Church life and activities
Fr Chris (Chaplain) writes:
It's impossible to sum up our church life in a single page! Although this is an Anglican Chaplaincy, our membership includes Christians from many backgrounds: here you'll find Anglicans (and not just English ones!), plus Roman Catholics, Baptists, United Reformed, Presbyterians, Salvationists..... all of us have found a welcome and made a home in our churches, without needing to abandon the spiritual experiences which brought us here.
Serving a wide-spread rural area means that we aren't large congregations, and some people travel very long distances to worship with us. What is so special about the life we share as two worshipping communities?
- We take scripture seriously! We encourage thoughtful reflective use of the Bible, and all of our preachers take care over the task of explaining, teaching and applying the message. We have to: God demands it, and - unnervingly for preachers! - these are congregations who actually listen and pay attention!
- We take prayer seriously! When we send out a particular prayer request we know that people pray, and we see answers to our prayers. Not always the miracles we long for, but we recognise the care of our loving God in the outcomes.
- We don't take ourselves too seriously! These are churches where we can laugh at ourselves and with one another. We are only too aware of our human faults and limits, but we look to Jesus to heal us and to shape us in His image. You know what they always say....
What can we offer?
- Worship? There is a service in both churches each Sunday, always at the same time. Holy Communion is celebrated each Sunday in one or other of the churches.
- Bible Study? There is an active fortnightly Bible Study Group online at 19h45 on alternate Tuesday evenings, usually led by Adrian Grainge, one of our lay ministers.
- Housegroup? There is a fortnightly housegroup at the same time on the other Tuesdays. We can it 'Something More' - it's for anyone who is looking for something more than just going to church on Sundays. Led by the Chaplain (usually). Topics are advertised, just come along!
- Christian basics? We'll find out what you need and do our best to help.
- Picnic with the Parson? Monthly at Hommeel Church Gratot, a congregational picnic and discussion - unhurried conversation where people can (and do!) say what they think.
- Fellowship? Refreshments and opportunity to chat after every service.
- Giving to mission and charity? Our linked Charities Association supports good causes locally and further afield - ask for details.
- Serious study? There's a considerable theology lending library available via an online catalogue (link on request), we can recommend courses, we can form a group to talk about interesting subjects.
- Talk to your priest? Make an appointment to talk, either online or after a service. Fr Chris is a Christian life Coach - ask him what that means! And our other ministers are wise, skilled and caring - try them too!
- Confession, Home Communion, healing prayer and anointing? Yes! Just ask!
What is the Vision that inspires us in ministry here? The hope that we are
<< Walking together with Christ: Companions on the Way >>
(read the file below to get an idea of the implications we see in that statement)
....is God inviting you to walk with us as we walk with Christ?
Thank you for reading this.
Love in Christ,
Fr Chris