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
30th March 2025: Morning Worship at 10.30 am
Mothering Sunday
Our worship today was conducted by the minister and the recording is introduced by the duty elder, Helen Marson. The Bible reading is given by Shelley Morgan
Bible Reading 2 Corinthians 5: 16 – 21
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Love One Another” John 5: 34/35 Music arr. Lawrence Bartlett
Anthem: “Magnificat” musical setting: Hubert Brewer
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
23rd March 2025: Morning Worship 10.30am
As it is the 4th Sunday of the month the minister is leading the service at our Highworth church today. We are grateful yet again to Revd Mark Barrett who is taking the service here at Immanuel. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Liz Gibney. Other voices you will hear are those of Tom Hartshorn and Steve Brain who read from the Old and New Testament.
Bible Readings:
Isaiah 55: 1 – 9 and Luke13: 1 – 9
Music by the choir:
Introit: “How Shall I sing that Majesty” words: John Mason Music: Ken Naylor
Anthem: “Wash me Throughly” words: Psalm 51 :2-3 Music: David Halls
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
16th March 2025: Morning Worship 10.30am
Once again we are extremely grateful to Revd Geoff Gleed who at quite late notice, following a family incident in the Jordan family, stepped in to lead our worship today. The recording of the service is introduced by the duty elder, Maria Kawonga and other voices that you will hear are those of Liz Gibney, Edith Watson and Wally Knight.
Bible Reading: Luke 13: 31 – 35
Music by the choir:
Introit:
verses from Psalm 19 musical setting by Thomas Norris
Anthem:
“My Song Shall be always of the Loving Kindness of the Lord” Psalm 89 music: Godfrey Sampson
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 9th March 2025: Morning Worship
The recording of today’s service is introduced by the duty elder, Don Macarthur and our worship is led by the minster, Revd Robert Jordan. The reading from St Luke’s Gospel is read by Mike Gordon
Today was the first occasion that the Himalayan Church joined with us: this group of Christians has been using our premises for some time now on a Sunday lunchtime and we were delighted to be able to welcome them to join us in this communion service. During the service their leader, Prem, not only read the Bible lesson in Nepalese, but also explained something of their church and its history in Swindon. They also made their contribution in a joyful song of praise.
Bible Reading: Luke 4: 1- 13
Music by the choir:
introit: “From all that dwell below the skies” words: Isaac Watts music: old German melody
Anthem: “God so loved the World” words: John 3 :16/17 music: John Stainer
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 2nd March 2025: Morning Worship
The minister, Revd Robert Jordan, led our worship today and the recording is introduced by the duty elder, Liz Gibney, who also devised and reads the prayers of intercession. The Bible reading is given by Eddie Thomas.
Bible Reading: Isaiah 55 1 – 13
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Stand up and Bless the Lord” words: James Montgomery music: Charles Lockhart
Anthem: “Jesu, the very thought of Thee” words: 12 century Latin tr. Edward Caswell
music: Simon Lole
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 23rd February 2025: Morning Worship
With the minister leading worship this morning at Highworth, it was a delight to welcome to Immanuel on her first visit, Michelle Pickering, a preacher on the local Methodist circuit.
Sadly there were technical problems at the sound desk; despite repeated attempts, the recording of the service failed.
Bible Reading: John 4: 1 – 42
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Send O God, your Holy Spirit” words Sylvia Dunstan music: Richard Redhead
Anthem: “Lead me Lord” words from Psalm 5 music: Samuel S Wesley Soloist John Blakesley
Sunday 16 February 2025: Morning Worship at 10.30
The minister was leading today’s worship and the recording is introduced by the duty elder, Mike Gordon. Other voices you will hear are those of Janet Leadbeater who reads both of the Bible readings and John Blakesley who devised and reads the prayers of intercession.
Geoff Gleed was leading worship at Central Church and we are indebted to Shelley Morgan for leading the music in the service.
Bible Readings: Psalm 1 and Luke 6: 17 – 26
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Jesus Stand Among Us” words: Wm Pennefather music: Friedrich Filitz
Anthem: “The Peace of Christ be with You” words: a Celtic Blessing music: Geoff Nobes
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
9th February 2025: Morning Worship
Our worship today, which included the service of Holy Communion, was led by the Minister, Revd Robert Jordan, and the recording is introduced by the duty elder, Liz Gibney. The Bible lesson from the letter of Paul to the Romans is read by Sam Chandler -Benjamin.
Bible Reading: Romans 12: 1 – 21
Music by the choir:
Introit: verses from Psalm 16 musical setting by E.J. Hopkins
Anthem: “Ave Verum Corpus …” a sequence hymn for Corpus Christi by Pope Innocent Vl
music: William Byrd
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 2nd February 2025: Morning Worship
Our service today was conducted by the minister and the recording is introduced by the duty chaplain, Ceri Bevan. Our Bible reading from the Gospel of Luke was given by Wally Knight and the prayers of intercession were devised and read by David Leadbeater.
Bible Reading: Luke 4: 21 – 30
Music by the choir
Introit: “Send O God your Holy Spirit” words: Sylvia Dunstan music: Richard Redhead
Anthem: “Jubilate Deo” words from Psalm 100 music: George Thalben-Ball
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
26th January 2025: Morning Worship
The recording of our service today is introduced by Don Macarthur and our worship is led by Adrian German, a Methodist preacher based at Royal Wootton Bassett. The Bible reading from the Gospel of Luke is given by Jenny Powley.
Bible Reading Luke 14: 14 – 21
Music by the choir:
Introit: verses from Psalm 34 in a setting by John Goss
Anthem: “O Thou The Central Orb” words: H.R. Bramley music: Charles Wood
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
O Thou the central orb of righteous love,
Pure beam of the most high,
Eternal light of this our wintry world,
Thy radiance bright awakes new joy in faith,
Hope soars above, above.
Come, quickly come, and let thy glory shine,
Gilding our darksome heaven with rays divine.
Thy saints with holy lustre round Thee move,
As stars about thy throne, set in the height
of God’s ordaining counsel,
As thy sight gives measur’d grace to each,
Thy power to prove.
Let Thy bright beams disperse the gloom of sin,
Our nature all shall feel eternal day,
In fellowship with Thee,
Transforming clay to souls erewhile unclean,
now pure within, now pure within. Amen.
January 12th 2025: Morning Worship
This morning’s service was led by Revd Daphne Hardwick from the Christ Church team of clergy and the recording is introduced by the duty elder, Helen Marson. The two Bible readings are given by Shelley Morgan, and Geoff Gleed gives a brief introduction to the choir’s anthem.
Bible Readings:
Acts 8: 14 – 18
Luke 5: 15 – 127 , 21 – 22
Music by the choir:
Introit: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” English traditional arranged David Willcox.
Anthem: “The Work of Christmas” words: Howard Thurman, music: Dan Forrest
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Note:
The choir has performed this piece before but several of the congregation have asked for the very meaningful words to be printed….
The Work of Christmas
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers,
To make music in the heart.
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
Sunday 5th January 2025: Morning Worship
Today’s service for the first Sunday of the New Year was led by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan and the recording is introduced by the duty elder, Maria Kawonga. The Bible reading is by Pam Western and the prayers of intercession were devised and read by Liz Gibney.
Bible Reading: John 1: 1 – 18
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Like a candle Flame” words and music by Graham Kendrick
Anthem: “Ding Dong Merrily on High!” words: G R Woodward
music: traditional French tune, arr. Charles Wood
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
December 29th 2024: Morning Worship
This morning’s service was led by a visiting preacher, retired URC minister, Revd Dr Andrew Francis. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Don Macarthur who also reads the two Bible readings. The prayers of intercesion were devised and read by Janice Francis, the preacher’s wife.
Bible Readings:
1 Samuel 2: 18 – 20, 26
Luke 2: 31 – 52
Music by the choir:
Introit: ” A Great and Mighty Wonder!” words: Latin tr J M Neale music: Old German tune arr. M Pretorius
Anthem: “King Jesus hath a Garden” traditiona Dutch words tr by G R Woodward music arr Charles Wood
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
December 25th 2024: Christmas Day
Morning Worship
A gloriously chaotic but joyful act of worship on Christmas morning. The recording is introduced by the duty elder: Anne Farrow and Robert Jordan, as minister, leads our worship. It is a pity the service could not be filmed/ video’d, with toy cars hurtling up and down the aisle, funny masks distributed to the youngsters (and young in heart), and Robert himself…. in a Reindeer hat and in a move that was reminiscent of a Superman disclosure… revealed the truth that he is indeed “God’s favourite!
Enjoy the fun!
Just a pity that the sound engineer forgot to turn off the mic when Robert joined in the hymns and carols!
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Chloe, Robert and Lisa in their Christmas hats!
Sunday 22nd December 2024: Morning Worship
4th Sunday of Advent
With the minister preaching at Highworth this morning, our service today had been devised by Geoff Gleed who gave a short address by way of a “Pause for Thought”. The service was led by Don Macarthur and among the musical items it features a solo by Mario Sofrianou.
Readings
Bible Reading: Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7 read by Jenny Powley
Poem: “What the Donkey Saw” by U.A. Fanthorpe read by Wally Knight
Poem: “Just Another Christmas” by Andrew Feakin read by Helen Marson
Poem: “Behold I stand” by Gerard Kelly read by Eddie Thomas
Music by the Choir
“This is the Truth sent from above” English traditional arr. R. Vaughan Williams
“Lullaby” words and music: Martin Neil
“Nativity Carol” words and music: John Rutter
Solo
“Joy to the World” words: Isaac Watts music: GF Handel arr. W Llewellyn
Organist: Geoff Gleed
Piano: Shelley Morgan
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
16th December 2024
Carols on the Carpet
A good number of Immanuel members and friends with lots of folk from the local community thoroughly enjoyed the annual festive “singalong” in the church hall . This year we even had a surprise visit from Santa Claus who had heard what good fun it was and came to check it out!
It was good too, that so many stayed on afterwards to enjoy a hot drink and warm mince pies (organised by Liz Gleed).
Our thanks to Geoff and the musicians for making the evening go with a swing!
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
15th December 2024: Morning Worship
Christmas Readings and Carols
I’m delighted to say that our sound engineer managed to record some of today’s service of readings and carols : sadly the little gremlin was still there for the first part of the service so you will need to fast forward to the half way point but from there you will find three readings, three choir items and three congregational hymns to enjoy.
The service was led by the minister, with Geoff Gleed on the organ and Shelley Morgan on piano. Voices you will hear are those of Don Macarthur, Zena Howarth, Steve Brain and John Blakesley
Readings: Luke 2 : 8 – 16
“Creed for Christmas” by Cally Booker
“Christmas Bells” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Music by the choir:
In Dulci Jubilo words: R L Pearsall music: John Rutter
Shepherds Loud Their Praises Bringing words : traditional music: Alec Rowley
Jesus Child words and music: John Rutter
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
8th December 2024: Morning Worship
Second Sunday of Advent
Today’s service was led by the minister with Helen Marson as the duty elder. Tom Hartshorn read the Bible lesson from the Gospel of Luke.
Bible Reading: Luke 3 : 1- 6
Music by the choir :
Introit: “An Advent Responsary” words: traditional liturgy, music : Adrian Self
Anthem: “The Angel Gabriel” words: S Baring- Gould,
music: Basque traditional melody arr. C E Pettman
Sadly, yet again the sound recording failed to materialise
Sunday 1st December 2024: Morning Worship
First Sunday in Advent
Today saw a packed church when, as you see below, the whole partnership came together to mark Advent Sunday. It was also the occasion when cheques were presented to the beneficiaries of our project this year: Street Pastors and Swindon Youth for Christ.
The recording is introduced by Church Secretary, Don Macathur. Other voices you will hear are those of the minister who led the service, Red Simon Stevenette who preached the sermon, and Linda Tindall who lit the first Advent candle. Margaret Essex from Bath Road read the beautiful poem “Advent Approach” by Alison Adam and the Bible readings were by Christ Church members, Simon Giles and Ali Stanton.
Bible Readings: Matthew 29: 16 – 20
Romans 8 : 12 – 25
Music by the Choir:
Introit: “Hark a Trumpet Call is Sounding” words: Latin 6th century (tr. E Caswell)
music: W H Monk
Anthem: “Song of Mary” words: Mary Holtby ( based on Luke 1)
music: Richard Shephard
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
(Note: our thanks to the Bath Road sound team who managed to extract a sound file for us from the live-stream of the service – yes, our gremlin is still in the system!)
Representatives of Street Pastors and Swindon Youth for Christ with their well deserved cheques!
24th November 2024: Morning Worship
The Feast of Christ the King
We were delighted to welcome Revd Norma McKemey to lead our worship this morning. The minister was preaching at Highworth and Norma, from the Christ Church clergy team, stepped in to his shoes so to speak. On this last Sunday of the liturgical year, in a joyful but at times reflective service, we celebrated ‘Christ the King’. Sadly, however, the gremlin that played havoc with last week’s recording was still up to his tricks and this week the recording failed altogether! – our apologies! It looks as if the sound engineers will have to invest a new piece of equipment before next Sunday.