25th January 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Our service today was led by one of our elders at Immanuel, Ceri Bevan, and we are extremely grateful to her for stepping in to take the service while Robert was at Highworth. The recoding is introduced by the duty elder, Maria Kawonga who also devised and led our prayers of intercession. The Bible readings were given by Don Macarthur.
Bible readings:
Nehemiah 8: 1-10
Luke4: 14 – 21
Music by the choir:
Introit: “O Come ye servants of the Lord”
Words: from psalm 113 music: Christopher Tye
Anthem: “There’s a Wideness in God’s mercy”
Words: F.W Faber music: Maurice Bevan
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 11th January 2026: Morning Worship 10.30am
Epiphany Sunday
Our service today was led by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan, and the recording is introduced by the duty elder, Mike Gordon. The other voice you will hear in the recording is that of Tom Hartshorn who reads the lesson from the Gospel of St Matthew.
Bible Reading: Matthew 2: 1-12
Music by the choir:
Introit: “What Child is this?” Words: W C Dix Music: English traditional melody
Anthem: “Then shall a Star from Jacob come forth”
Words: Matthew Chpt 2 Music: Felix Mendelssohn
Duet: Vivian Blakesley & Linda Tindall
Trio: John Blakesley, Tom Hartshorn & Steve Brain
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
4th January 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Our worship today was led by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan, and the recording is introduced by the duty Elder, Ann Farrow. Voices you will hear during the service are those of Shelley Morgan, reading from the New Testament, and Steve Brain who devised and read the prayers of intercession. In addition, the organist, Geoff Gleed gives a few words of explanation relating to the anthem by the choir.
Bible Reading: Ephesians 1 : 3-14
Music by the Choir:
Introit: “The Truth from Above” words: Trad. English music: arr. R Vaughan Williams
Anthem: “A New Year Carol” words: anon music: Benjamin Britten
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 28th December 2025: Morning Worship. 10.30 am
With the minister preaching at Highworth today, on this, the last Sunday of the year, we were delighted to welcome to Immanuel’s pulpit old friend, Carol Simmons. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Ceri Bevan. The reading, from the Gospel of St Matthew,is by Wally Knight. In addition, it was joy that our worship was enhanced by a solo from Mario Sofroniou.
Bible Reading: Matthew 2: 1- 15, 19 – 23
Music in the service:
Introit: “A Great and Mighty Wonder” Words: Latin tr. J M Neale Music: M Pretorius
Anthem: “ Torches” Words: Galician tr. J B Trend Music: John Joubert
Solo: “O Holy Night” Words: P Cappeau Music: Adolphe Adam Soloist: M Sofroniou
Accompanied by Shelley Morgan
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Christmas Day 2025
Today’s joyful celebration was led by the minister and among the carols (old and new) we had the fun of sharing presents that we had received. The recording is introduced by David Leadbeater who stood in as minister’s chaplain and read the reading from the Gospel of Luke. Our Christmas Day candle was lit by Maria Kawonga
Bible Reading: Luke 1: 1 – 20
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 21st December : morning worship
4th Sunday of Advent
On this last Sunday before Christmas Day we took the opportunity to spend a peaceful hour in reflection with communion amid the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas. Our worship was led by the minister and the recording is introduced by Sam Chandler Benjamin, standing in for the duty elder. Others taking part in the service and whose voices you will hear are Tom and Teresa Hartshorn, who lit the fourth Advent Candle, and our two readers: Stuart Benjamin and Pam Western.
Bible Readings:
Isaiah7: 10-16
Matthew 1: 18 – 28
Music by the Choir:
Introit: Love Came Down at Christmas Words: Christina Rosetti Music: Sidney Hann
Anthem: O Men from the Fields Words: Padraic Colum Music: Arnold Cooke
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Monday 15th December
Carols on the Carpet
It’s 12 years since we held our first event of this sort. Originally called “Carols in the Car Park”, the idea sprung from an event Steve had heard of in Sydney Australia where a mid-summer Christmas lends itself to open-air singing. After two years of wet, miserable evenings in the run-up to Christmas in Swindon, we decided to permanently hold it in the church hall and it became ‘Carols on the Carpet’! But the fun of singing together and the enjoyment of watching the excitement on children’s faces doesn’t change! This year was certainly no different – as these few photos display. A great time was had by all as we tackled Christmas songs and favourite carols (Silent Night will never sound the same unless accompanied by children’s percussion instruments!) Even Santa heard the rendition of “Jingle Bells” and called to see what was going on.
Our thanks go to Geoff and the musicians as well as those who helped in so many ways – the hot mince pies were very welcome!
14th December 2025: Morning Worship
3rd Sunday in Advent
Today’s service took the form of our annual carol service. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Helen Marson and is led by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan. Others taking part and whose voices you will hear are Don Macarthur, Ceri and David Bevan, Glenys Walker, Lyndsey Miller, Wally Knight and Sam Chandler-Benjamin.
Bible Readings: Luke 2:1-7, Luke 2: 8 -16
Poem: “What would you say to Christmas?” by Joanna Drake
Poem: “Christmas” by Diana Hendry
Music by the choir:
Introit:
“The Angels and the Shepherds” Words: Helen Dickinson
Music: Bohemian traditional tune. arr. C H Trevor
Anthems:
“Quelle est cette odeur agréable?” Words: French trad. Music arr. David Willcocks
“Sans Day Carol” Words: Cornish trad. Music arr. John Rutter
“A Child is born in Bethlehem” Words: Latin: tr. David Willcocks. Music: Malcolm Archer
“Sir Christemas” Words anon ca. 1500 Music: William Matthias
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 7th December: Morning Worship 1-0.30.am
2nd Sunday in Advent
Today was the annual “Toy Service” when members of the congregation presented toys and gifts that will be passed to the children of the “Harbour Project” that supports refugees and asylum seekers in the town. The service is led by the minister. Other voices you will hear are those of Steve Brain who introduces the recording, Helen Marson, reading the Bible lesson, and Janet and David Leadbeater who light the second Advent Candle (with a theme of “Peace to the World”). David also devised and read the prayers of intercession.
Bible Reading: Romans 15: 1 – 13
Music by the Choir:
Introit: An Advent Responsory music: Adrian Self
Anthem: “There is no Rose” Words: 15th century carol music: Graham Ellis
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 23rd November : Morning Worship 10.30 am
We were delighted to welcome back to our pulpit this morning Revd Dr Martin Camroux, former minister of Immanuel, who together with his wife, Margaret, led our morning service. The recording is introduced by duty elder, Maria Kawonga, and the other voice you will hear is that of Irene Chesterman who gives the Bible readings from the Gospel of Matthew and the Letter to the Corinthians
Bible readings:
Matthew 25 : 31 – 40
Corinthians 13 : 8 – 13
Music by the Choir:
Introit: Psalm 103 Chant: H. Walford Davies
Anthem: Jubilate Setting: Albert Prince Consort
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 16th November 2025: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Our Service today was led by the minister and the recording is introduced by Liz Gibney, the duty elder, who also reads from the New Testament. Other voices you will hear are those of Helen Thomas reading from the Old Testament and Wally Knight who devised and reads the prayers of intercession. For those listening at home, this morning there were additional prayers for ‘Health and Wholeness’ which explains the extended period of quiet organ music at one point.
Bible Readings:
Isaiah 65: 17- 25
Luke 21: 5- 19
Music by the choir:
Introit: verses from Psalm 34 chant: John Goss
Anthem: “Day by Day” – a prayer of St Richard of Chichester
music: Norman H. Warren
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 9th November 2025: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Remembrance Sunday
Our worship this morning was conducted by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan, and the recording is introduced by Church Secretary, Don Macarthur. During the service we linked up by radio with the BBC transmission from the Cenotaph at Whitehall to join the nation on the observance of the two-minute silence. Other voices you will hear in the recording are those of Jenny Powley reading from the Old Testament and Wally Knight in a poem by Wilfred Owen.
In addition to the choir’s contributions we were delighted to enjoy a solo by Mario Sofroniou
Bible Reading: Micah 4: 1 – 8
Poem: “The Parable of the Old man and the Young” by Wilfred Owen
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Beloved, let us Love” Words: H. Bonar Music: Orl;ando Gibbons
Anthem: “Give us the Wings of Faith” Words: Isaac Watts. Music: Ernest Bullock
Solo: “Sun of My Soul” Words: John Keble Music: Herbert Oakeley
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 2nd November 2025: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Today was the occasion of a “pulpit exchange” within our partnership of churches and we were delighted to welcome Rev Rach Collins to Immanuel. Rach is the minister at Bath Road Methodist Church: our own minister, Robert, was preaching at Christ Church whilst one of their clergy team was leading the service at Bath Road. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Mike Gordon, and the Bible reading is given by Janet Leadbeater. Our prayers of intercession were devised and read by Liz Gibney.
Bible Readings
Luke 19: 1- 10
Music by the choir
Introit: “Gloria” setting from Taizé
Anthem: “Lead me Lord” words from the Psalms. Music: Samuel Sebastian Wesley
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 26th October 2025: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Today we were once again pleased to welcome to Immanuel Revd Tony Barnes who led our morning service. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Helen Marson who also reads from the Letter of Paul to Timothy. The other reading, from the Gospel of Luke, is given by Edith Watson.
Bible Readings
2 Timothy 4: 6 -8
Luke 18: 1- 14
Music by the choir
Introit: “Laudate Dominum” setting from Taizé
Anthem: “Ave Verum” words from the liturgy for Corpus Christi. Music: R L Pearsall
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 19th October 2025: Morning Worship 10.30 am
We were delighted to welcome back to Immanuel this morning to lead our worship Revd Mark Barrett . The recording is introduced by Ceri Bevan who was the duty elder and other voices you will hear are those of David Bevan who reads all three Bible readings, and John Blakesley who devised and read the prayers of intercession.
Bible Readings
1 Corinthians 14: 33- 40
Colossians 3 : 18 – 25
1 Timothy 2 : 8 – 15
Music by the Choir:
Introit: “O Sing unto the Lord a New Song” words from psalm 96, setting by J Barnby
Anthem: “Rejoice in the Lord” words: Philippians 4, Music by Christopher Tambling
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
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…..
