I am new to our Taradale church

Our Worship Services

We meet on Sundays at 9.30am for a worship service lasting around 1 hour. The service is informal with hymns, songs, prayers, short bible readings and a sermon. We are certified "Kids Friendly" which means that children occupy a special place in our church and its services. Every 4th Sunday of the month special emphasis is placed on the youth with greater children participation and a shorter sermon.

Everyone is encouraged to join in a chat with coffee or tea after the service.

St Columba is situated at 176 Gloucester Street, Taradale between the clock tower and the R.S.A.

Communion is open to all and celebrated 6 times a year.

Who is the Minister?

Brett Walker has been the minister since 1999. 
Click here if you want to get to know a bit more about him and our other staff.

What can I expect on a typical Sunday?

First of all a warm greeting at our door. There will be a "duty" family who will hand you a service sheet with information about the service and church. They will guide you further if you let them know it is your first time at our church.

Our church is "Kids Friendly" so your children will be warmly received.

The church service is quite relaxed and you may be encouraged to have a chat with the person sitting next to you. We sing a mixture of traditional hymns and modern worship music with the words displayed on an overhead screen.

You will be encouraged to join us for a cuppa after the service which lasts around 1 hour.

What will my kids do on the weekend?

This depends on their age. Teenagers meet on Friday nights at 7 pm for fun and games. Years 6, 7 and 8 meet fortnightly on a Sunday evening.
Primary School children stay for a special children's address during the Sunday service and then usually go with their teachers to participate in Kool Kids teaching and activities. We have a team of dedicated volunteers who take turns in providing this leadership role. The children mingle with the adults in Fish Hall at the end of the service and we provide some soft drink and a biscuit for them.

How do I get involved?

There are many ways to get involved. Here are four of them:
1) Come to our worship service on the weekend.
2) Look into joining a House Group and get to know some great people.
3) Find a Serve opportunity, (Lawn-mowing, tea serving, church cleaning, Op Shop work, repairs and maintenance, music group etc). 
4) Introduce yourself to our minister or the Elder on duty.