From October, we are going to be using a revised pattern of services. This is going to be trialled for six months and there will be a mid-point review in January. The reasons for these changes are two-fold, firstly sustainability and secondly, in order to further develop our unity as a Benefice, as a group of churches. Ministry is something that takes place across the whole of the week, not just on Sunday. For the ministry team to be able to fully express their breadth of their vocation and take into account their availability and the many ways in which they minister to others, we need to build in capacity for ministry outside of Sunday services. This necessitates a reduction in Sunday services.Alongside this, there is a need for us to work more closely together as a Benefice, in order to strengthen our unity as a group of eight parishes, whilst still retaining the unique identity of each of our churches. The Benefice Council, made up of the ministry team and churchwardens have worked very hard to take into account the needs of each of the communities and how we serve them, the existing traditions of each of the churches, our obligation to have a Holy Communion in our Benefice, in addition to being sustainable. Change can be difficult but it brings with it an opportunity to try new things, to release gifts and work more closely with one another, for our mutual flourishing. The main change is the new 'Pilgrim service' on the second Sunday of each month. This will move around each of the churches, on rotation. It will be a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know each other better, to share our gifts and talents, as well as to support one another in practical ways, for example giving lifts, so people can access the services. We are thankful and appreciative of the flexibility and grace with which these changes have been made and invite you to join us in this journey.With every blessingSharonReverend Sharon GleedCurate in Charge
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SAQx3FadLe8mxMPDVpalVaUfr3J-pyw9/viewLatest news sheet from Gauzebrook Group
The church now has a new floor with level access all the way through - no step up to the chancel, in keeping with our patron Saint, St Giles, patron saint of the disabled. Come along and work out how it has been possible to create this level floor!The church seems much lighter now with its engineered oak floor and light coloured chairs. It has been repainted throughout, rewired with new lighting and a new electric heating system and a modern audio visual system with 2 large screens to enable paper free services, if required. We were very pleased to receive a DAC award for our new interior. There is an accessible toilet and a kitchen servery. The new space is much more flexible and there is a regular coffee shop on Thursday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm.
