September 25th: Morning Worship
With the minister preaching at Highworth today, our organist and choirmaster, Revd Geoff Gleed led both the music 
and the morning service, moving between organ and pulpit in his inimitable style. Other voices you will hear in the recording are those of the duty elder, Eddie Thomas who introduced the service, Helen Marson who read from Mark’s Gospel, and Don Macarthur who gave both offertory dedication and the final blessing.
Reading: Mark 1 14 – 20
Music by the choir:
Introit: Psalm 23 Music: T.A. Walmisley
Anthem: “Ye Servants of God” Words: Charles Wesley Music: Thomas Coleman
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
September 24th: A service to celebrate 50 years since the founding of the United Reformed Church
The service is introduced by Stephen Brain, Church Secretary at Immanuel. Others taking part are the minister Revd Robert Jordan, Daniel Pitt, Revd Gerald England, Revd Rachel Collins, Bryan Elkington, Revd Ruth Whitehead (the Moderator of S.W. Synod) and Joy Mattis.
Hymns during the service:
All Creatures of our God and King words: W H Draper Tune: Lasst uns Erfreuen
Together through the Father’s Love words: Stephen Newell Tune: Naomi Sharp
There’s a Spirit in the Air words: Brian Wren Tune: Lauds John Wilson
God is our strength and Refuge words: Richard Bewes Tune: Dambuster’s March
Music by the choir:
Introit: Christ is our Cornerstone: David Thorne
Anthem: Rejoice the Lord is King : Malc0lm Archer
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
September 18th 2022: Morning Worship
Today’s service saw the launch of Immanuel’s annual Harvest Appeal, our worship was led by the minister, Robert Jordan and was introduced by duty elder, Mike Denton. The reading was given by Wally Knight and the prayers of intercession were devised and read by John Blakesley. The address was given by David Moynagh, a representative of “Tools for Self Reliance”.
For further details of our project this year, see the “Beyond Immanuel” page.
Reading: Mark 6 vv 30 – 44
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Holy Spirit Truth Divine” words: Margaret Cropper Music: French Traditional
Anthem: “Jesus’ Hands were Kind Hands” words: Samuel Longfellow Music L.G. Hayne
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
September 11th 2022: Morning Worship
Today. our worship was led by Revd Tony Barnes, a retired Methodist minister and we are grateful to him for adapting his planned service in the light of the sad news of the death of Queen Elizabeth ll. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Paddy Hayes and other voices you will hear are those of the church scertary, Steve Brain reading a prayer, and Pam Western who reads both Bible lessons.
Please note that early on in the recording there is a minute’s silence.
Readings:
Isaiah 33: 13 – 22
John 3: 22 – 36
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Jesus stand among us” Words: William Pennefather Music: “Bemerton” Friedrich Filz
Anthem: “I vow to Thgee my Country” Words: Cecil Spring-Rice Music: “Thaxted” Gustav Holst
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 4th September 2022: Morning Worship
Our minister conducted morning worship today and the recording is introduced by duty elder, Anne Farrow. The Bible lesson from Jeremiah is read by David Bevan and the prayers of intercession were devised and read by David Leadbeater.
The theme of the service: “Wonderfully made” (The text of the sermon can be found on “Weekly Reflection”)
Reading: Jeremiah 18: vv 1 – 11
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Blest are the Pure in Heart”: Words: John Keble. Music:’Franconia’ German 18th century
Anthem: Psalm 23 – “Brother James’s Air – Scottish traditional
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 28th August 2022: Morning Worship
With our minister preaching at Highworth today we were delighted to welcome back to Immanuel former minister of Immanuel, Revd Dr Martin Camroux. The recording of the service is introduced by Don Macarthur, duty elder for the day, who also reads the lessons from Matthew and St Paul’s letter to the Hebrews.
The theme of our worship today was ” Keeping up with Jesus”
Readings:
Matthew 5: 43 – 45
Hebrews 13: 1 – 8
Music by the choir:
Introit: “God is Forgiveness” : Words and music from the Taizé Community
Anthem: “Like a Might River Flowing” Words : Michael Perrry Music: Quem pastores laudavere (15th C. German)
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Martin and Jenny in deep conversation over coffee after the service.
Sunday 21st August: Morning Worship
The recording of today’s service is introduced by the duty elder, Steve Brain who also reads the Old Testament lesson from Jeremiah. The New Testament reading from Luke, is read by Edith Watson. Our prayers of intercession were devised and read by Liz Gibney and the service is conducted by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan.
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men…..” music: William Harris
Solo: “In native worth” from “The Creation” by Joseph Haydn
Soloist: Tom Wheeler
Accompanied: Shelly Morgan
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Tuesday 16th August: Tea and Chat
As you can see, August’s Tea and Chat was well-attended with 25 folk turning out to enjoy a cuppa and lots of fellowship – though it looks as if confidences were being exchanged as well!
The highlight of the afternoon was springing a surprise on Nancy Self who celebrated her 99th birthday that week… as the minister pointed out ” a little cake for a little lady” but we have promised her a much grander cake next year when she reaches that milestone 100th!
As you can see, this relatively new venture for the church is proving very popular and looks to become a permanent feature in the monthly diary
Sunday 14th August 2022: Morning Worship
Today’s service is conducted by our own Revd Geoff Gleed and includes the sacrament of infant baptism. The recording is introduced bu the duty elder, Liz Gibney and the reading from Psalm 95 is given by Alison Macarthur. We were delighted to welcome Kate and Marcus Cobden who had brought baby Amelie for baptism…as Geoff Gleed explains during the service, they and the family have long links with the URC and Immanuel going back many years.
Music by the choir:
Psalm 100 : setting by C.V. Stanford
“Look at the World”: words and music by John Rutter
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 7th August: Morning Worship
This morning our minister, Robert Jordan, was back from his vacation and conducted worship. The service is introduced by the duty elder, Mike Gordon and other voices you will hear are those of Irene Chesterman, who reads both the Old and New Testament lessons (Isaiah 1: vv 10 – 20 and Hebrews 11 vv 1 – 3), and Wally Knight who leads the prayers of intercession.
Music by the choir:
Jubilate Deo: music from Taizé
Ave Verum: music Edward Elgar
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Some of the congregation after church enjoying a cup of tea and a good chat in the sunshine of our garden.
Currently we are only able to serve teas after morning worship on the first Sunday of the month (shortage of helpers!) It would be great if we could do it more frequently, so if you feel you could spare the time after the morning service, have a word with Anne Farrow who organises the rota – she would love to hear from you
(note: I don’t think they are really haloes round the heads…just the heat haze catching the camera lens….but then again, you never know, they are a saintly lot!)
Sunday 31st July: Morning Worship
Our service today was conducted by one of our own members, Stuart Benjamin, and we are grateful to him for covering during the minister’s absence. Other voices you will hear in the recording are those of the duty elder Helen Marson and Steve Brain who were the readers today. We were also delighted to have Tom Wheeler with us during his vacation from Canterbury University and he added to the service with a solo.
Readings:
Psalm 138 read by Steve Brain
Luke 11 vv 1 – 13 read by Helen Marson
Solo: “As the Deer pants for the Water”. Music and words by Martin J Nystrom sung by Tom Wheeler
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Tuesday 26th July: Tea and Chat
Twenty or more members and friends gathered today expecting a sociable cup of tea and biscuits but to their delight found that they were being treated to a ‘cream tea’.
Sue, Jan and Steve had decided that on a grey summer’s day we all needed cheering up.
It was good that some of our older friends felt able to join us and seemed to thoroughly enjoy catching up with one another and we were delighted to see one or two newcomers too.
We hope to organise another afternoon’s tea and chat later in August ….but I suspect by then the jam and cream will have run out!
Sunday 24th July: Morning Worship
Worship today was led by old friend of Immanuel, Revd Tony Barnes, Tony had been a member of our Partnership clergy based at Bath Road Methodist Church. The service is introduced by the duty elder, Maria Kawonga. The other voice you will hear is that of Pam Western who reads both Bible lessons.
For those of you listening at home, at the start of the service Maria found she had a candle that refused to light – hence the moments of silence and the strange comments and asides!
We are grateful to Julie Dyer who accompanied the hymns and played for us today.
Bible Readings:
1 K1ngs Ch 8 vv 22-24, 27-30
Mark Ch 6 vv 1-6
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Saturday 25th June : Singalong
A report below tells of the event that took place at Immanuel but the latest news is that a total of £1597 was raised as a result of the day’s efforts…lots of good singing, lots of fun and lots of money raised for a worthy charity. Well done to Sarah Summers who organised the day…Lets hope there will be another next year!
Sunday 17th July: Morning Worship
We were delighted to have with us today leading our worship, Margaret Williams MBE. Margaret is a member of the partnership team at Christ Church, a great ecumenist and friend of Immanuel. The service is introduced by the church secretary, Steve Brain, who is duty elder for the day and who reads the two Bible lessons. The other voice you will hear is that of Wally Knight who leads the prayers of intercession.
We are grateful to Michael Dismore who leads the music of the service.
Readings: Luke 10 vv 38 – end
Colossians 1 vv 15 – 28
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 10th July: Morning Worship
Our recording today is introduced by Mike Denton, the duty Elder and the service is led by the Minister, Revd Robert Jordan. The other voice you will hear is that of Mike Gordon who reads the lesson from the letter to the Colossians.
We are grateful to Shelley Morgan for leading the music during the service at a time when the organist and choir are taking a break.
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 3rd July: Morning Worship
Today’s recording is introduced by the duty elder, Paddy Hayes and the service is led by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan. Today’s Bible reading from Luke’s Gospel is read by Wally Knight. Our prayers of intercession were evised by John Blakesley – sadly unable to be with us a#for the service (covid strikes again!).
With the choir and our organist on holiday during July, we are grateful to Michael Dismore for leading the music today.
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 26th June: Morning Worship
Unfortunately technical issues dogged our sound desk this morning and the recording of the service failed to materialise…our apologies for the loss of the recording. The text of the morning’s sermon is available elsewhere on this site – click above on ‘Weekly Reflection’ to read what Geoff Gleed had to say to us.
Saturday 25th June : Choirs in Concert
Strictly speaking this wasn’t an Immanuel event, but our own church choir took part together with friends from Christ Church choir….
Choirs from all over the area had been invited to sing, each one just for 30 minutes between 9.30 am and 10.00 pm… so a non-stop twelve and a half hours of music making to raise funds for the Brighter Futures Appeal (GWHospital). During the day there was music to suit all tastes – madrigals, pop, songs from the shows, classical numbers and Immanuel held its own with a selection of anthems ranging from Pitoni and Mozart through to Rutter.
Geoff compered our slot in his inimitable style!
A friendly, relaxed atmosphere pervaded the whole premises and the kitchen did a roaring trade in teas and coffees to wash down some delicious cakes and biscuits.
Watch this space to see how much was raised……
Sunday 19th June 2022: Morning Worship
Today saw a pulpit exchange within our Partnership of churches and Immanuel was pleased to welcome Revd Norma McKeny from Christchurch; as well as Revd McKemy , you will hear the voices of Eddie Thomas, the duty elder, Helen Marson who reads the Gospel lesson and that of David Leadbeater who leads the prayers of intercession.
St Luke 4 vv 14 – 21
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Jubilate Deo” music from Taizé
Anthem: “Ave verum” music: W.A Mozart
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 12th June 2022: Morning Worship for Trinity Sunday
Our worship this morning is conducted by Stuart Benjamin and other voices you will hear are those of Anne Farrow the duty elder, who introduces the recording, and Peter Beale who reads the two lessons for the day:
Proverbs 8 v1-4 and v22-31
John 16 v12-15
Music by the choir:
Introit: “A New Commandment” Words John 13 vv 34-35 Music arranged by Lawrence Bartlett
Anthem: “The Peace of God” John Rutter
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 5th June 2022: Morning Worship: Pentecost Sunday
Special arrangements to mark the Queen’s platinum Jubilee
(Immanuel is so blessed with our floral artists!)
Today’s service is led by the minister Revd Robert Jordan and is introduced by the duty Elder, Liz Gibney. Other voices you will hear the recording are those of Pam Western who reads the lesson for the day and Wally Knight who leads the prayers of intercession.
Reading: Romans 8: 12 – 27
Note: as this service coincides with the national Jubilee celebrations we conclude with the singing of the National Anthem
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Spirit of holiness, wisdom and faithfulness” by Christopher Idle (Sing Praise Nº 95)
Anthem: “Day by Day” – Prayer of Richard of Chichester by Martin How
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 29th May 2022: Morning Worship
Today’s service is introduced by duty elder, Mike Gordon and other voices you will hear in the recording below are those of David Bevan who reads the Gospel lesson from Matthew, Steve Brain and of course Geoff Gleed who leads our worship today and also all the music for the service.
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Praise the Lord” – an adaptation of Psalm 113 by Marjorie Jillson
Anthem: “The Lord’s My Shepherd” – a modern version of Psalm 23 by Stuart Townend (Sing Praise Nº 314)
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Wild Flower Garden at Immanuel
Well its not exactly a ‘recent event’ as it was set out and seeded last autumn, but the wild flower strip at the rear of our lawn is beginning to develop nicely. OK if may look like a load of weeds to some people but before long we hope it will be a ablaze with colour and attracting all sorts of wildlife…already someone tells me that spotted a snakes head fritillary a few weeks ago… personally I’m not totally convinced, but it would be great to find some unusual plants taking root there. Its all part of Immanuel ‘going green’….and in case you’re worried, we still have a very large lawn that is kept beautifully mowed where people can sit out !
Wednesday 25th May: Tea and Chat
A new venture for Wednesday afternoons? In the absence of our Women’s Fellowship and Luncheon club that have yet to recommence in this ‘post-pandemic world’ we opened the church doors for any who fancied an afternoon cup of tea or coffee (with biscuits or cake, of course!) and an opportunity to simply sit and chat.
The result? more than thirty members and friends turned up to make the most of the occasion and the church hall buzzed with the sound of chatter and laughter! The verdict of everyone? – just like Oliver Twist…. “please can we have some more?” “Once a month is not enough! ” “Can we do this every week?” So it sounds as if there will be repeat opportunities… so look out for notices in Weekly News and on this site.
Morning Worship 22nd May 2022
Our service today was conducted by Revd. Geoff Gleed who also led the music from the organ stool! The recording is introduced by duty elder, Mike Denton, and other voiced you will hear are those of Irene Chesterman who read today’s lesson from the Gospel of John, and that of Steve Brain who stood in for Geoff at several points.
All the hymns are from “Rejoice and Sing”
114 Let all the World in Every Corner Sing Tune: Luckington
301 Holy Spirit Truth Divine Tune: Buckland
310 Gracious Spirit Holy Ghost Tune: Charity
257 The Head that once was Crowned with Thorns Tune: St Magnus
Introit bu the choir: Cantate Dominum by Pitoni
Anthem bu the choir: Come Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain by R S Thatcher
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Morning Worship 15th May 2022
Today’s worship concluded with Holy Communion and was led by the minister Revd Robert Jordan. It is introduced in the recording by the duty elder, Eddie Thomas who also reads the lesson from Revelations 22. The other voice heard durting the service is that of Wally Knight who reads the prayers of intercession that were composed by Revd Roy Lowes. Geoff Gleed presides at the organ and music by the choir was:
Introit: Jesus is Risen. Music a Tanzanian melody arranged by JohnBell
words by Bernard Kyamanywa (79 in Sing Praise)
Anthem: Holy Holy Holy by W.A. Mozart
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Annual General Church Meeting 12th May 2022
Today was the occasion of the church AGM – not perhaps the most exciting event in Immanuel’s calendar but it was important in that it saw the election of three elders – Maria Kawonga, Helen Marson and Don Macarthur. All three have served in that capacity before but we are delighted to have them back on the eldership.
In addition a very important vote took place that may have implications on the ministry at Immanuel, for those who may be unaware our Minister is approaching a ‘milestone birthday’ – one by which, technically, he should be retiring for a variety of reasons he has applied to the URC for an extension to his ministry and the AGM saw a unanimous vote of support to that application for extension. All being well, providing it is accepted by the SW Synod and the Ministries Committee of the national church he will remain as minister at Immanuel and Highworth for a further three years…phew!
Steve Brain and Sue Goodall were once again returned as Church Secretary and Church Treasurer respectively.
Easter Sunday 17th April
Morning Worship
Our congregation was greeted by some magnificent floral decorations, as yet again the floral artists at Immanuel ‘came up trumps’
The service is introduced by duty elder, Paddy Hayes and other voices you will hear in this recording (other than the minister who led the service) are this of Edith Watson (reader) and Wally Knight (prayers of intercession). As this was the occasion of our monthly communion there is a time of quiet music as the elements are being distributed and again when we resumed a long tradition at Immanuel of decorating our Easter Cross…
For many years (though not in the last two years), the congregation is invited to bring a simple flower or small posy which is twined around the bare rugged cross 0- an old Christmas Tree fashioned into a cross.
This year we did try to be more ‘socially distanced’ than used to be the practice which did prolong the process but the end rsult was the same ….
A really colourful statement of the risen Christ that afterwards was placed outside the church for the neighbourhood to be reminded of the Festival Period
Order of Service 17 April 2022
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Good Friday 15th April
It is some years since the joint choirs of the Partnership have been able to sing together – pandemic rules prevented so much! But we came together On Good Friday in a performance of Stainer’s “Crucifixion”.
With local soloists, Clifford Friend (bass) and Sir Peter Beale (tenor) the joint choir managed to muster enough singers to put on what was quite a startling performance – only one rehearsal a few hours prior to the evening meant that everyone was on their toes and watching every beat of the conductor (Geoff Gleed).
A quick snap taken at rehearsal
Special thanks must go to the organist who took us flawlessly through rehearsals and performance – Tim Eyles the Director of Music at Christ had tested positive for covid and so at the last moment Ian Crabb stepped in.
We are so fortunate in the partnership to have such dedicated singers and musicians who can produce such a calibre of performance .
The congregation in a well-filled Christ Church that evening was highly appreciative.
Maundy Thursday 14 April
After a break of two years the Partnership of Churches in Old town resumed its traditional Maundy Thursday communion. This year Immanuel played host and although numbers were lower than on previous occasions all our churches were represented as we sat to share a simple supper of home made soup and crusty bread.
In itself it was moving to be able to share socially with others from across our partnership and there was a lively buzz of conversation through out the meal. This was followed by a communion service led by Immanuel’s minister Revd Robert Jordan
Our thanks to those who prepared some delicious soups and to those who served us
Sunday 10th April: Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday: John August Swanson (Swedish- Mexican artist)
Morning Worship
This Palm Sunday service is introduced by Church Secretary and duty Elder, Steve Brain, who also reads the two lessons for the day. The worship is led by the minister Robert Jordan
Order of Worship 10th April 2022
Music by the choir:
Introir: “My Song is Love Unknown” words: Samuel Crossman music: John Ireland
Anthem:” I give you a new Commandment” music: Peter Aston
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 3rd April: Passion Sunday: Lent 5
Morning Worship
This morning’s service is led by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan and is introduced by the duty elder, Anne Farrow. Other voices you will hear are those of Tom Hartshorn who reads both Bible lessons and David Leadbeater who leads the prayers of intercession. In addition Revd Geoff Gleed makes an statement in support of the minister’s reflection.
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Beloved let us love ” – Orlando Gibbons
Anthem: ” When my love to God grows weak” words – JR Wreford, music Orlando Gobbons
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 27th March: Mothering Sunday: Lent 4
Morning Worship
Flowers specially arranged for the day
Reading Hosea 11 vv 1 – 4
“The many faces of God”
The service is introduced by the duty Elder, Liz Gibney who also reads the Old Testament Lesson from Hosea. Our worship is conducted by former minister of Immanuel, Revd Dr Martin Camroux. The other voice that can be heard is that of Helen Marson who reads an interesting ‘job spec’ for the role of mother…..
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Order of Service 27th March 2022
Liz and Sue act as flower distributors during the service
(even the men of the congregation received a small bunch – well we are a very inclusive church!)
Sunday 20th March 2022: Lent 3
Morning Worship
Reading: Isaiah 55 vv 1-13
“Lavish and Free”
Mike Gordon, our duty elder for the day, introduces this morning’s service and it is led by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan. The other voice you will hear is that of Wally Knight who reads the prayers of intercession.
Music by the choir:
Introit: “God is the living image of the unseen God” Ian Forrester
Anthem: “Jesu the very thought of Thee” Simon Lole
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 13th March 2022: Lent 2
Morning Worship
Reading: St Luke Chpt 13 vv 31 – 36
Now that the gremlins have been sorted out, at last we can resume our practice of providing a recording of our morning worship. Today our service is introduced by Mike Denton, the duty elder and it is led by the minister Revd Robert Jordan. You will also hear the voices of Steve Brain who reads the lesson from the Gospel of St Luke and also that of Geoff Gleed who gives a short introduction to the choir’s anthem.
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 6th March 2022: Lent 1
Morning Worship
We are really sorry to say that the gremlins that affected the recording of our last two weeks services are still in the system, and despite the efforts of two of our sound engineers (and others offering advice!), after much head scratching, today’s worship failed to record yet again. We are calling in the professionals and hope that normal service will be resumed as soon as possible! The text of the sermon IS there however on our Weekly Reflection page!
Sunday 20th February 2022
Morning Worship
“Difficult and Mysterious”
The service this morning that included Holy Communion, was led by the minister Revd Robert Jordan and introduced by the duty elder, Steve Brain ( who also reads the Gospel reading from St Luke. Prayers of intercession were prepared by Wally Knight. We were once again indebted to Shelly Morgan who played the piano for us in Geoff’s absence.
Immanuel. Order of Service2022.02.20 (1)
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 13th February
Morning Worship
” Have Faith despite the odds”
Today’s service was the result of plans that had gone astray: Geoff Gleed had been due to lead our morning worship but, taken ill, was unable to be with us, so church secretary, Steve Brain, agreed to take his place and lead our morning worship using Geoff’s notes. Don Macarthur stepped up to take Steve’s place as duty chaplain and Shelly Morgan readily agreed to take charge of the music from the piano. (Its great when a plan comes together!) So voices you will hear in the recording are those of Don Macarthur, Steve Brain and Peter Beale who reads from the book of Psalms.
Order of Service 13th Feb 2022
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 6th February 2022
Morning Worship
“In for Out”
Today’s service is introduced by Don Macarthur , our duty elder for the day , who also reads the New Testament lesson. Our worship is led by the minister, Robert Jordan. Other voices you will hear on the recording are those of Irene Chesterman who reads the Old Testment lesson and that of Wally Knight who leads the prayers of intercession that were prepared by John Blakesley.
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
&lT;p>Sunday 30th January 2022
Morning Worship
We were delighted to welcome Stuart Benjamin to our pulpit this morning to lead our worship. Stuart is one of our church members and has helped out on several occasions recently when the minister has not be available. In the recording you are welcomed to the service by church secretary Steve Brain who also reads the Old Testament Lesson from Nehemiah.
Order of Service 30th January 2022
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Saturday 29th January
Today saw the return to Immanuel of the Aldbourne Band for their annual visit to the church. This would have been the 60th occasion of their January concert that for them marks the start of the new year – sadly last year’s covid restrictions and subsequent cancellation of the concert mean that the ‘Diamond Jubilee’ will have to wait to 2023!
From the very first chords of a ‘Jubilee Overture’ the audience was left in no doubt as to the complete mastery of the band : the quality of their playing has certainly not diminished despite the shortage of rehearsal time in the covid lock-downs!
A ‘sneaky shot’ taken of the band during their last minute rehearsal in the church – testing out the acoustics. Could the roof take the strain of the volume produced when they were ‘flat out’?
For those who don’t know about this magnificent band, even though they rehearse in a tiny village 10 miles from Swindon, they are no second-rate village band! They have earned their place in the premier league of Brass Bands and are counted among the best in the world!
With guest artists from the Kentwood Show Choir (accompanied by Sheila Harrod) the audience was treated to an absolutely first class evening of wonderful music that (with a moving tribute to past member, Jesse Jones) even included a prize-winning multi-media performance.
Make a note in your diaries for January 28th 2023!
right: the band in action in a multi-media presentation.
Sunday 23rd January 2022
Morning Worship
With the minister preaching at our sister church in Highworth, this morning we were delighted to welcome Bryan Elkington who once again led our worship. The service is introduced by Anne Farrow, the duty elder, who also reads the New Testament lesson from Luke’s Gospel. You will also hear the voice of Norman Goodall who reads the Old Testament Lesson, Psalm 1.
Music is provided by our organist Revd Geoff Gleed.
As always, a shortened form of the sermon is available as a text to read by clicking on “Weekly Reflection’ above.
(Note: there were some initial problems with the preacher’s microphone, but they are rectified quite quickly – please bear with the recording)
All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 16th January
Morning Worship
Today was something of a special occasion at Immanuel – a baptismal service, the first for many a long time! Lucy Hartshorn Hunt (whose family is long associated with the life of Immanuel) and husband Richard brought baby Harry for baptism…..sadly, as you can see, he was slightly ‘camera-shy’!
For lovers of family history, the christening gown he wore is well over 100 years old and has been worn at baptismal services by generations of the family – his mother wore it at her baptism, as did his grandfather and great grandmother! It made for a very lovely occasion not just for the family but for the whole congregation.
The service was led by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan but is introduced on the recording by the duty elder, Liz Gibney who also reads the lesson from Corinthians. Other voices you will hear in the recording are those of David Leadbeater (prayers of intercession) and baby Harry Hunt, who at one point certainly made his feelings known to everyone!
Music is provided by our organist Revd Geoff Gleed.