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WORSHIP
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Sunday School meets on the 1st and 2nd Sundays of each month in term time for children of about 4 years and above, and there is a children's corner in the church with books and toys always available. NORMAL PATTERN OF WORSHIP Please check for variations - a link to the current parish magazine can be found on the home page. 1st Sunday in the month 10 am Holy Communion (modern language) 6.30 pm Said Evening prayer (Book of Common Prayer) 2nd Sunday 10am All Age Worship - an informal service of songs, activities and prayer 6.30 pm "Breathing Space" Communion service 3rd Sunday 10 am Holy Communion (modern language) 6.30 pm Said Evening prayer (Book of Common Prayer) 4th Sunday 10am All Age Communion (no Sunday School - the service is shorter and less formal) 6.30 pm Said Evening prayer (Book of Common Prayer) 5th Sunday 10 am Communion 6.30 pm Said Evening prayer (Book of Common Prayer) Communion (Also called the Eucharist) This service begins with prayers and hymns, Bible readings and a talk. Then the priest blesses the bread and wine which we share at the altar rail. The service recalls the Last Supper, when Jesus shared bread and wine with his followers on the night before he died. Through doing this, we draw near to God, and to each other, giving thanks for all God's gifts, and especially for the gift of Jesus. Everyone is welcome to come to the altar rail either to receive bread and wine if they normally do in any Christian church, or for a blessing from the priest if they prefer. The music at the service is led by the choir and organ or piano. On the fourth Sunday we share communion around an altar in the middle of the church, and the service is a little shorter and less formal. All our Sunday Communion services use the modern language of the new Church of England Prayer book called "Common Worship". You can find out more here... The service lasts about an hour. All Age Worship This is an informal service, which varies from month to month. There are usually songs, a Bible reading or story, and a chance to explore the theme of the service through discussion and activity. It is designed, as the name suggests, for all ages - not just for children, not just for adults. We all learn from each other. The service lasts about an hour. Evening Prayer Sometimes called "Evensong", this is a traditional service using the beautiful language of the Book of Common Prayer. It takes place on the second fourth and fifth Sundays at 6.30 the service is said, We hear Bible readings and pray for our needs and the needs of others.. A sermon is preached at evensong on the fourth Sunday of the month. The service offers a peaceful end to the day's worship. The service lasts between 30-45 minutes depending on whether there is a sermon. Open Space Compline This informal service of Night Prayer in modern language is held in the Lady Chapel, with chairs arranged in the round. After the Bible readings we have 15 minutes or so of very relaxed discussion around a theme suggested by the readings. It is not something you need any prior Biblical knowledge to join in with, and everyone's ideas are valued. This is followed by a time of open prayer, when anyone can pray if they would like to, or suggest topics for prayer (no one has to pray out loud unless they want to). There are no hymns, but there is some quiet music before and after the service. The service lasts for 30 minutes. The service lasts about 30 minutes. Breathing Space Holy Communion A simple service of Communion in modern language with a minimum of words and lots of silence for reflection. There is a short talk and a chance to light a candle if you would like to. There is recorded music to listen to for about 15 minutes before the service, during communion and after the service. There are no hymns. Space to breathe, time to think, room to be. |
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