‘Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.’ (Isaiah 43.19)
A very Happy New Year to all our readers – and to let you know that with the New Year come changes to our regular pattern of services across the parish intended to strengthen our provision and ensure we have something for everyone.
The most significant changes are at St. Alphege with the introduction of new service times and provision – becoming two weekly services at 9.30am and 11am. This replaces the present more complicated pattern of services at 9.15am, 10.30am, and 11am depending on what week of the month it happens to be. The new 9.30am and 11am services will be in addition to the 8am said Eucharist at St. Alphege, 10am Holy Communion at St. Helen’s, and 10.30am Eucharist at St. Michael’s, all of which will continue unchanged.
These evolutionary changes are in response to the parish-wide worship survey and focus groups. These were enormously helpful, revealing both the things that are cherished and working well, and where our provision is lacking or could be improved. Changes will not only be to the pattern of services but also towards making our services accessible, inclusive, participative, and tightly focussed. We will continue to draw deeply on the rich and varied traditions of the Church and strive to make all services the best they can be, to the glory of God and in service of all who come through our doors.
It is important to say that this new pattern and provision, unanimously supported by our Parochial Church Council, is being introduced on a trial basis with a review by PCC before the end of 2026. The aim of the changes is to draw in new worshippers so that our churches may continue to be alive and growing. If you do not already regularly worship with us, we very much look forward to welcoming you. And we will continue to welcome feedback and suggestions from everyone.
As I close, my mind returns to my curacy days at St. Edburgha Yardley, and to my training incumbent who would regularly remind us that ‘only dead things stand still’ – an important challenge in that context of a medieval church set in a conservation area, a small island surrounded by greater Birmingham where it was always tempting to pull up the metaphorical drawbridge, doing our valiant best to resist change. Of course, change is universally challenging but my hope is that we will embrace these changes, and uphold them in prayer, that they may herald the renewal and growth which we long for.
Revd Nick Parker
Useful links
Description of our new services
