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Sunday
Services at St Peter’s
Service Times
Services at 8.30am: 2nd and 4th Sundays Only: Holy Communion (Prayer
Book) Services at 11.00am vary according to the week of the month: 1st Sunday: Family Communion,
lasts about an hour – see note below. Description of The Services
Prayer Book services use a language and format that dates back some
400 years. The 8.30am services are very quiet, with no music. You do not have to take communion if you
attend this service (see the note below).
The service lasts about 30 minutes. The Family Service is not dissimilar to an
extended school assembly. The Holy Communion service, a re-enactment of
Jesus’ last meal with his friends, includes a part where members of the
congregation come to the altar rail to receive bread and wine. If you normally receive communion at your
own church you are very welcome to do so at St Peter’s. Someone will indicate to you when to go
forward. If not, we invite you to come
forward for a blessing – if you keep your hands down at your side (or, if you
come as a couple, hold hands), then we will know to simply say a prayer for
you and you can then return to your seats.
Don’t be surprised if we ask you your names – the Curate’s memory is not
so good and he likes to use your names in the prayer. Alternatively, you may remain in your seats
if you prefer. The Family Communion service is a shorter and
simpler version of the full communion service. The Morning Prayer service varies in its format,
but is usually fairly quiet. If there
is an informal communion, this takes place after a short break when you may
leave of you wish. The first part of
this service lasts 45 minutes. The
whole service lasts an hour. Holy Terrors is 20 minutes of story and song
followed by a creative activity. Aimed
at families with under 5s. Help! I’ve not been to church before.
Relax, most of our congregation have been in your
position. They are a friendly lot and
not at all stuffy. But here are some
suggestions to make you feel comfortable: What to wear?
Whatever you’re comfortable with.
Some of our congregation like to dress up; most come in everyday
clothes. Mig
the dog has been known to wear a jacket as well as his dog collar. If you’re coming for a Christening then ask the family – they may want you in your best outfit for
the photographs. Hats for ladies have
not been expected for the last 50 years – worth mentioning, as the TV dramas
haven’t quite caught up with that one. If you need a lift, call the Curate and he or his
wife will arrange for you to be collected. Most of the congregation tend to arrive at about
11.00 on the dot so I suggest you come about ten minutes earlier to get a
good seat. Our car park is large, so
drive right down the road to it, just before the church. If you use a wheelchair or sticks there is
a small disabled-users’ car park opposite the church door. Wheelchair access is very
easy, but mind the slope.
Before you leave your car, check that there are no bags, coats, or
anything remotely valuable on show in the car – our local rogues have even
stolen a pair of spectacles before now.
If you arrive late don’t worry about blocking people in; most people
hang around for ages afterwards. By
the way, don’t park in the bridleway opposite our car park – your car may get
removed by an angry farmer with their tractor. When you come through the big door (give the
handle a hefty tug) you will probably be met by a smiling face thrusting a
mound of paper and books into your hands so keep a hand free. You will find you’ve been given a notice
sheet, a service leaflet and a hymn book or sheet. You can sit anywhere you like, but the best place
for visitors is about half way down – that way you’re near enough to see
what’s going on but far enough back not to be on the front row. The pews take 5,
or 6 at a squeeze. On cold days, look
for the ones with radiators at the end, though the church is usually
comfortably warm. The instructions for most services are in the
service leaflet, but don’t worry if you get lost – you will soon learn that
our clergy are never too sure what’s going on
either. The regulars are always happy
to assist if you look plaintively at them.
The only bits you may worry about are when to stand and sit – just do
what everyone else does and you’ll be alright. Generally, we stand when the Ministers come
in, to sing, and during the communion prayer.
We sit for prayers, the sermon, and most readings. At
some point in the service a collection bag will come round. You will notice that some people put money
in, some put little blue envelopes in and some simply pass it on. At
the end of the service we usually sit for a few moments till the Minister has
made their way to the back of the church.
There is then a bit of a scrum to get out, but don’t rush off unless
you have to. Tea and coffee are served
from the pulpit (knew I’d find a use for it).
There is a candle stand for you to use if you wish (the candles are a
gift from one of the congregation so no money please). Take a wander around or talk to the other
people there. The Minister will be
happy to talk to you but, if you want a longer chat, hang back until most
people have gone and you will get their undivided attention. Children?
Children of any age are very welcome. The Ministers have microphones and loud voices
and have not been defeated yet.
There’s a large selection of toys and colouring materials at the back
for any who become restive or don’t be afraid to go and hide in our comfy
chapel (past Graham & Colin and on the right!). There is a toilet, but it’s outside. The key is usually on the font. We have a children’s group that meets in
the church every week during term time (except Family Service week) from
10.15 to 11.15. And there’s the special
toddler service every third Sunday. Ask
for information if you’re interested. I’m
Catholic/Methodist/Etc., Does it Matter?
No. In fact, join the club, as you will discover when you chat to a few of us. Would you like to tell us about your impressions
of St Peter’s? We particularly welcome
feedback from those who are just visiting or who have only recently joined
us, but don’t let that stop you if you’ve been attending for the last 50
years. Click here for a form you can use – print
it out and bring it along. As we have
many different services and service leaders you can use this many times –
recycling comes to Bredhurst? |
Help! I’ve not
been to church before. I’m
Catholic/ Methodist/ Etc., Help! I’ve not
been to church before. I’m
Catholic/ Methodist/ Etc., Help! I’ve not
been to church before. I’m Catholic/
Methodist/ Etc., |