Services

Service Pattern

Where there is a 5th Sunday in the month, we come together to worship
as a Benefice in one of our churches.  Please check our website
calendar for further details or follow us on twitter.

Our service styles range from traditional services
through to contemporary services using modern songs and media,
especially suitable for families and children.  We hope that in
providing ‘something for everyone’ we can each find the style that
suits us best and through it be enriched in worship, grow as disciples
and encourage one another as we journey in our faith.

All-Age Family Service

As the title suggests this service suits all
ages.  It is an informal and relaxed service where the family of
the church (young and old) can share together through song, a bible
reading, an interactive talk, and prayers or a prayer activity.
It is usually themed but sometimes will follow the set reading for the
day.  It is a fun service, full of joy and activity, although it
is not Sunday School and the teaching works at many levels so that both
young and not so young are encouraged and challenged in their Christian
Faith.

Refreshments are available after the service and we’d be delighted if you’d join us.

Sung Eucharist & Sunday School

This is a service of Holy Communion using the modern
service called ‘Common Worship’.  Children attend the Sunday
School (which we call Sunday Club at Shiplake Church).  The
service is led by the clergy and supported by the choir.  During
communion the choir sing a specially prepared anthem.  The service
itself moves from opening praise through confession and then a focus on
the Bible.  There are two bible readings and there is a sermon
just before the mid-point of the service.  After that prayers are
led and then we prepare ourselves to receive bread and wine around the
Lord’s Table.  As we prepare to receive communion the children
re-join their parents in the church.  The service draws to a close
as we reflect with the children on what they have learnt, linking it
into the theme of the service.

Refreshments are available after the service for those who wish to share a coffee and have a chat with friends.

Family Eucharist

This is a service of Holy Communion which also uses the
modern service called ‘Common Worship’, but there are no sung responses
with a choir, everything is said.  In addition, the words and
responses used are specifically written for inclusive, family worship –
simple and straightforward so that they are accessible by all.  It
fuses the all-age service with a simple service of Holy Communion and
lasts about 40-45 minutes.  There is an age appropriate short talk
to encourage and challenge all who attend.  Children stay in the
service for the duration of our time together and share in the full
range of this easily understood and accessible service.

Refreshments are available after the service.

Morning Praise

This service is led by a minister and supported by the
choir and organist.  It is held at Dunsden Church once a
month.  There is a reading and hymns from the BBC Songs of Praise
book.  These are followed by a talk or activity in which the
congregation can participate followed by a time for both public and
private prayer. This service is very friendly and welcoming with a
strong feeling of fellowship and community.  Refreshments are
served afterwards and everyone is welcome to stay.