What is Choral Evensong?

2024-02-09T19:54:56+00:00

The service of Evensong is unique to the Anglican church and is derived from the older Roman Catholic service of Vespers (or evening prayer). Its structure and wording are contained in the Book of Common Prayer, which dates from 1662.

The standard Evensong service involves the whole congregation in the singing of psalms and canticles (The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis which are extracts from Luke’s gospel set to simple music to allow everyone to join in.) The service also has hymns and a choir only anthem. The rich, traditional language of the old prayer book can be reassuring and affirming as it is spoken collectively, by those attending. We, typically, hold these services once a month on the third Sunday.

At Christ Church, we also maintain the tradition of full Choral Evensong 4 or 5 times a year. This service is entirely sung by the choir and usually includes an introit, (a short anthem sung at the start of the service), sung responses, the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis and an anthem. The music has a rich Anglican musical heritage. The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis have been set to music by many composers over the past 350 years. These services are, by their nature, more reflective. The congregation are invited to experience them by prayerful, attentive listening. This allows the music and text to lift our prayers, praise, and meditation to God.

We sometimes also visit local Cathedrals and sing Evensong there which is a magnificant experience.

We are sing Evensong in Salisbury Cathedral on the 21st February at 4pm – do come along to support us if you are able.

The Christ Church choir regularly sing Choral Evensong under their Music Director Tim Eyles. If you would like to find out more or would like to join our friendly group contact Tim Eyles on musicdirector@Christchurchswindon.co.uk

Our Next Choral Evensong service is on Sunday 18th February at 4pm and we are singing:

Introit: Almighty and Everlasting God’ by Orlando Gibbons

Responses: (Philip Radcliffe)

Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis: T. Tertius Noble in B minor

Anthem: ‘It is a thing most Wonderful’ by Philip Moore

Organ Voluntary: Fugue in B Minor BWV544 by JS Bach

Conductor: Richard Sutcliffe

Featuring the choir of Christ Church and guests

Organist and Director of Music: Tim Eyles

JOIN US https://youtube.com/live/aE6jSOKpkMU

Download an Order of Service to follow with us

Subscribe to our Channel on https://www.youtube.com/user/Christchurchswindon1 or listen to our last Evensong service below

What is Choral Evensong?2024-02-09T19:54:56+00:00

Our Christmas Services

2023-12-28T16:37:32+00:00
CANDLELIT LESSONS & CAROLS SERVICE

If you weren’t able to join us last Sunday evening for our magical candlelit service of readings and carols, you can find it online here

CHRISTMAS EVE IN CHRIST CHURCH
Sunday 24th December 2023 – preparing for Christmas
  • 10am Holy Communion – 4th Sunday of Advent join us online.
  • 11pm – Midnight Mass – traditional Service to welcome the birth of Jesus – jon us online
CHRISTMAS DAY IN CHRIST CHURCH – Monday 25th December 2023
  • 10am Family Christmas Holy Communion – join us online
NEW YEAR’S EVE -Sunday 31st December 2023
  • 10am Holy Communion join us in person or online
  • 11pm Watchnight Service to welcome the New Year- join us in person or online
Our Christmas Services2023-12-28T16:37:32+00:00

Bishop Neil’s Welcome

2023-12-02T14:53:25+00:00

Bishop Neil Warwick

Bishop Neil Warwick was consecrated Bishop of Swindon on Thursday November 30th at Canterbury Cathedral.

At Christ Church, we have the privilege and responsibility of hosting the Diocesan Welcome
service and Reception for Bishop Neil.

The Old Town Partnership Choir will be leading the worship.

We would love you to join us for this special welcome service at 6.30 pm on Sunday 3rd December but if you can’t be with us in person, you can still catch up with the service on our YOUTUBE live stream below.

You can also watch a recorded stream of the  service from Canterbury Cathedral here

Bishop Neil’s Welcome2023-12-02T14:53:25+00:00

‘The Bible in an Hour’

2023-10-20T16:17:00+01:00

Saturday 21st October

11am in Christ Church

‘The Bible in an Hour’

– a dramatic presentation by the Revd. Richard Cresswell, Vicar of Bradley Stoke

Come along and join us on the day or watch online.

‘The Bible in an Hour’2023-10-20T16:17:00+01:00

An invitation to celebrate the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette’s 25 years as vicar of Christ Church

2023-10-06T13:04:12+01:00

Simon & Nicola at the heart of Old Town Community Life

You are warmly invited to join us to celebrate the Revd.Canon Simon Stevenette’s 25 years as vicar of Christ Church with St Mary’s in Swindon on the weekend of Friday 6th to Sunday 8th October 2023.

Friday 6th October, 7.30pm Service of Celebration, Thanksgiving and Recommitment

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Simon’s installation as our vicar, followed by a cheese, wine and soft drinks reception in the Community Centre.
Music will be led by the Partnership Choir and Toast music group.

Click to Download the order of service

Sunday 8th October, 10am Holy Communion– led by the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette with Ailsa Palmer preaching

Sermon theme: ‘Lunch with Levi’

Bible Readings: Philippians 3: 4b-14, Luke 5: 27-32

Reader: Jane Humphreys
Prayers: John Humphreys

Please join us this weekend for these special celebrations or join us on our YOUTUBE Channel- All welcome!

An invitation to celebrate the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette’s 25 years as vicar of Christ Church2023-10-06T13:04:12+01:00

How to join the Parish Giving Scheme

2023-09-07T15:47:58+01:00

Christ Church is at the heart of it’s community, serving the needs of local people and acting as a central meeting place for a whole variety of community activities. Our mission is to proclaim Christ through teaching and example. Welcome and serve all, through hospitality. We encourage people to find God through worship, faith and prayer by providing a spiritual home and resources for the local community.

We rely on the gifts, goodwill and legacies of our friends in the community to continue this mission. If you are able, we value regular donations, although of course, gifts of any kind are greatfully received. Our preferred method for regular giving is the Parish Giving Scheme.

What is the Parish Giving Scheme?

The PGS is administered by the Church of England, at no cost to us, and provides a secure method for members to make regular donations to a Church of their choice.

Why is it better than Standing Order.

The PGS dramatically improves our cashflow and reduces our administration, enabling us to receive your donations and any gift aid claimable on them within the first week or so of each month.It also offers peace of mind that the Direct Debit Guarantee Scheme protects your gifts.

How do I join?

There are 2 easy ways to donate to Christ Church through the PGS; you can set up your Direct Debit online or by telephone. If you would like more information or help applying then please contact Stephen Grosvenor Gift Aid Secretary on stephen@christchurchswindon.co.uk or 07885 217077

Online

Click this link to go to our dedicated Parish Giving page https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/swindon-christchurch-st-mary-swindon/

By Telephone

Alternatively, you can set up your regular gift by phoning the PGS team on 0333 002 1271, Monday to Friday, 9-5. They will ask for our Parish Giving code which is Christ Church’s parish code is 050605176

If you’d like to know more, please get in touch with Stephen Grosvenor our Gift Aid Secretary stephen@Christchurchswindon.co.uk 01793 341034

Can you still claim Gift Aid on my gifts?

If you are a UK taxpayer, during the sign up process you will be asked if about Gift Aid. It adds a valuable additional 25% to your giving at no cost to you.

What happens if my circumstances change?

As a PGS member, you will receive a log in which will enable you to track your giving and make changes whenever you need to. You can make one-off additional donations at any time. The telephone service will help those without access to online services.

I want to help but I don’t really understand all this, can I get some help?

Of course, contact Stephen Grosvenor your Gift Aid Secretary in confidence, and he will be glad to help. Stephen@christchurchswindon.co.uk 07885 217077

How to join the Parish Giving Scheme2023-09-07T15:47:58+01:00

The Church Development Tool – A New Way of Planning Together

2023-09-07T16:20:09+01:00

Church Development survey 3rd – 17th September

This year we are running the Church Development Survey in this church. It’s a quick, anonymous survey that we’re inviting everyone in the church to complete, to help us understand ourselves as a church and help us shape our prayers and our planning for the year ahead.

Scroll down to find out how to submit your thoughts.

The survey will help us answer three questions:

What should our focus be?

Your answers will help us decide about what we could be doing more of or less of as a church.

How do we like to express and grow our faith in this church?

Your answers will help us spot our strengths and how we could grow in our faith journey together.

What groups of people do we have in our church?

The survey will also ask you for some demographic information, such as your age group and ethnicity. We ask these questions so that we can check how far the makeup of our church mirrors the makeup of the local community. This will help us check what groups we’re reaching already and where there are opportunities to improve.

What do we expect to gain from the Survey?

What we find out will help us see where we’re doing well and help us discern areas where God might be calling us to do something new or different.

It’s important that as many people as possible in the church answer the survey, so that we get an accurate picture.

There are separate surveys for Early Years (0-5 years), Juniors (6-13 years) and adults (14+).

A large print version of the adult survey is also available.

We need you to complete the survey by midnight on Sunday 17th September please.

After that time your response will not be included in our report.

There are 2 ways to complete the survey:

Click the links below to complete the survey online:

For Christ Church click here

For St Mary’s click here

Complete a paper version

Ask the Parish office for a paper copy, which should be returned in the envelope provided by 17th September.

Thank you!

The Church Development Tool – A New Way of Planning Together2023-09-07T16:20:09+01:00

Jubilee Memorial Garden Update

2023-08-09T10:41:42+01:00

We are delighted to have received permission from the Diocesan Faculty Office to continue work on our renovation of the Memorial garden. Work will now begin on removing the two gravestones to the North of the garden so that the path can be extended to the East. This will enable level access to all parts of the area. The stones will be replaced against the Community Centre wall.

Steel edging is being put in place to retain the weed suppressing mulch which will form a level surface for the centre of the garden. Later in the year, fine turf edging will be laid, continuing the edge ( shown above) around the south side of the garden.

Read a summary of our proposals

All the work will be carried out under the close supervision of Ian Handy, our project leader. Our permission states that the works must be completed within 12 months but we are keen to be ready for the Autumn season to allow planting and preparation at the best time of year.

We will minimise any disruption to the plaques whilst the works are carried out but if you have any concerns please come and visit and let us know or contact us, The garden is for everyone and it’s important to us that our visitors understand and are happy with what is being done.

Support the Jubilee Memorial Project with a donation

If you or your family members have any concerns or questions or would like to contribute to the cost of these works, then please contact Carol in the parish office.

You can also contact us via the Parish Office ( 01793 522832)for other ways to donate.

We have a Just Giving Campaign page where you can read more and securely give towards the completion of the project.

Thank you for your support.

Jubilee Memorial Garden Update2023-08-09T10:41:42+01:00

‘Songs of Praise’ Sunday 30th April 6.30pm

2023-05-16T13:17:32+01:00

‘Songs of Praise ‘service on Sunday 30th April 2023 6.30pm,  with the opportunity to join in with some well-loved hymns and experience some new songs as well. Led by the Revd. Rach Collins, Minister of Bath Road Methodist Church in Swindon,  with the Vicar of Christ Church, the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette. Music will be provided by the Christ Church choir and musical director/organist Tim Eyles. The hymns and songs have all been chosen by members of the churches within the Partnership. Come along and have a good sing!

‘Songs of Praise’ Sunday 30th April 6.30pm2023-05-16T13:17:32+01:00

Easter at Christ Church with St Mary’s

2023-04-05T17:51:30+01:00

Wednesday 5th April

7-9pm Lent Talk by Rev Dr Cathy Okoronkwo, Vicar of St Barnabas – “Theme The Ecology of Radial Hospitality”

Watch all the talks here

You can download orders of service for all our Easter Services here

Good Friday 7th April

12- 3pm Christ Church Three hours at the Cross led by Simon Talor Director of Training, Bristol Diocese

Easter Sunday 9th April

5.30 am Dawn Service at Holy Rood on the Lawn ( find it)

8 am Holy Communion

9 am Holy Communion at St Mary’s Church

10.am Family Holy Communion – Christ Church

6.30 Easter Praise – Christ Church

Easter at Christ Church with St Mary’s2023-04-05T17:51:30+01:00

Lent Talks

2023-03-30T21:06:26+01:00

Join us to hear from Dr Eric and Marguerite Holliday, Deacon/GP and Retired Clinical Psychologist, Holy Rood Roman Catholic Church

The programme follows the format below. You can watch a live stream of the talk here

7pm – Opening worship- You can download the order of service for the opening worship at

http://bit.ly/3zj0IQ5

7.15pm – Talk
7.55pm – Refreshments
8.15pm -Questions to the speaker
9pm – Finish

Click below to listen to a recording


Join us to hear from Revd David Gray, Superintendent Minister, North Wiltshire Methodist Circuit

The programme follows the format below. You can watch a live stream of the talk here

7pm – Opening worship- You can download the order of service for the opening worship at

http://bit.ly/3zj0IQ5

7.15pm – Talk
7.55pm – Refreshments
8.15pm -Questions to the speaker
9pm – Finish

Click below to listen to audio of the talk

Join us to hear from The Revd Susan Durber URC Minister, World Council of Churches President from Europe and Moderator of the Faith and Order Commission.

The programme follows the format below. You can watch a live stream of the talk here

7pm – Opening worship – download the order of service for the opening worship at http://bit.ly/404FNeK
7.15pm – Talk
7.55pm – Refreshments
8.15pm -Questions to the speaker
9pm – Finish

Click below to listen to audio of the talk

Join us to hear from The Very Revd Dr Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol Cathedral.

The programme follows the format below. You can watch a live stream of the talk here

7pm – Opening worship – download the order of service for the opening worship at http://bit.ly/3JgingV
7.15pm – Talk
7.55pm – Refreshments
8.15pm -Questions to the speaker
9pm – Finish

Click below to listen to audio of the talk

The speaker for our first Lent Talk on the subject of Who is Jesus? Christian Mission Today – Jesus then and now is The Revd Jonathan Edwards, Baptist Minister at Central Church, Swindon and formerly General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain. Everyone is welcome to join in person in Christ Church. If you cannot, then you can watch a live stream of the talk on the link below or listen to an audio recording on the player. on this page.

The programme follows the format below. You can watch a live stream of the talk here

7pm – Opening worship
7.15pm – Talk
7.55pm – Refreshments
8.15pm -Questions to the speaker
9pm – Finish

Click below to listen to an audio recording of the talk

Lent Talks2023-03-30T21:06:26+01:00

Partnership Lent Talks 2023

2023-02-25T12:45:22+00:00

‘Who is Jesus? Christian Mission Today – Jesus Then and Now’

The talks will be held, each Wednesday during Lent,

in Christ Church Swindon.

Each evening will follow the program below. Those unable to attend in person are welcome to join in via our YOUTUBE Channel here

  • 7pm – Opening worship
  • 7.15pm – Talk
  • 7.55pm – Refreshments
  • 8.15pm -Questions to the speaker
  • 9pm – Finish

Wednesday 1st March – The Revd Jonathan Edwards, Baptist Minister at Central Church, Swindon and formerly General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain

Wednesday 8th March – The Very Revd. Dr Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol Cathedral

Wednesday 15th March – The Revd Dr Susan Durber, United Reformed Church Minister, World Council of Churches President from Europe and Moderator of the Faith and Order Commission

Wednesday 22nd March – The Revd David Gray, Superintendent Minister, North Wiltshire Methodist Circuit

Wednesday 29th March – Dr Eric and Marguerite Holliday, Deacon/GP and Retired Clinical Psychologist, Holy Rood Roman Catholic Church

Wednesday 5th April – The Revd Dr Cathy Okoronkwo, Vicar of St Barnabas, Gorse Hill and All Saints Ferndale, Racial Justice Adviser for the Diocese of Bristol

Download a leaflet with the Lent Talks Information

Partnership Lent Talks 20232023-02-25T12:45:22+00:00
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