st alphege

st alphege WORSHIP

Worship is the heartbeat of the church

At St Alphege worship is based on the Eucharist. Through this daily offering, we give opportunity for worship, and we undertake the task of bringing the needs of the community and the wider world – and our own needs – to God.

Sunday is the focal point for this worship, and our aim is excellence – in liturgy, music, ceremonial – and fellowship. We hope that those attending St Alphege will find the services uplifting, and afterwards will enjoy meeting with members of the substantial congregation.

Sunday Services:

8.00am Said Eucharist – Common Worship Order I - traditional language

A simple reflective eucharist incorporating a brief homily.

9.15am Parish Eucharist with Sunday Club – Common Worship Order I

The principal eucharist where the music is led by one of our choirs. Crêche and Sunday Club facilities are available. On the 2nd Sunday in the month there is an All Age Eucharist lasting about 50 minutes with both contemporary and traditional hymns and songs. The music is led by a band and the young folk are present throughout. Readings, presentations by various youth groups and homily are designed to appeal across the age range. Coffee/squash are available in the church hall after every Sunday 9.15am celebration.

11.00am Sung Eucharist – Common Worship Order I - traditional language

In term time either a full choir of boys and men, ladies and men, or girls, ladies or boys alone sing a choral mass setting and a motet. Those attending this liturgy are invited to the Parish Hall from 10.15am for coffee. On the 4th Sunday of the month we seek to build the relationships among members of the congregation by sharing drinks and nibbles at the back of church after the service.

6.30pm Choral Evensong and sermon following the Book of Common Prayer

In term-time the choir sings this as a 'cathedral' style with different settings for responses, psalms, canticles and an anthem. This offers a reflective style of worship; the congregation sings the hymns.

On the 4th Sunday and during the holidays a simpler 'parish' evensong is sung by the congregation.

6pm for 6.30pm: 'the space' - Parish Informal Worship (1st Sunday only)

This is a parish wide informal service of worship, teaching and social time together for all who enjoy a more relaxed style of worship. The service is particularly good for families with older children. People with musical talents should contact the band to find out how they might contribute to the worship.

Mid-week worship:

In addition to the normal Sunday pattern there is worship every day. See the panel on the right for the time of Daily Eucharists. On weekdays the Office of Morning Prayer is said at 9am (8.30am on Wednesdays in term time) and Evening Prayer is said at 5.00pm. Anyone is most welcome to attend and participate in these services. For evening prayer please enter the church through the choir vestry door.

On Solemnities and Principal Holy Days there is a Solemn Eucharist at 7.30pm.

In addition the Holy Oils are available for the sacrament of Anointing and the Blessed Sacrament is Reserved.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is offered by mutual arrangement with the Rector, particularly on Saturdays at 6pm and before the Solemnities, as announced.