Report on The Partnership Messy Church Initiative 2018

2018-03-25T14:54:18+01:00

Messy Church continues to do well. Recently we have had numbers of 77 and 80 attendees, although our numbers where low for January (it was a particularly wet and windy day), we had 37 on that occasion.

Our recent themes include creation, the greatest party ever, and Christmas.

We have around 30 dedicated volunteers many of whom come each month. This is less than half the volunteers we had when we started and would always welcome new volunteers.

One great achievement is that since September two of our older attendees have actually become volunteers. This really is something to be pleased about.

  • Our Messy Church must be doing something good if they want to volunteer.
  • It is good for the children who attend to see older children volunteer and taking part.
  • Lucy Moore, who set up the Messy Church organisation, has said that getting teenagers, older attendees, to volunteer is one way to keep them within the church rather than drifting away.

The Messy Church core team meets regularly to coordinate themes and discuss any problems or concerns. As always we would ask you to pray for the work we are doing.

Messy Church Services.

Over the past couple of weeks we have taken Messy Church to our regular church services. This came out of the report that Matthew Vatcher presented to this council last year, when you asked us to present something on Messy to each of the churches.

So far we have been to Immanuel and Christ Church, we will be visiting Bath Road in a couple of weeks time. Both services have gone really well with the congregations happy to get involved with activities and songs, and I hope, learning a little bit more about Messy Church.

I would like to thank the churches for their welcome and their enthusiasm.

David Howell.

We would ask this council to accept a proposal that we have for David Howell to be a chaplain to Messy Church.

The background to this is that when Messy Church started we had ministerial support and involvement from Trudy Wigley. Since Trudy left we have had little or no ministerial input. Norma McKemey was meant to take on this role but she soon had to give it up to concentrate on the Four O’Clock service.

Last year David came along to see what happened at Messy Church and was very impressed with what we where doing. Since then he has attended every Messy Church and our core team meetings. The core team believe that Messy Church needs regular ministerial input, someone who knows what is happening in Messy Church and can relate that back to partnership clergy. We also think it is good to have someone recognisable at Messy Church acting as chaplain to both the congregation and the volunteers. It is important to us that we are seen as being part of the partnership and have your support.

You can find out more about Messy Church on our Website http://messychurcholdtown.co.uk/   or Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/messychurcholdtown/

 

Report on The Partnership Messy Church Initiative 20182018-03-25T14:54:18+01:00

Listen to Tanya Orr – the Executive Director of Willows

2018-03-14T16:49:59+00:00

Sunday the 11th February is our first Mission Giving Sunday for 2018 and we collect for the work of the Willows Counselling Service and Swindon Youth for Christ.

Our sermon was given by Tanya Orr – the Executive director of the Willows Counselling service in Swindon

Listen to Tanya Orr – the Executive Director of Willows2018-03-14T16:49:59+00:00

Listen to our Lessons & Carols Service 17th December 2017

2018-01-08T17:35:48+00:00

Candlelit Lessons and Carols service at Christ Church, Swindon Sunday, 17th at 6.30pm.  There will also be seven choir only carols:

Adam lay ybounden (Warlock)

I wonder as I wander (Rutti)

Sir Christemas (Mathias)

Carol of the shepherds (Hewitt Jones)

Dormi Jesu (Rutter)

The Bell carol (Ledger)

I saw three ships (arr. Lloyd)

Congregational carols are interspersed with seasonal readings.
Our organist is Ian Crabbe, who played Bach’s chorale prelude In dulci jubilo BWV 729 and the the Final from Vierne’s first symphony after the service.

Listen to our Lessons & Carols Service 17th December 20172018-01-08T17:35:48+00:00

Christmas Service times 2017

2018-01-08T17:34:42+00:00

Download our 2017 Christmas services

Christmas Eve   

10 am Holy Communion

4 pm Crib service
(With a nativity play performed by the children from King William Street School)

6.30 pm No service

11.30 pm Midnight Mass

Christmas Day  

8 am Holy Communion

10 am Family Holy Communion

New Year’s Eve

6.30 pm No service

11 pm  Watch Night service.  Holy Communion followed by a glass of fizz to bring in the New Year

Find out about all our services on our calendar here. https://www.christchurchswindon.co.uk/services.php

Christmas Service times 20172018-01-08T17:34:42+00:00

Harvest Thoughts

2017-10-24T17:57:11+01:00

Harvest Festival this weekend (1st October) at Christ church is a great time to reflect on God’s generosity and gifts shared with us so freely. A key Bible reading we shall be using is Luke 12 verses 16-30. Have a read as it is very challenging. Jesus ends with the words ‘ Strive for the kingdom’. What does this mean for you? Basically putting God first, recognising that he is in control, living the values of faith , hope , generosity and love practically in our lives on earth. How can we support you in living generously? God bless us all as we celebrate Harvest, welcoming newcomers. Simon.

Find out about the times of our services

Harvest Thoughts2017-10-24T17:57:11+01:00

Join our choir

2017-09-22T19:13:35+01:00

We have a dedicated but slowly dwindling choir who provide music for services and concerts throughout the year. If you have a voice and would like to join us – you can find out more by contacting Tim Eyles our Director of Music on Tel: (01793) 486581 or have a chat with him after one of our services. He will be delighted to tell you more. Alternatively come along to one of our regular Thursday evening rehearsals and listen in or have a go you’ll be very welcome.

Listen to a track from our last CD – For the Beauty of the Earth by John Rutter.

You can also hear more excerpts here  https://www.christchurchswindon.co.uk/shop.php

Join our choir2017-09-22T19:13:35+01:00

Christ Church Renewal prayer

2017-07-14T14:43:39+01:00
Gracious Father God we praise you for all your guidance.
Thank you for the resources you have given us which have led to this celebration of the renewal work in Christ Church.
Loving God help us continue with all that happens here, in the Community Centre, at St. Mary’s and in our wider ministry; to connect with you, with each other and with our Swindon community.
Lord we pray for much spiritual and numerical growth, above all for your Holy Spirit’s renewing work in each of our lives.
Give us courage and imagination so that we make the most of our new opportunities.
Above all help us play our part with welcome, generosity and openness, encouraging one another in Jesus name and for His Glory
Amen
Christ Church Renewal prayer2017-07-14T14:43:39+01:00

Holy Week at Christ Church with St. Mary’s 9th – 16th April 2017

2017-04-21T14:50:18+01:00

Reflecting on the Passion of Jesus, His life, His death and His Resurrection.

A special week of refocusing on our purpose as a Christian community.

Holy Week Services & Events

Short Daily Prayers

  • 9am Morning Prayer
  • 1pm Lunchtime Prayer
  • 7pm Evening Prayer

 Wednesday 12th April

  • 10.30am Holy Communion 
  •  1pm Piano/Organ Recital – Music by JS Bach, Debussy, Grieg and Demessieux,
  • led by our Director of Music, Tim Eyles (repeated on Friday evening)

Thursday 13th April

  • 10.30am Blessing of Oils at Bristol Cathedral (transport available please call the parish office to arrange, Tel. 522832)
  • 7pm Agape at Immanuel, Upham Road.
  • 9pm – 11pm Prayer Vigil at Christ Church

 Good Friday 14th April

  • 12-3pm Meditation on Jesus’ last words at the Cross:  Revd Richard Inglesby Come and go as you wish, if possible on the hour or half hour.
  1. Introduction – these 3 hours to be a journey of faith and trust, first into the darkness of betrayal and rejection, leading to Jesus’ crucifixion.
  2. In the darkness – to include reflections on clinical depression. Psalm 88
  3. The cross and our redemption – stories of hope through Christ’s death for us.
  4. Survival and hope – the persecuted church, carrying their cross almost literally.
  5. Forgiveness and mercy – the heart of the scriptures & our Christian faith.
  6. Love is his meaning – how the Spirit leads us to the cross and beyond, to show the love of God in our lives.
  • 2 – 3pm Children’s workshop in the Community Centre.
  • 7pm  Holy Week Piano/Organ Recital, with music by JS Bach, Debussy, Grieg and Demessieux, led by our Director of Music, Tim Eyles.

Saturday 15th April

  • Easter Saturday Ramble (details)
  • 7pm Easter Vigil Welcoming the Resurrection.

Easter Day 16th April

  • 5.30am Dawn Service – Partnership Easter celebration at Holy Rood on the Lawns with Godfrey Room preaching.
  • 8am Holy Communion.
  • 9am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Commonweal Road
  • 10am Family Holy Communion with Easter egg hunt
  • 3.30- 5.30pm Do come and join us to celebrate Easter.  There will be fun, crafts, songs and worship and, of course, a delicious afternoon tea – there may even be chocolate :-).
  • 6.30pm Easter Praise
Holy Week at Christ Church with St. Mary’s 9th – 16th April 20172017-04-21T14:50:18+01:00

Listen to our thought for the week

Find your way around

Recent Tweets

Go to Top