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

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

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

Mothering Sunday Services

2023-03-17T23:23:36+00:00

We will be giving away bunches of daffodils to mothers at our services.

We invite you to join us on Sunday, 19th March 2023 at the following services:

8am Holy Communion, Christ Church

9am Holy Communion, St Mary’s

10am Informal Holy Communion, Christ Church – with the Revd. Rach Collins preaching

6.30pm – Evensong, Christ Church

Mothering Sunday Services2023-03-17T23:23:36+00:00

Changes to Communion

2022-09-03T15:50:47+01:00

The Chalice – Communion Cup

As is happening increasingly across our Bristol Diocese, the chalice will once again be distributed at every Holy Communion service at Christ Church and St Mary’s from this weekend.

This is good news as we know that many have missed this opportunity. We are part of one body, made up of many different parts. The Common Cup has been central to the Church of England’s sacramental liturgy and worship for centuries.

However, there is never any requirement or expectation that communicants will receive under both forms. We recognise that we are in different situations in life, so we ask you to make a personal decision whether to receive the Chalice, according to your own circumstances.

Intinction, was only brought in for extreme situations. It was never meant to be part of normal Church of England practice. As such, having taken advice from Archdeacon Christopher Bryan, we will not now be offering Intinction as a choice at Communion. As always, we would be happy to explain more about this on a one-to-one basis and to answer any questions.

It is wonderful to know the grace of God and the sacrament of Holy Communion is still wholly efficacious in one kind. This means that when we receive, either the host or chalice, we receive,in whole – the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Our Lord. Jesus, having conquered death, can never be divided, or separated. So please feel free either to receive under both forms or one – it is a matter of personal choice and devotion.

Please pray that we will rejoice in this new development, while being sensitive to those who remain anxious; above all that each of us will continue to meet with Christ in Word and in Sacrament and his Holy Spirit will be very present in all our worship.

Revd Canon Simon Stevenette Vicar, Jim d’Avila and Nitin Shinde, Church Wardens

Changes to Communion2022-09-03T15:50:47+01:00

Sunday Club is back

2022-04-30T09:39:49+01:00

We hold an All Age Service on the first Sunday of each month to which families are invited to join in with an informal worship suitable for all. Every other sunday during term time, we hold a Sunday Club. All children over the age of 3 years (parents welcome too)join in games, crafts, stories and much more.

Families are encouraged to meet in church for the morning service at 10 am. This allows the children to experience a taste of our worship before moving to the Community Centre, just next door, following the Children’s Talk. They will then return to their parents in time to receive a blessing during the distribution of Holy Communion.

Read our Young Families Newsletter

Each week we record the children’s talk and provide simple colouring and activity sheets for them. You can find them on our Children’s Page

Sunday Club is back2022-04-30T09:39:49+01:00

All you need to know about our Easter Season

2022-04-08T17:14:14+01:00

After the lull of Covid, there is a lot beginning to happen in and around Christ Church.

We remain committed to balancing our Eco strategies with good communications. and so avoid printing unecessary paper where we can.

We have produced a downloadable leaflet on our Services and Events over the Easter Season.

All you need to know about our Easter Season2022-04-08T17:14:14+01:00

Old Town Partnership Confirmation Preparation

2022-03-19T19:49:02+00:00

We are looking forward to our annual Old Town Partnership Confirmation which will be on Sunday 8th May at 10am Bishop Viv, Bishop of Bristol will be confirming, along with Mark and Robert at Bath Road Methodist Church.

We will run a Confirmation preparation group on Sunday evenings from the middle of March. Please remember all the preparations in your prayers that we will see the joy of welcoming new Christians and growing disciples in our community over these coming weeks.

Please speak with Simon or one of the staff team, if you are interested in exploring this possibility. You can also phone the parish office 522832.

Old Town Partnership Confirmation Preparation2022-03-19T19:49:02+00:00

This week’s Sermon

2022-03-13T15:01:26+00:00

Simon Vicar

This week we heard Simon telling us about the importance of hope in a time of uncertainty. He reminds us too of our Christ Church mission and values.

We have a vision that we should be Christ’s Church in the community, serving the needs of local people and becoming 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 seek to transform Swindon and beyond with God’s hope and compassion.

We do this with humility, grace and respect, listening prayerfully to God and our neighbour.

As well as offering traditional life events like baptism, marriage, blessings, funeral and bereavment services, we host a modern community centre which provides education, leisure, social and entertainment facilities to our community.

We also heard about the Partnership Confirmation Preparation – this will run on Sunday evenings from mid March. Confirmation will be on the 8th May at Bath Road Methodist Church. If you would like to find out more speak with Simon or one of the staff team or via the parish office 5228332.

This week’s Sermon2022-03-13T15:01:26+00:00

Worship at Christ Church

2021-12-17T19:44:12+00:00

We have reviewed our practices in line with the government’s Plan B measures to restrict the spread of the Omicron virus mutation. Whilst formal, 2 metre, distanced seating arrangements will continue to be relaxed during normal services, we ask that everyone remains respectful of each other’s space to ensure that we all feel safe during worship.

Those who are able to do so, should wear masks whilst in church in accordance with the new rules. We do intend to continue to take Holy Communion from the front of the church. (See below). It is difficult to distinguish Covid symptoms from those of a cold or flu, especially for those who have had all their jabs, so, if you have any cold or flu like symptoms, then please consider taking a Lateral Flow test or staying at home to protect each other. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Communion – What to expect

We will ask those sitting in the back pews, to come forward first, down the centre aisle, you will be directed by the sides persons. You should return to your seat via the side aisles Those who requested it can still receive communion in their seats.

Gluten Free wafers are available. Please ask. If you are unable to move freely around the church, you can request to take communion in your seat – please mention this to any of our welcomers. If you would prefer a simple blessing rather than communion then keep your hands down and the vicar will say a short prayer for you instead.

Worship at Christ Church2021-12-17T19:44:12+00:00
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