Worship
Our worship, at 10.45 every Sunday morning, follows a theme set by Scripture passages chosen for each week and which is explored by all ages, both all together and in our separate age-groups.
We include a diversity of worship styles, including material from the United Reformed hymn book "Rejoice and Sing", Iona and Taizé, other contemporary worship songs and Mission Praise.
Our choir meets at 9.30 am every Sunday morning to practise and frequently contributes to the service, as do some of the very talented musicians and singers who we are blessed to have in our membership. Anyone is welcome to join the choir.
Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of every month and offered to all who trust in Jesus Christ as Saviour. Our children are always present and either share together in a fellowship meal while Communion is being served or come forward to receive bread and wine or a blessing, as appropriate.
A Taizé service is held on the last Sunday of each month at 7 pm. This is a more reflective, meditative style of worship.
Brief daily prayers are held in the church on weekdays, Tuesday to Friday from 10.15 - 10.30, for people working in our café and in the church. All are welcome.
Short 20 minute lunchtimes services are held at 1 pm during the seasons of Lent and Advent.
JUNIOR CHURCH
Emmanuel has a nursery which caters for children up to school age. There is always a Christian focus to the session, with songs, a story and a prayer. Plenty of time is allowed for play and interaction with other children, leaders and helpers. The older group has children from school age, and can be split into two, when there is a large age range. This group mostly follows the Roots material and sometimes other themes will be chosen. The themes are carefully continued from the worship in the sanctuary. All the children come into the church for communion, where they share a celebratory meal together, of juice, fruit and biscuits. The minister takes time to pray with them during this meal. At some services the congregation comes forward for communion. Then children can receive the elements or a blessing as appropriate.
The congregation is led in prayer by the children from time to time and they also bring what they have been working on, into the service. Every effort is made by the experienced and dedicated leaders to ensure that each child feels included and cherished. Each family had a pastoral elder who knows and visits them.
When our children reach their teenage years, we will hope to restart our Young people's Sunday evening group (YPSEG).