Everyone is most welcome to come along for any of these services. Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service. Do join us.Sunday 5th May at 6.30 p.m. - Choral Evensong [5th Sunday after Easter]Our service of Evensong, led by the choir, is taken from the Book of Common Prayer with readings from the Authorized Version of the Bible (the King James Version). The congregation sings the hymns, and the choir will sing settings of the day's Psalm; settings of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in E Major by Sir John Goss (1800-1880) ; the Preces and Responses; and the beautiful choral anthem "Set Me as a Seal upon your Heart" by the Canadian composer Rene Clausen, with words from the Song of Songs 8:6: "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death". Thursday 9th May at 7 p.m. - Compline [Ascension Day]Do join us for this short peaceful service to celebrate Ascension Day. Compline (from the Latin "completorium") is an ancient monastic service of calm and reflection at the ending of the day to commit the past day to God and pray for peace and protection through the night: "Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit". All are most welcome. Sunday 12th May at 10.45 a.m. - Holy Communion [6th Sunday after Easter]A traditional service of Holy Communion, with congregational hymns and sermon, to which all are very welcome. Revd Robert Williamson will be with us again to lead the service, The service will be followed by refreshments and a chance to chat.Sunday 19th May at 10.45 a.m. - Sung Matins [Pentecost or Whit Sunday]A traditional service of Morning Prayer for Whit Sunday, taken from the Book of Common Prayer and led by the choir. Music will include congregational hymns, and choral settings of the Responses, a Psalm, and the Te Deum or Benedictus. Do come and join us.Sunday 26th May at 10.45 a.m. - Holy Communion [Trinity Sunday]A traditional service of Holy Communion, with congregational hymns and sermon, to which all are very welcome. Revd Robert Williamson will be with us again to lead the service, The service will be followed by refreshments and a chance to chat.N.B. The PCC has undertaken all relevant risk assessments in the light of Covid-19 guidance over the past 4 years, and these are reviewed regularly. All restrictions have been lifted, but a few measures remain in place to ensure that all services proceed as safely as possible. In colder weather please dress warmly; the heating is on but the church is a large building. Please note that at Communion services we have reintroduced Communion in two kinds, i.e. sharing the chalice. If you have any problem with this do mention this to the sidesman or churchwarden before the service. Should you prefer not to receive Communion, do come to the chancel for a blessing, indicating this perhaps by keeping your hands to your sides. Hand sanitiser is available for use when entering and leaving the building, and when going to take communion, and seating guidance will be indicated when necessary.Everyone is most welcome, but if you have any doubts about coming to join us do please check here or contact John Phillips (01845 577034) beforehand for further information; every effort will be made to accommodate you. Access is not ideal, as the path is steep, but a temporary ramp can be provided for wheelchair entrance to the church; do let us know if you need this in place.THANK YOU - WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.
FUNERALSGovernment restrictions have now been lifted on the way funerals are conducted, though some changes may remain in place according to current guidance.Christian funerals can take place in church, at the graveside or the crematorium, but if directives change these may be slightly different from what might normally be expected.Before the FuneralPreliminary meetings between the bereaved and the person taking the funeral (officiant) may be held by telephone or in person.Planning the FuneralAny changes to the normal service will be explained by the officiant to the family.During the Funeral Please follow the directions of the officiant and funeral director.After the FuneralIf you are organising the funeral of a loved one, we are acutely aware of what a difficult time this will be. We will do our best to explain any changes or delays that may be an inevitable consequence of any current restrictions – for example, to the burial of ashes – but we are here to support you and to ensure a Christian funeral and burial can still be provided. If planning to arrange a wake or other gathering after the funeral, please consult the officiant or funeral director regarding any current recommendations.If you have further queries during our current vacancy, please contact the Area Dean, Revd Mary Rolls via the Inbox or email revmaryrolls@hotmail.com, or call the Churchwarden, Chris Hewlett on 01845 524426.I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
