Welcome to Croydon SDA Church
We think it’s great that you want to find out more about our church. The information in this section is dedicated to filling you in on what we do, and how you can become part of our church family. If you’re wondering what to expect during our Sabbath (Saturday) service, the steps below will also help you plan your trip when you choose to visit us.
Plan your visit
What to wear
Many members choose to dress smartly (ranging from smart casual to business/occasion wear) to distinguish the Sabbath worship from the rest of the week, but we believe coming to God with a willing mind and a sincere heart is most important. Come just as you are. We look forward to seeing you, not what you’re wearing.
Service times
During the morning service we separate into small groups for Sabbath School classes at 10:00am, after which we come together for the main worship service at 11:15am. Service times may be slightly different on occasions.
Worship service
The main focus of our worship is to glorify God. Around 400 people attend each Sabbath, and our congregation spans a diverse range of ages and backgrounds. Our service includes a combination of singing, studying the Bible and prayer, enabling you to connect with God in different ways. Deacons can also help you find a seat. Near the beginning, you will be encouraged to greet the people sitting around you, but no one will single you out as a visitor. Also, we don’t expect our visitors to give. So feel free to let the offering plate pass by when it comes down your row. The lyrics of the songs we sing throughout the service are projected on a screen in the Sanctuary where worship takes place.
Preaching
To get a taste of a Sabbath morning worship service, visit the Sermons library to download, listen or watch a sermon.
Children and youth
Worship includes children, youth and young adults. Every main service has a children’s story and each child is welcome. We have a children’s, teens’ and young adult’s Sabbath School and a specialist worship service in the church hall where children can learn and explore in a relaxed and interactive environment. We also have a Cradle Roll and Kindergarten class for newborns up to age 4. Parents are encouraged to join in and help their little ones to participate. If you have a little one who you would like to encourage to learn more about Jesus and his love for us, our Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry programmes are just the thing for you!
Special needs
If you or you have a child with special needs, we want you to know that we take your experience very seriously. We have special needs coordinators who are specifically trained to work with special needs. Their role is to provide what ever support or assistance you might need so that you/he/she is able to take part in the lessons and activities.
Lunch
On some special days we provide lunch and we encourage guests to stay. This is a great way to quickly get familiar with our church family and get answers to any questions you may have in a less formal setting.
After you visit
- We would love to see you again so please do come back again. You can find out about upcoming events and activities, or join us for our regular Sabbath programme.
- Keep reading your Bible so you can learn more about who God is and why he sent His Son to die for our sins. Check out the resources available that’ll help you get started.
- Talk to God whenever you can. He loves you and wants to have a relationship with you, so invite Him into your life.
Get to know us better
Maybe you know a Seventh-day Adventist. Then again, maybe you’ve never personally known any Adventists, but you’ve wondered perhaps, why they go to church on Saturday—a different day than most Christians do. Why do they feel that what they eat and wear is so important? Why do they avoid certain forms of entertainment?
If you’ve ever wondered who Seventh-day Adventists are and what they believe, we’d like to introduce ourselves. This section will hopefully answer any questions you may have about what it means to be a Seventh-day Adventist, and why we do the things we do. We would like you to know us better. And we would also like to get to know you better. So in the next few sections LET’S GET ACQUAINTED!
Let’s begin by asking the obvious question—
Who are Seventh-day Adventists?
We are—
A rapidly growing worldwide fellowship of over thirteen million that is adding new members at a rate approaching 2,000 each day. |
Christians who love Jesus Christ and strive to make Him the centre of all we believe and do. |
A church that is eager to share the truth about what God is really like—as seen in the life, character, and death of Jesus Christ. |
Evangelical Protestants who accept the Bible as our authority for what to believe and how to live. |
A Christian fellowship committed to sharing with others certain Bible truths that over the centuries have been largely lost sight of—or that have become mixed with errors. |
A community of Christians deeply interested in health—health of mind, body, and spirit. |
Not a private club for saints. If anything, we’re a hospital for sinners. But we rejoice in Christ’s pardon for sin and in His power to deliver us from it. |
How did Seventh-day Adventism begin?
We thought you might like to know a little bit about how the Seventh-day Adventist Church originally started. Although we did not officially organise a church—a denomination with the name ‘Seventh-day Adventist‘ — until 1863, the roots of the SDA faith go back to the early 1800s. After the Great Disappointment of 22 October 1844, the date many theologians had determined would be the Second Coming based on prophecies in the Bible, a lot of people lost their faith. However, a group of Christians came together to re-study the Bible, and found that the date represented the start of Jesus’ special ministry in heaven, not his return to earth.
They also focused on reclaiming Bible principles that had been dismissed or misinterpreted. One of the main reasons our church has expanded over the years is because of its practical application of religious teachings, such as the health message, as well as through our outreach programmes by starting groups such as the Adventist Disaster and Relief Agency (ADRA). We’ve also been able to spread God’s word through books and magazines explaining Bible teachings, and by faith and hard work we’ve grown into a vibrant international church family of over 19 million members.
If you’d like to find out more about the Adventist heritage, visit Our Story page.
What do Seventh-day Adventists believe?
We believe both our worship and the way we live our lives should be based on our knowledge of God’s love for us, as shown in His Bible and our relationship with Him. That is why we think it’s important to always study God’s word, and be open to the wisdom He has placed in the Bible that is still being revealed today. We also believe in following Jesus’ example of showing and telling people about God’s love, and the amazing plans He has for them. To find out more about what our religion is based on visit Our Beliefs page.
What Seventh-day Adventists DON’T believe
We also want to clarify a few things you may have heard about Seventh-day Adventists that are actually misinterpretations of what we believe.
- We do not believe that only Seventh-day Adventists will be saved—or that we are the only church around that teaches Bible truth.
- We do not believe we can earn salvation by works (doing good deeds). We do not believe that we are saved by Sabbath keeping, clean living, or keeping the Ten Commandments— (it’s not wrong to do these things), but the only way to be saved is by trusting entirely in Jesus Christ as our only source of salvation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are your service times?
Our Sabbath School commences at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday mornings followed by the main worship service (Family Worship) at 11:15 a.m. Prayer meetings take place every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Where do I park?
The church has ample free parking in the surrounding roads. Please note that parking is not permitted on the yellow lines outside the church.
How do I get there by public transport?
The church is located just one hundred yards from Selhurst Train Station which is in travel card zone 4. The church is served by two main bus routes, 75 (Croydon to Lewisham) and 157 (Morden to Crystal Palace). The nearest bus stops are just 2 minutes walk away from the church.
Is there disabled access?
Yes. Our hall on the ground floor is easily accessed. We also have a wheel chair lift that provides access to the first floor Sanctuary where our main worship service takes place.
How many people does the sanctuary seat?
Our sanctuary seats nearly 400 people. If there are no seats left, the ushers will direct you toward our second worship venue on the lower ground floor where you can watch a live video feed of the service on a screen.
When do you hold Communion?
We typically hold Communion every quarter. We welcome those who profess the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior to receive Communion.
What else happens on Sabbath?
We have an afternoon programme most Sabbath (Saturdays) at 4:30pm during autumn and winter, or at 5:00pm during spring and summer. Everyone, regardless of age is welcome to attend the service.
What happens on other days?
Sundays: A variety of activities take place which include, Pathfinders and Adventurers.
Mondays: There is a Racket club 6pm – 8pm (Table Tennis) and 8pm – 10pm (Badminton)
Tuesdays: We run a Foodbank & Community Kitchen at 6:00pm.
Wednesdays: We also hold a midweek prayer meeting at 7:30pm.
Visit our community activities page for a full list of what is available throughout the week.
Can I meet the Pastor?
After the morning service we encourage our visitors to stay behind to meet the church leaders and have some refreshments. Usually the Pastor and elders will try and attend these informal gatherings to greet newcomers to Croydon SDA and answer any questions you may have. In the event of the Pastor being previously occupied, our church leaders and/or elders will be available to assist you. Our Pastor also holds a weekly surgery. Contact us if you would like to book a session with him.
How can I learn more about Adventist beliefs?
We believe that the Bible is God’s word, given to us to help us have a better life on earth as well as a better relationship with him. All our principles for worship and living are therefore Bible-based, and you can find an in-depth breakdown of these on Our Beliefs page.
Who is Jesus?
Did God really come to Earth in the form of a man to save us?
Watch this video to learn about Jesus.
Who is Jesus videoHow do I become a member?
At Croydon SDA we always enjoy welcoming people into our church family, and being there to support them whenever they need it.
- We're one big church family
By becoming a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church you are committing to a relationship with God, and at Croydon SDA we want to help prepare you for this commitment.
We believe in baptism by immersion – being immersed in water and coming up to represent the change Christ has made in your life. If you’re considering baptism you can contact us or prepare for this decision by attending our baptismal classes during Sabbath School time.
Membership can also be transferred from another Seventh-day Adventist church to Croydon SDA. If you’re thinking of becoming a member of Croydon SDA or struggling with the decision to commit to a relationship with God please contact us and let us know.
Whether raised as a Seventh-day Adventist, a member of another faith or in a non-religious environment, the steps to becoming a Seventh-day Adventist are all about the same.
Most people do some research before joining a club or becoming members of a community. Joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church can be a similar experience. You should find out all you can about what we believe and what we can offer.
The information on this website can help, or you may wish to talk to our minister, Pastor or one or our elders. We can arrange for someone to contact you. Simply contact us. We will respect your privacy.
After you have gathered some basic information about the Seventh-day Adventist Church, you will have to make your first decision: “Do I want to explore this more?”
Remember, only you can make this decision.
Being born into a Seventh-day Adventist family doesn’t automatically make you an Adventist. Some people have amazing circumstances that lead them to joining the church – others just turn up at the door so they can work it out for themselves. Either way, we believe deciding to follow Jesus is an important decision you must make yourself.
You’re never too old to become a Seventh-day Adventist. But the decision should be your own, and you must make it thoughtfully, with an understanding of how it will affect your life.
This is a simple step, but it sets the framework for how to approach the next step.
Seventh-day Adventists value the study of the Bible. It is an important aspect of our faith because we base all our beliefs on what the Bible teaches.
We can help you study the Bible. Our Pastoral Team have a variety of studies at many different levels and can guide you to an area in which you have an interest. To request a Bible study contact us. Alternatively, you can join our Bible study class which takes place each Saturday around 5pm or study the Bible online. View our recommended resources to find different Bible-study guides.
Jesus Christ accepts all people despite their circumstances. You are never too unworthy to become a Christian. When you believe in Him and allow His teachings and His love to influence you, you will experience a positive transformation in your life.
Baptism is a symbol of your decision to accept Jesus’ teachings and His gift of eternal life. You are declaring you accept Jesus died on the cross for your sins. Once baptised, you will become a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Should you feel impressed to accept Jesus as your Saviour and join the Adventist Church, it is time to take the most important step – making the final decision.
The concept of baptism is not new. Jesus was baptised to show He was making the choice to serve God, His Father. Baptism involves the physical immersion of your body under water. It is a symbol of a new life.
Read the Seventh-day Adventist beliefs about baptism.
Accepting Jesus as your Saviour does not mean you have immunity from pain and suffering. It does mean you will always have a Friend to help you endure pain and suffering.
“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV).
The next step is to enjoy your life with Jesus.
If you’re thinking of getting baptised please contact us and let us know.