services

THANK YOU ANNE

Since 1980, when St.Paul’s Parish Church and the United Reformed Church moved to the Church Centre, Anne Laugharne has organised the work of the joint Sunday School/Junior Church. She has seen many children come and go as well as the teachers who have moved on to other things. The children from the two churches left morning service before the sermon to go into Junior Church and the length of sermons governed the time for Junior Church which, on occasions, must have been frustrating for the teachers. Nevertheless Anne and her rota of teachers nurtured the children encouraging them in their understanding of the Bible and worship. When the youngsters came back into morning service, after the sermon, they told the congregation what their lesson had been about. The Junior Church has no dedicated space in the building so the classroom had to be set out and cleared away every week.

The different times the churches now begin their worship makes a joint Junior Church impracticable and Anne has retired from organising the work but she is still on the rota for teaching. Anne loves the children and they all love her, She will never know how far her influence has spread and how much it has affected the lives of our young people. We say a big THANK YOU to Anne for all her years of dedication to the work of the Junior Church.

Wise Advice

The Wise Men set off on a great adventure to find Jesus. Sometimes following Jesus day to day does not feel like an adventure. How can young people today find Jesus in the middle of all the challenges of growing up?

The Wise Men needed help to find Jesus - who do we ask or where do we go for help?

What would help people to find their way to Jesus?

We face a new year, new beginnings. Let us make sure we show, not only our youngsters but everyone, the way to follow Jesus by our example of love and care for everyone we meet.

The Place of Music in Worship

Worship, for Christians, is an attempt to approach God, to sing His praises, ask for His forgiveness and guidance and listen to His word. In most churches, music is used to lead the congregation in the singing of hymns, which is particularly helpful if there is no choir. Hymns are chosen by the leader of worship and relevant to the various parts of the service. The choice of tunes is important because these should not only fit the rhythm and mood of the words but should also enhance the overall message of the hymn. Music can also be helpful in the preparation for worship, first of all to welcome the congregation and then to suggest a mood of quiet contemplation. At the end of the service the music has an upbeat note, creating a joyful climax. We believe that music in worship is not meant to be a recital or a display of a particular musician’s prowess, although it does help if the instrument is played correctly! Neither is it necessary for elaborate music to be used if this would be beyond the ability of the musician: even a simple tune can help the congregation in their approach to God. Various instruments can be used according to availability, such as organ, piano, guitar, small orchestra, recorded music etc., but whatever is used, the aim should be a partnership with the leader of worship so that the words and music together glorify God.