Sunday 16th October 2025: Morning Worship
Today’s service was the occasion of our annual “Remembering Loved Ones” when we pause to remember and reflect on those we have lost over past years and light candles in their memory.
The service is introduced by the duty elder, June Smythe and is led by the minister, Robert Jordan. The reading from the letter to the Romans is read by David Leadbeater.
Bible Reading: Romans 8: 31-39
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Thou O Lord has made us for Thyself” music: George Thalben Ball
Anthem: “Save us O Lord, waking” words: from the service of compline music: E H Thiman
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 5th October 2025: Morning Worship
Harvest Sunday
Today was the occasion of our annual Harvest Festival. The recording of the service is introduced by the duty elder, Anne Farrow and the worship is led by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan. Other voices you will hear are those of Eddie Thomas, reading from the book of Ruth, and David Leadbeater who devised and read our prayers of intercession. In addition you will hear Sarah Adland who came to us from “Tearfund” and who helped us launch the Harvest Appeal to support a project in Mali (see elsewhere on this website for further details).
Bible Reading: Ruth 2: 8 – 13
Music by the Choir:
Introit: “Thou visitest the Earth” words: from Psalm 65 music: Dr Greene
solo: Tom Hartshorn
Anthem: “Let us with a Gladsome Mind” words: John Milton music: Martin Setchell
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 28th September 2025: Morning Worship at 10.30 am
Our worship today was led by Revd Sue Henderson a retired URC minister. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Liz Gibney who also reads the lesson the Gospel of Mark. The other voice you will hear is that of Tom Hartshorn reading from the Book of Esther.
Bible readings
Esther 7: 1-6, 9-10
9: 20- 22
Mark 9: 38 – 50
Music by the choir
Introit: “I am the Light” words: Robert Willis, music: Thomas Haweis
Anthem: “Longing for Light: words and music: Bernadette Farrell
Today the minister and several of the congregation were celebrating with our friends at Highworth the bicentenary of their chapel building.
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 21st September 2025: Morning Worship
We are sorry to report that the gremlin in the sound desk was at work again this week! Sadly the first part of the service including the introduction and contributions of the choir have not recorded.
At the invitation of Churches Together in England we joined in a call for Peace and public witness in the Holy Land. Our worship was led by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan
The recording takes up in the reading from the Letter of James by Sam Chandler Benjamin. The other voice you will hear is that of Wally Knight who devised and read the prayers of intercession.
Bible Reading: James 3: 13-18
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 14th September 2025: Morning Worship . 10.30am.
Theme: Who is foolish?
After several weeks’ absence it was with great joy that we were able to welcome our minister back to ‘normal duties’. The recording of the service is introduced by the duty elder, Maria Kawonga, and the reading from the Gospel of Luke is given by Shelley Morgan.
Bible Reading: Luke 15: 1-10
Music by the choir
Introit: Psalm 19 words adapted by Isaac Watts music: R. Vaughan Williams
Anthem: Psalm 122 words from the Scottish Psalter music C.V. Stanford
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 7th September 2025: Morning Worship
Despite the lack of a more formal welcome from our duty elder, we were delighted that Revd Mark Barrett was back with us to lead our service today while the minister is still out of action. Mike Gordon was the duty elder who also read the reading from Jeremiah. The prayers of intercession were devised and read by John Blakesley.
Bible Reading: Jeremiah 18: 1-11
Music by the choir
Introit: Psalm 19 in a setting by Thomas Norris
Anthem: ” Nunc Dimittis” setting by Patrick Hopper
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 31st August 2025: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Our service of worship today was conducted by Daphne Hardwick from the Christ Church team and we are grateful to her for stepping in to lead the service while the minister is unavailable. The recording is introduced by the duty elder for the day, Don Macarthur, who also reads the first Bible reading from Hebrews. The other voice you will hear is that of Edith Watson who reads the second Lesson from the Gospel of Luke.
Our organist today is Michael Dismore, standing in for Geoff Gleed who was leading worship at Swindon’s Central Church.
Bible Readings:
Hebrews 13: 1 – 8, 15 – 16
Luke 14: 1, 7 – 14
Music by the Choir:
Introit: “Nothing in all Creation” Words from Romans 8, 38/39 Music: John H Loring
Anthem: “A New Commandment” Words from John13, 34-35 Music: Lawrence Bartlett
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 24th August 2025: Morning Worship. 10.30 am
With the minister recuperating following his knee operation we were delighted to welcome back to Immanuel this morningRevd Moira Slack, from the Christ Church clergy team, and are grateful to her for agreeing to lead our worship today.
The service is introduced by Mike Gordon who was the duty elder for the day and who read the two Bible lessons.
Bible Readings
1 Corinthians 4: 9 – 13
Luke22: 24 – 30
Music by the choir
Introit: “Jesus Stand Among us” Music: William Pennefather
words: Friedrich Filitz
Anthem: “May the Mind of Christ my Saviour” music: A C Barham Gould
words: Kate B. Wilkinson
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 17th August 2025: Morning Worship
Our worship today was led by three of the church elders. With the minister “on sick leave” , Mike, Anne and Liz are using a service written by Sue McCoan who is a URC minister to two churches in London. This written resource is made freely available on the URC website to churches for occasions such as today.
Mike Gordon acted as a leader with Liz Gibney devising and reading the prayers, while Anne Farrow gave the sermon. The Bible readings were delivered by Irene Chesterman. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, June Smythe.
Bible Readings
Genesis 45 : 3-11, 15
Luke6: 27-38
Music by the choir
Introit: Psalm 16 setting by E J Hopkins
Anthem: Magnificat setting by Patrick Hopper
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 10th August: Morning Worship at 10.30 am
Our service this morning was led by David Leadbeater with Revd Geoff Gleed presiding at the Communion . The recording is introduced by Ceri Bevan who was the duty elder. Other voices you will hear in the Bible Readings are those of Glenys Walker and Wally Knight, who also devised and read the prayers of intercession.
Bible Readings
Isaiah 1: 10 – 20
Luke 12: 32 – 40
Music by the choir
Introit: “No one has ever seen God” words: John 1-18 Music: Caryl Micklem
Anthem: ” Lord, Give me Faith” words: JohnOxenham Music: Kathleen Robson
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 3rd August 2025: Morning Worship
Today we were delighted to welcome for his first visit to Immanuel, Revd David Downham, the Moderator of the South West Synod. Although he was Inducted to office last November it was the first opportunity he has had to preach at one of our services. Following the service there was a Question and Answer session to begin to get to know him and this, too was recorded and you can find it below.
The recording is introduced by Helen Marson who was the duty elder for the day; she also reads the Old Testament lesson. The New Testament reading is given by Helen Thomas and the prayers of intercession were devised and read by David Leadbeater.
Bible Readings:
Ecclesiastes 1: 2,12-14
2: 18-22
Luke 12: 13-23
Music by the choir:
Introit: Psalm 150 setting by C.V. Stanford
Anthem: “Rejoice the Lord is King” words; C Wesley music: Malcolm Archer
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Question and Answer Session
After the service a “Bring and Share lunch” had been arranged…..
Sunday 27th July 2025: Morning Worship 10.30 am
We were delighted to welcome back to Immanuel today, retired Methodist minister, Revd Tony Barnes who led our worship. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Anne Farrow and the other voice you will hear is that of Steve Brain who reads the two Bible lessons .
Bible Readings:
Hebrews 4: 14 – 16
Luke 11: 1 – 13
Music by the Choir:
Introit: “Send O God Your Holy Spirit!” words: Sylvia Dunstan music: Richard Redhead
Anthem: “Like a Mighty River Flowing” words:Michael Perry music: German Trad.
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
July 20th 2025: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Summer Sing-along
Today’s service was one with a difference: our annual sing-along service was moved to the morning (as opposed to late afternoon) and, as usual, had the musical accompaniment of the talented friends and members of the church: two keyboards, flute and drums, together with the organ made a merry noise!
The service had been devised by Geoff and Liz Gleed and Geoff led it from the organ console with his usual style. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Michael Dismore and the readers are Jean Batten and Jenny Powley. The prayers of intercession were devised and read by Wally Knight.
Bible Reading: Psalm 98
Verses written by Revd. Bob Ellis (former minister of Immanuel): “We are here to praise God”
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Our musicians
Sunday 13th July: Morning Worship
Our service today was conducted by retired URC Minister, Revd Dr Andrew Francis. The Recording is introduced by the duty elder, Steve Brain who also reads the Old Testament Lesson. The New testament lesson is read by David Leadbeater and the prayers of intercession were devised and read by Janice Hodby.
Bible Readings:
Deuteronomy 30: 9 – 14
Luke 10: 25 -37
Music by the choir
Introit: “Laudate Dominum” Music: Taizé
Anthem: “Ave Verum Corpus Music W.A Mozart
Note:
Regrettably the recording failed to capture this challenging service , despite the efforts of the sound team.
6th July 2025: Morning Worship
Today we welcomed to our pulpit an old friend of Immanuel, long-term member of our partnership of churches, Geoff Rhodes, a lay preacher from Bath Road. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Maria Kawonga and the Bible readings are given by Pam Western and Andrew Enow. Our prayers of intercession were devised and read by Liz Gibney
Bible Readings
2 Kings 5: 1 – 14
Luke 10: 8-11, 17-120
Galations 6: 7 – 16
Music by the Choir:
Introit: Psalm 30 in a setting setting by H Smart
Anthem: “Jubilate Deo” music: C.V. Stanford.
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
29th June 2025: Morning Worship
Our service this morning was conducted by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan, and included the dedication of a new “Peace Candle” in memory of the late Muriel Baker as well as the ordination of two elders, Vivian Blakesley and Michel Dismore. There are two Bible readings, the first being read by Christine Senior (daughter of Muriel Baker) and the second by Tom Hartshorn. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Liz Gibney.
Bible Readings:
John 14: 25 – 27
Romans: 12: 1 – 8
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
We are grateful to Shelley Morgan for leading our music this morning from the piano.
Sunday 22nd June 2025: Morning Worship at 10.30 am
Today , with the minister preaching at Highworth, we were delighted to welcome back to our pulpit Revd Mark Barrett. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Don Macarthur who also reads the second lesson. The first Bible reading is given by Glenys Walker.
Bible Readings: 1 Kings 19: 1 – 8
1 Kings 19: 9 – 18
Music by the Choir:
Introit: “Lead Us Heavenly Father, Lead Us” words: James Edmeston music: Friedrich Filitz
Anthem:” Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” words: J.G Whittier music: C.H.H. Parry
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Saturday 21st June: Sing Out for Brighter Futures”
Today, for the third successive year, Immanuel hosted the annual charity event raising money for the hospital’s “Brighter Futures”. From 9.00am to 9.00pm a series of local choirs made wonderful music for a geat cause. The range of musical styles was impressive : there was an amazingly enthusiastic 30 minutes of exhuberance from “Spotlight” (a choir of young poeople with learning difficulties), we heard Gilbert and Sullivan, sea shanties, madrigals, pop songs, and our own Partnership Choir gave a spirited performance of church music intermixed with one or two comic pieces! A fabulous day that we hope will have raised a large sum for an imporant charity. A few quick snaps from the day…..
Sunday 15th June 2025: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Trinity Sunday
Today’s service was led by Revd Jonathan Edwards from Swindon’s Central Church. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Mike Gordon and the Bible reading is given by Edith Watson. The other voice you will hear is that of John Blakesley who leads us in the prayers of intercession
Bible Reading: Isaiah 43: 14 – 21
Music by the choir:
Introit: ” Holy Holy Holy one” words: Alan Gaunt music: Ralph Vaughan Williams
Anthem: “Look at the World” words and music: John Rutter
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 8th June 2025: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Pentecost Sunday
Today was the occasion of a ‘pulpit exchange’ within our Partnership of Churches: our minister, Robert was leading worship at Bath Road, Rach Collins was at Christ Church and at Immanuel, we were delighted to welcome Simon Stevenette (from Christ Church).
The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Helen Marson, who also reads the lesson from the Gospel of John. The other reading from Acts is by Sam Chandler-Benjamin.
Note: you may need to adjust the sound levels as at times the recording is very quiet
Bible Readings
Acts 2: 1-21
John 14: 8-17, 25-27
Music by the choir
Introit: “Send O God Your Holy Spirit” words: Sylvia Dunstan music: Richard Redhead
Anthem: “Holy Spirit, Gift Bestower” words: anon music: Welsh traditional melody
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 1st June 2025: Morning Worship
The recording of our service this morning is introduced by the duty elder, Ceri Bevan and our worship is led by the minister, Red Robert Jordan. The reader of the Bible Lesson is Shelley Morgan who also leads our music today from the piano. The prayers of intercession were devised and read by David Leadbeater.
Bible Reading: Acts 16: 16 – 34
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 25th May 2025: Morning Worship
This morning we were delighted to welcome back to Immanuel to lead our worship the Revd Moira Slack from the Christ Church clergy team. The recording is introduced by the duty elder Don Macarthur who also reads one of the Bible lessons and the other reading is by Eddie Thomas.
With Geoff and the choir taking a short break we are grateful to Michael Dismore for leading the music of the service on the organ.
Bible Readings:
John14: 15 – 30
Acts 16: 9 – 14
Introit: “Come People of the Risen King” Stuart Townend
Outgoing music: “O Church Arise” Stuart Townend
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 17th May 2025: Morning Worship at 10.30 am
The recording of today’s service is introduced by the duty elder, June Smythe and our worship is led by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan. Other voices you will hear are those of Janet Leadbeater who reads the Bible lesson, and Wally Knight who devised and leads us in the prayers of intercession.
We are grateful to Shelley Morgan who is leading the music for our service this morning while Geoff and the choir are taking a little break.
Bible Reading: John 13: 31 – 35
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 11th May 2025: Morning Worship and 10.30 am
Today was the occasion of the Partnership of Churches Joint Confirmation Service and held this year at Immanuel.
As our chairman, Anne points out in her introduction to the service we are one of the few partnerships in the country that have the privilege of confirming people to all three churches, Anglican, Methodist and United Reformed. Others taking part in the service are Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Bishop of Swindon, Rach Collins (Minister of Bath Road Methodist Church), and Revd Robert Jordan (minister at Immanuel).
The Bible readings are given by readers from our three churches: Wally, Kwamy and Alli, and the prayers of intersession were devised and read by John Blakesley
In Geoff’s absence, the music for the service is led by Michael Dismore at the organ.
Bible Readings:
Psalm23
Acts 9: 36 -43
John 10: 22-30
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Newly confirmed members of the church with their supporters
Sunday 4th May 2025: Morning Worship
The minister led our worship today and the recording is introduced by Ceri Bevan, the duty elder. The other voice you will hear is that of Jenny Powley who reads the Bible lesson from the Gospel of John.
Bible Reading: John 21: 1- 19
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Christ is our Cornerstone” Words: from Psalm 118 Music: David Thorne
Anthem: “Easter Song of Praise” Words and Music : Richard Shephard
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Thursday 1st May : meeting with Heidi Alexander M.P. Minister of State for Transport
This evening on behalf of the Churches of the Old Town Partnership Immanuel hosted a meeting in which Heidi Alexander addressed those gathered and then in an open forum answered a wide variety of questions. As the local MP for South Swindon it was unsurprising that many of the questions raised centred on local issues connected with redevelopment of the town centre and housing , and it was particularly good to hear that there plans in the offing for a much improved Railway Station!
Heidi herself suggested an interesting idea that may well be taken up in the coming months – a “Walk of Faiths” in which not only churches but worshippers at the Sikh Temple and local Mosque might feel able to join in
It was a great joy for us at Immanuel to welcome Heidi back to a church where she spent much time as a child in Sunday School and Youth Club as well as the Young Immanuel Choir!
Sunday 27th April 2025: Morning Worship at 10.30 a.m.
It being the fifth Sunday of the month, our minister was leading worship at our sister church in Highworth. Here at Immanuel we were delighted to welcome back an old friend of many years standing: Bryan Elkington. It transpired that today would be the very last time that Bryan would be leading worship as he has decided to retire as a lay preacher in the local area. At the outset of the service, he was presented with a card signed by the congregation in appreciation of the many years of service to our church and others in North Wilts.
The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Liz Gibney and the Bible reading is given by David Bevan.
Bible Reading: Acts 5: 17 – 33
Music by the choir:
Introit: “He is Risen” words: Mrs Alexander music: Cecil Cope
Anthem: “Gloria” from Vilvaldi’s “Gloria”
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 20th April 2025: Morning Worship
EASTER DAY
The recording of our service is introduced by Mike Gordon who was the duty elder for the day and he also reads the Bible lesson from the Gospel of John. Our worship is led by the minister Revd Robert Jordan and the prayers of intercession were devised and read by Liz Gibney.
Bible Reading: John 20: 1 – 18
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Alleluia, Jesus is Risen!” words: Herbert F Brokering music: David N Johnson
Anthem: “Now the Green Blade Rises” words: J M C Crum music: French melody
Note: during the service the congregation was invited to decorate the empty cross with flowers and there is an extensive musical interlude
Sunday 13th April 2025: Morning Worship
Palm Sunday
The recording of today’s service is introduced by Don Macarthur, who was the duty elder for the day. Our worship, which contains both a baptismal service and Holy Communion was conducted by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan. The Bible reading is given by Pam Western.
Bible reading: Luke 19 28 – 40
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Hosanna to the Son of David” words: Matt 21:9 music: David Halls
Anthem: “O Saviour of the World” words: antiphon of the cross music: John Goss
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 6th April 2025: Morning Worship
Our service this morning was conducted by the Minister, Revd Robert Jordan. The recording is introduced by Steve Brain who was the duty elder for the day; other voices you will hear are those of Helen Marson who reads the lesson from St John’s Gospel, and David Leadbeater who devised and reads the prayers of intercession.
We shared in the joy of Janet and David Leadbeater who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this weekend
Bible Reading: John 12: 1-8
Music by the choir
Introit: verses from Psalm 46 setting by Martin Luther
Anthem: “Nunc Dimittis” setting by C.V. Stanford
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036