Announcement

Regular Worship Pattern for St Philip’s and St Stephen’s

Thank you to all those who took the time to provide feedback through the consultation. Having read through all the feedback and following prayerful discernment, and with the support of the PCCs, I have decided that we will be moving to a new service pattern at both churches from Sunday 14 June, in preparation for the time when I am placed in charge of both parishes.

For St Philip’s, the main morning service will move to a 9.15am start, with a non-communion service on the 3rd Sunday of the month and all other services including communion (where a priest is available). On months with a 5th Sunday in the month, there will be a shared service at 10.30am, alternating venue between the two churches. On 31 May this will be at St Stephen’s. On 30 August this will be at St Philip’s.

For St Stephen’s, the main morning service will move to an 11am start, with a non-communion service on the 1st Sunday of the month and all other services including communion (where a priest is available). On months with a 5th Sunday in the month, there will be a shared service at 10.30am, alternating venue between the two churches. On 31 May this will be at St Stephen’s. On 30 August this will be at St Philip’s. There will no longer be a 9am communion service on the 1st Sunday of the month.

There will continue to be a midweek communion service at 10am on Tuesdays at St Stephen’s. The midweek communion at St Philip’s is being discontinued, as are the 3rd Sunday 4pm services at St Stephen’s for the time being.

Each month’s service times will be published on the church noticeboards of both churches and through the notices. This service pattern will be under review until August 2026 to enable any issues to be worked out so that a firm regular pattern for worship is in place from September onwards.

During this time of change, I hope and pray that we all live out the spiritual gifts of being kind and gentle with each other as we adapt to this new pattern. If you have any concerns please raise them considerately and quickly with me or with a member of either PCC so that we can respond well.

Blessings
Revd. Abbie