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St Peter’s Church Bredhurst Sunday Services |
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Some visitors have
told me they were worried about what to wear……… |
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Service
Times
These vary according to
the week of the month and are described in more detail below:
Services at 8.30am: Services at 9.30am: Services at 11.00am Services at 6.30pm |
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Description of The Services
Prayer Book services use a language and format that dates
back some 400 years. But they are
enjoyed by all ages – in fact we find that younger people often prefer them
to the modern services. The Holy Communion services,
a re-enactment of Jesus’ last meal with his friends, include 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 8.30am services are very
quiet, with no music. You do not have
to take communion if you attend this service (see the note above). The service lasts about 30 minutes. The Family Communion service
is a shorter and simpler version of the full communion service. The Family Service is not
dissimilar to an extended school assembly.
The Holy Communion service on
the 3rd Sunday is a more formal service. The Morning Prayer service is usually fairly quiet and lasts 45
minutes. Holy Terrors is 20 minutes of story and song followed
by a creative activity. Children?
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The Curate announced the sermon….
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, who sadly passed away last year, occasionally wore 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 we 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 children’s toys are at the
back of the church.
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.
Some like to give cash. The envelopes are
part of a regular giving scheme. Those
who pass the bag either give by Standing Order or have decided not to
give. So don’t panic if you find
you’ve forgotten your purse or your little darling has dropped the collection
money in the grating at the door – no one will notice.
In case you’re wondering, St Peter’s, as part of the Parish of South
Gillingham, relies entirely on the giving of its congregation and the fees
received from weddings and funerals to provide its services and keep the
building maintained. We receive no
money from the central church or from the state.
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 in the
chapel. 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.
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