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All about our services
Worship of God and prayer for the world are key duties of the church and we take them seriously. St Martins is used every day and is open for anyone to come in, light a candle, write a prayer request and spend some time with God. In addition to services held in our churches, we also visit Finch Court, the assisted living facility in Shelley, and details of the services held there can be obtained from the Rector on 01277 362173.
At St Martins
Most of our services take place here and take the form of a celebration of Holy Communion (or Eucharist). We use the modern language services from the Common Worship prayer book and at the Sunday10.30 service there are hymns (led by the choir) and a talk.
We welcome people of all ages and of all abilities. Large print service books and hymn books are available and a loop system operates for those with hearing aids. We have a step-free access via our South Door for wheelchairs and buggies and toilet facilities are available at the nearby Church Rooms.
Children are welcomed to all our services. We believe that they are not only the church of the future, but an important part of the church of today. For younger children, we can provide ‘pew bags’ and a separate space with toys and books for ‘time out’ if this should prove necessary. In addition, in our Children & Families section, you will find details of our regular services and events especially devised with children and families in mind.
After the 10.30 service, we join together for refreshments and fellowship at the back of the church. Altogether the service lasts for about an hour.
The weekday services and the 8 am on Sundays have no music, only a very short talk (if any) and last approximately 30 minutes
At the Communion Service, bread, wine and the collection of money are brought to the altar to be blessed. Through them we offer ourselves to God for His work in the world, just as Jesus offered himself on the Cross. The bread and wine are shared at the altar rail, just as Jesus shared bread and wine with his friends at the Last Supper on the night before he died. Some of the bread and wine (the Sacrament) is reserved and can be taken to the sick and housebound if required.
Everyone is encouraged to come to the altar either to share the bread and wine if that is their tradition, or to receive God’s blessing from the priest.
Services of Holy Communion
| Sundays | 8.00 am | Holy Communion in St. Martin’s | | | 10.30 am | Parish Eucharist in St. Martin’s | | | | | | Wednesdays | 10.00 am | Holy Communion in St. Martin’s Lady Chapel | | | | |
On special festivals, for example Maundy Thursday, there are evening celebrations of Communion at 8 p.m. and on St Peter’s Day (usually the last Sunday in June) our 10.30 service is held at St Peters.
At St Peters
We celebrate Holy Communion at St Peters on Christmas Day, Ascension Day and St Peters Day.
Our regular monthly services at St Peters are held in the afternoon, at 4 p.m. in summer and 3 p.m. in winter. The services are short and informal, and are always followed by refreshments. Each has a particular theme and consists of readings, prayers and music. Because the church is situated in farmland, we celebrate the ancient agricultural festivals, and other occasions or themes which are important in all our lives.
This year the services are:
| January 20 | 3 pm | We are Family | | February 17 | 3 pm | Service of Reconciliation for Lent | | March 17 | 3 pm | Service for Passiontide | | April 21 | 4 pm | Rogation | | May 19 | 4 pm | Pentecost | | June 16 | 4 pm | Churchyard Service | | July 21 | 4 pm | Mary Magdalene, Clebrating Love | | Aug 18 | 4 pm | A Celebration of Lammastide | | Sept 15 | 4 pm | Harvest | | Oct 20 | 3 pm | An evening of prayer and thanksgiving | | Nov 17 | 3 pm | Service of Preparation for Advent and Christmas | | Dec 22 | 3 pm | Carols by Candlelight |
The Daily Office
In addition, prayers are offered daily with especial focus on the needs of the parish and its people. There are usually only one or two people present (often only the Rector) but anyone is welcome to come along. The services last about 15-20 minutes, and consist of prayers and Bible readings including psalms and canticles.
8.30 am | Morning Prayer at St Martin’s | Tuesday – Friday | 5.00 pm | Evening Prayer at St. Martin’s | Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
but 6.30 pm on Thursdays |
For details of all our services in the current week please click here
Children &
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All about our Services
