week.

Our Statement of Mission

We are here to serve; to serve God and to be God's hands in serving the community.

What services do we have ?

The main focus is the Sunday Sung Mass at 9.30am
The liturgy is based on Common Worship and makes good use of the full range of options available within it
A wide spectrum of music both in character and style are used together including a variety of modern settings for the Eucharist. We have a new electronic church organ as well as an electronic piano to aid our worship
A robed choir, of around 24 singers (incl. 18 juniors), help in enhancing our worship. The choir also sings at weddings held at St Margaret's Church, Ifield
Our younger people have a teaching session (under the 'Springboard' banner) during the Liturgy of the Word rejoining everyone for the Peace and the Liturgy of the Sacrament
Once a month our Eucharist has a 'Jubilate' all age worship empahasis, with other keyboard, string and percussion accompaniment
There is a regular mid week said Mass on Tuesday evenings
Morning Prayer is said daily
Taize services are held twice yearly and attract people from a wide area
'Genesis' services are held on occasional Sunday evenings - this being organized and conducted by Youth Emmaus, our parish-wide club for 11 - 16 year olds

What are our buildings like?

The Church was designed by Thomas F. Ford and was consecrated on 17th February 1962 by the Bishop of Chichester. It is set on a south-north axis and is a composite structure of brick, concrete and steel; the main roof has shallow pitch with aluminum sheeting and the low roofs are covered with bituminous felt. There is a bell tower and five stained glass windows made of concrete and glass are strikingly set in the 'liturgical west end' of the church. Michael Coles' highly regarded contemporary Stations of the Cross are placed around the side aisles. The building has under floor electrical heating.

The church was originally set out in a traditional form including a Lady Chapel (where the sacrament is reserved), but now is 'in the round'; the replacement of pews by chairs has given the building great flexibility as to its use.

The Church Hall, with its wooden main part and brick built extension containing a kitchen and toilets is well used for church related activities, including coffee after the main service and by private hirers.

What activities go on during the week?

Little Hands - for carers & toddlers
Kingfishers - for the 5-8 age group
Adventurers - for the 8-12 age group
TAC (The Alban Club) - for the 12 + age group
Community Coffee morning - (Thursdays)
Mothers Union - monthly (Tuesdays, following Mass)
Tea Club - monthly (Wednesday afternoons)
Choir Practice (Friday evenings)
Youth Emmaus (parish wide) for 11 - 16 year olds (Sunday evenings)
Gossops Green Primary School uses the Church on a regular basis for its Carol Services and other activities