Recent Events

March  18th 2024: The defibrillator  is in  situ!

Some time ago  it was agreed  to  purchase a defibrillator on the church premises for use in  medical  emergency. 

As you  can  see below, it  has now been  placed where it is accessible for our own  use  in  emergencies but  is also there day  and night  for local  community  use. It  has been funded by the church  but  also  made use of a grant  and a generous donation.

 

Sunday  March 17th: Passion  Sunday: Morning Worship

Today’s worship  was a service of readings and music for Passiontide;  it  was  devised by  our  Organist  and Choirmaster, Revd Geoff Gleed, and   led by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan. The recording is introduced by  Sam Chandler  Benjamin and other  voices you  will  hear  are those of Don Macarthur and Jenny  Powley who  read  various passages from the Gospel of Matthew,  and that of Wally  Knight  who  wrote and read the prayers of intercession.

Bible Readings:

Matthew 26: 20, 26 – 30, 36 – 46

Matthew 27: 1,2,11 – 26

Matthew27: 27 – 43

Matthew27: 45 -61

“One Solitary  Life”   Attributed to James Allen Francis.

Anthems by the choir:

“Legend”                                                    Words   and Music: Peter  Tchaikovsky

“Alone to  Sacrifice”                                Words: Peter  Abelard   Music: Kenneth Leighton

“God So  Loved the World”                   Music:  John  Stainer

“O Sacred  Head Sore Wounded”        Words: Paul  Gerhardt,   Music: Hans Hassler arr.  J. S. Bach

“Jesu  Word of God Incarnate”           Words: liturgical  text,    Music W. A. Mozart

Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

Sunday  March 10th: Mothering  Sunday: Morning Worship

“Hope in Despair”

The recording of today’s service is introduced by  Anne Farrow, the duty  elder  for the day. Our  worship is led by the Minister , Revd Robert Jordan and the  other  voice you  will hear  is that  of  Pam  Western who reads the Bible Lesson.

Bible Readings:
John 3: 11- 21

Numbers 21: 4 – 9

Music by the choir:

Introit: “A New Commandment I give unto  you”        Words:  from John 13    Music: Laurence Bartlett

Anthem: “Jubilate Deo – O be joyful in the Lord”        Words: Psalm 100    Music: George Thalben-Ball

Note: towards the end of the service you before the final  hymn,  you  will hear  an  extended musical  offering from  Geoff Gleed as flowers are distributed  to  all the ladies of the congregation.

Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036


Sunday March  3rd 2024: Morning Worship

With the minister  taking a week’s break , we were delighted  to  welcome back  to  Immanuel  Revd Daphne Hardwick  from the Christ  Church  team who  lewades our  worship.  Another  voice you  will  hear  in the recording is that  of Helen  Marson,  the duty  elder,  who  introduces the recording,  reads the Gospel  lesson and also  leads the prayers of intercession that  were devised  by  Liz Gibney. The other  voice  you  will  hear is that of Steve Brain  who  reads the New Testament  lesson  from the book of Corinthians.

We are grateful to  Shelley  Morgan  for playing for us this morning in  Geoff’s absence.

Bible Readings

1 Corinthians 1 : 18 – 25

John 2 : 13 – 22

 

Music by the choir:

Introit:  “Praise  God  from  whom  all  blessings flow”  Words: Thomas Ken    Music: Old Hundredth

Anthem:  “The King of Love my  Shepherd is”                Words: H W Baker       Music: J B Dykes

Prayers of intercession: a number  of folk  have asked that these be available for  use at  home, please  fee l free to  use  this link  to  access them…

Prayers of intercession 3rd March 2024

Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

Sunday  25th February 10.30 am: Morning Worship

With  the minister  preaching  at  Highworth  this morning,  we were delighted  to  welcome to  Immanuel  Revd Norma McKemey from the Christ  Church  clergy  team. The recording is introduced by  Liz Gibney  who  was  the duty  elder  for the day and the other  voice you  will hear  is that  of Andrew Enow   who  reads the lesson  from the Gospel of St. Mark.

Unfortunately Geoff Gleed ,our  organist  and choirmaster, is still unwell   – there is no music from the choir to  enhance  the service which  is slightly  shorter as a result, but  nonetheless an uplifting   and thought-provoking act  of worship.

Bible Reading:  Mark 8 : 31 – 38

Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

 

Sunday  18th  February 10.30 am : Morning Worship

The recording of today’s service is introduced  by the duty  elder, Mike Gordon. Other  voices you  will  hear   are those of the minister who  led  our  worship, Irene Chesterman  who  read  from the Gospel of Mark and John Blakesley who  devised  and led our  prayers of intercession. We are  sorry  to  report that  our  organist, Geoff, has been  smitten with  a nasty cold virus and therefore there was no  introit  or anthem by the choir, but  we were extremely grateful to  Michael  Dismore who  stepped in  to  deputise on the organ at  somewhat  late notice.

Bible Reading: Mark 1 : 9 – 15

Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

Sunday 11th  February 2024: Morning Worship

Today’s worship  was led by the minister  and included the service of Holy  Communion. The recording is introduced by the duty  elder, Maria Kawonga, and the other  voice you  will  hear  is that of Janet  Leadbeater  who  reads from the Gospel of St  Mark.

Bible Reading:

Mark     2: 22 – 28

                3: 1 – 6

Music by the choir:

Introit:                  “The Lord is King”                          words:  Josiah Conder                    Music:  Robert  Jackson

Anthem:              “View me Lord”                                words:  Thomas Campion             Music:  Richard Lloyd

Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

 

Sunday 4th February 2024: Morning Worship

Today’s service was led  by the Minister, Robert  Jordan. and the recording is introduced by the duty  elder, Eddie Thomas. Other voices you  will hear  are those of David Bevan and David Leadbeater  who read the Bible Lessons and lead the prayers of intercession respectively. During the sermon, you might also  hear  a couple of contributions from  Ceri Bevan  and Geoff Gleed .

Bible Readings

Isaiah 40: 21 – 31

Mark 1: 29 – 39

Music by the choir

Introit:     Psalm  19         Selected  verses               Setting by  Thomas Norris

Anthem:  The Magnificat                                           Setting by A. Herbert Brewer

 

 

Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

 

Sunday  28th January: Morning Worship

With the minister  leading worship at  Highworth this morning we were delighted to  welcome Bryan Elkington to Immanuel in a sort of pulpit  exchange:  Bryan normally  worships at our sister church church  there! Unfortunately we failed to  record the first  few minutes of the service that had been introduced by the duty  elder, Mike Denton.  You  will  join the recording  towards the end of the introit.  The other voice you will  hear  is that mof Jenny  Powly who  reads the Bible lessons..

Bible Readings:

1 Corinthians 12: 4 – 11

Mark 1:  21 – 28

Music by the choir:

Introit: “A Song of the Incarnation”                       Words: a selection of Biblical  texts.    Music: A. Gregory  Murray

Anthem: “Ave Verum”                                                Words: 14th  century  Eucharistic text          Music: Edward Elgar

Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

Sunday 21st January: Morning Worship

Today the congregations of Immanuel, Bath Rd and Christchurch  with St Mary’s joined together  at Immanuel  for the annual  celebration  to  mark the week of Prayer  for Christian  Unity. The service was introduced by the duty  elder, June Smythe  and was led by Immanuel’s minister Revd Robert  Jordan,  and followed an order  devised by the churches of Burkina Faso. Others taking part in the service and whose voices you  hear were:

 

Maranda Ng (Christchurch)

Robert Manders (Bath Rd)

Ann MacMillan (St Mary’s)

Anne Farrow (Immanuel  and current Chair of the Partnership)

Simon Stevenette (Christchurch)

Wally Knight (Immanuel)

Geoff Gleed (organist  and choirmaster of Immanuel)

Bible Readings:

Genesis 18 : 1 – 8

Psalm 138   (adapted)

Luke 10: 25 – 37

1 Corinthians  13  (adapted)

Music by the Partnership  choir:

Introit:                         “Like a candle Flame” Words and Music: Graham  Kendrick

Anthem:          “The Peace of Christ  be with  you”    Words and Music: Geoff Nobes

Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

After the service, the church  hall  became quite packed and there wa a great  buzz of comversation as we all  mixed  and enjoyed  getting to  know each  other better…

 

 

Sunday  14th  January Morning Worship

This morning’s worship is a celebratory  service devised (albeit  a week  late!) to  mark  the start of the New Year, and includes special  items by the choir. It  is conducted  by Revd Mark  Barrett. The recording is introduced by  the duty  elder,  Don Macarthur, who  also  reads one of the poems. Other  voices you  will hear  are those of David Leadbeater, Jean  Batten and Edith  Watson. Musical  accompaniments are by  Geoff Gleed (organ) and Shelley Morgan (piano).

Readings:

Psalm  24

“Immanuel – God is with us”   by Cally Booker

“Time” by Geoff Gleed

“Behold I stand”  by Gerard Kelly

Music by the choir:

Introit:

“A Great  and Mighty  Wonder”   Words: St Germanus        Music: Old German tune – M Praetorius

Anthems

“Angel Tidings”                              Words: John Rutter        Music: Old Moravian  carol  arr. John Rutter

“In the Bleak  Midwinter”           Words: Christina Rosetti                                          Music: Harold Darke

“There shall a Star  from Jacob come forth”    Words: Gospel of Matthew   Music: Felix Mendelssohn

“The Work  of Christmas”            Words: Howard Thurman                                          Music: Dan  Forrest

(soloists: Vivian  Blakesley, Linda Tindall, John Blakesley, Steve Brain, Tom Hartshorn)

Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

Sunday 7th January: Morning Worship

Epiphany Sunday

Today’s service was a significant one in that it  celebrated the coming together of Immanuel  with  Highworth URC  in a single amalgamated church: one church in  two locations.

The recording is introduced by Sam  Chandler-Benjamin and our  worship is led by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan. Other voices in the recording are those of Bryan Elkington (Highworth) who  reads  the Old Testament Lesson, and Mike Gordon (Immanuel) who  reads from the New Testament. In addition. Liz Gibney of Immanuel  devised and reads the prayers of intercession.

Here is a link  to the Prayers of Intercession  that  were written  by  Liz Gibney and which  several  folk  have asked to  be available on this site:

Prayers of intercession 7th Jan 2024

Note: It  is a communion  service and there are periods of extended music as the elements are being served.

Bible Readings

Isaiah 60: 1-6

Matthew 2: 1-12

Music by the choir

Introit:                  “Blessed be his Glorious Name”                                Words and Music: George Thalben  Ball

Anthem:              “Still Still Still”                     Traditional  German  Carol     arranged by  Philip Ledger

 

Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

31st December  2023 Morning Worship

 

This morning, on  the last  Sunday  of the year,  the minister  led  our  worship. The recording is introduced by the duty elder,  Mike Gordon, who  also  reads the New Testament lesson. The other voice  you  will  hear is that of Steve Brain  who  reads a poem  by  Robert  Frost.

Bible Reading:

Luke 2: 25 – 40

Poem:  “The Road  Not Taken”    by  Robert  Frost

Music by the choir:

Introit: “God from on High has heard…”        words: Charles Coffin     Music: L G Hayne

Anthem: ” Torches”                                            words:  trad. Galician     Music: John Joubert

Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

Sunday  24th December – 4th  Sunday  in Advent: Morning Worship

Christmas Eve

(Note that  along with  other  churches in the URC we are not  lighting  the second “Bethlehem” candle this year!)

Being the 4th  Sunday of the month, the Minister  was at  Highworth  and therefore were grateful  to Geoff Gleed  who led the   service at  Immanuel as well  as led the music from the organ.    Anne Farrow was the duty  elder  and other  voices  on the recording are those of  Jean Batten  who  lit the fourth of our  Advent candles,  Wally  Knight  who  read from St John’s Gospel  and Jenny  Powley  who read  the poem  which  you  hear.

In  addition  to the choir, our  worship  was greatly enhanced by  a beautiful  solo  by Mario Sofroniou with   Shelley  Morgan  as his  accompanist  –  she also  played  throughout the service

Readings:

John1: 1- 14

Poem:  “Christ  has no hands but  yours”

Music by the choir:

Introit:   “Hark, the Glad Sound, the Saviour Comes”   Words: Philip Doddridge  Music:  Ravenscroft

Anthem:  “Gabriel’s Message”                                          Words  and Music: a traditional  Basque Carol

Solo: ” O Holy Night”                                                      Words: Placide Cappeau     Music: Alphonse Adam

NOTE: We apologise  that  ‘gremlins’ once again  worked their way into the sound desk and microphones  and much  of the early  part of the service failed to  record. Please ‘fast  forward’  to pick up the service.

Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

Sunday  17th December : Morning Worship

Third Sunday of Advent

“Lessons and Carols”

This morning  we celebrated  our  traditional  service of lessons and readings for Christmas with  special  music by the choir  and lots of favourite Christmas hymns for the congregation  to  join in. The voices you  hear on  the recording include  those of Liz Gibney, who  as duty  elder, introduces the service,  Revd Robert  Jordan who  leads the worship and all our  readers:]

3rd Advent Candle                                                                                           Pam  Western

Bible Reading:   Luke 2: 1 – 7                                                                          Wally Knight

Poem: “The Jesus Room” by Christopher  Woodland                              Helen  Thomas 

Bible Reading:   Luke 2: 8 – 16                                                                       Irene Chesterman

Poem: What  would you  sat  to  Christmas” by Joanna Drake               Jenny  Powley

Prayers of Intercession@ devised and read  by                                          John Blakesley

“Creator of the stars of light”  Words : Old Latin  text       Music: Mode 4 melody  arr. John Barnard

“In Dulci Jubilo”                                 Words: Trad.  carol          Music R.L. Pearsall

“A Maiden  Most  Gentle” Words: The Venerable Bede Music: French  trad.  arr. Andrew Carter

“O Men  from the Fields”             Words: Padraic Colum    Music: Arnold Cooke

“The Sans Day  Carol”                     Words: Cornish  trad.     Music: John Rutter

Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

Sunday  10th December: Morning Worship

Second Sunday of Advent

This morning’s service was be led by the minister and included Holy Communion. The recording is introduced by the duty  elder, Helen  Marson, and the other  voice you  will  hear  is that  of  Tom Hartshorn reading the Bible lessons.

Bible Readings:

Deuteronomy 16: 18-22 

Mark 1: 1-8

Music by the choir:

Introit:      Advent Responsary                                                                       Music: Adrian  Self

Anthem: “The Lord at  first  did Adam  make”     Words: traditional     Music: Peter  Nardone

words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

26th November 2023: Morning Worship

Theme of the service: Kingship

With  Robert  leading worship at  Highworth this morning,  we were pleased  to  welcome back to our pulpit Revd Mark  Barrett. The recording  of the service is introduced by the duty  elder  who today  was Eddie Thomas  (with  an  added notice from  Geoff Gleed!). The other  voice you  will  hear is that  of Andrew Enow who read  the Bible lesson.

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 8: 4 – 20

Music by the choir:

Introit:    ” Preserve me O God”                  Words: verses from  Psalm 16            Music: E J Hopkins

Anthem:  ” I will  sing with the Spirit”       Words: from  1 Corinthians chpt 14   Music: John Rutter

words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

Morning Worship 19th November

Partnership Pulpit Exchange

Today  we were pleased  to  have Rach Collins leading our  worship;  Rach is the  minister  at  Bath Road  Methodist  Church;  Robert  was preaching at  Christ Church, whilst  Simon Stevenette  was leading the service at  Bath Road.

Our  service is introduced in the recording by the duty  elder , Mike Denton. Other  voices you  will hear  are those of Pam  Western  who  reads the Bible lesson  from  the book of Joshua, and Wally  knight  who  devised and reads  the prayers of intercession.

Bible Reading:  Joshua     Chpt. 3

Music by the choir:

Introit:  “I will  bless the Lord at  all  times”               Verses from  Psalm  34       Music: John Goss

Anthem: ” Gloria”               First  movement from  Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria!”

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

12th November 2023 : Evening Service – Remembering Our Loved  Ones

In what  has become a regular  feature in the church’s calendar we held a very poignant  act of worship  during which  we recalled all those who  have passed  away in the past  twelve months, lighting candles as each  name was read  out.  Members of the congregation  were then  invited  to come to  the front to light  candles in  memory of loved  ones they  have lost.

It  was a very  moving service and featured wel-known   and much  loved  hymns and the choir performed  some very  beautiful  music.

Sadly there is no  recording available.

 

12th November 2023  : Morning Worship –  Remembrance Sunday

The recording of this morning’s service is introduced by  the duty  elder, Paddy Hayes and the worship  is lead  by the minister  Revd Robert Jordon, with  Geoff Gleed on the organ. The Bible reading is given  by  Irene Chesterman.

During the service, as is our  custom at Immanuel,  we link  by radio  to the BBC broadcast  from the Cenotaph  in  Whitehall  so that  we share in the national  observation of the two-minute silence.

Bible Reading:

Letter of James, chapter  3 : 13 – 18

Music by the choir:

Introit:           “Put  Peace into  each  others’ Hands”            Music:  Irish  melody    Words: Fred  Kaan

Anthem:        Solemn  melody       “Had  we  but  Hearkened to  Thy  Word”  music: H Walford Davies

                                                                                                                       Words Edith Dorothy  Pleydell Bouverie

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

Note:

Because of the link  with the radio  broadcast  there are changes  in  sound levels and you  may  need  to  adjust  the volume on your machine

 

 

 

 

5th November  2023 : Morning Worship

Today’s worship  was c0nducted  by the minister, Revd Robert  Jordan, and the recording is introduced by Anne Farrow, the duty  elder.  Other  voices you will hear  are those of David Bevan who read the two lessons from theBible, and Liz Gibney who devised and read  the prayers of intercession.

Bible Readings:

Micah 3 :  1 – 12

Matthew 23 : 1- 12

Music by the choir

Introit:      “Jesus Stand Among Us”                      words: William  Pennefeather          Music: Friedrich  Filitz

Anthem:  “Christ  is the World’s True Light”       words: G.W. Briggs                             Music: J.S. Bach

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

29th October 2023: Morning Worship

Being the 5th  Sunday of the month we were pleased  to  welcome a visiting preacher  while the minister  took  a “day off” and we were delighted  to  welcome back  Immanuel a former  minister, Revd Dr Martin Camroux. It  was good to  be able to  renerw our  friendship  with  both him  and Margaret.

Theme of the service:  “How far  are we supposed to  follow?”

The recording of the service is introduced by the duty elder, June Smythe,  and other  voices  you  will hear (other than that of Martin Camroux) are those of Wally Knight  who devised and read the prayers of intercession, and that of Edith  Watson who gave both  the Bible readings.  Geoff  Gleed  was persuaded  to  introduce the choir’s anthem!

Bible Readings: 

Genesis 12: 1- 9

Matthew 9: 1 – 13

Music by the choir:

Introit:      “Nothing  in all Creation…”    words from  Romans 8                              music by  John Loring

Anthem:   “The Peace of Christ”               words taken  from  a Celtic Blessing       music by  Geoff Nobes

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

22nd October  2023: Morning Worship

Theme of the service: “Faith  and Hope Restored”

With the minister  preaching at Highworth,  today’s service here at  Immanuel  was led by Revd Geoff Gleed, who also led the music of the church  from  the organ! The service is introduced in the recording by the duty  elder,  Liz Gibney, and her  voice  can  also  be heard in the offertory  prayer  and the final  benediction.  The Bible readings are  given  by  David Leadbeater.

Bible Readings:

Psalm  23

Matthew 12:   9 – 14

Music by the choir:

Introit:     “Behold I make all things New”         Words:  from  2 Corinthians 5  17   Music: John L Bell

Anthem: “The Lord’s My  Shepherd”                  Words: adapted  from  psalm  23    Music: Stuart Townend

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

15th October 2023: Morning Worship

Theme of the service: “Keep on”

This morning’s worship  was led by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan,  and the recording is introduced by the duty elder, Mike Gordon. The Bible reading is given  by  Jenny Powley  and the prayers of intercession  were devised and read by John Blakesley. Were are grateful  to  Michael  Dismore who  played  the organ for us , as Geoff  was preaching at the URC in Salisbury. With  a rather  depleted  choir today, there was no  introit or anthem.

Bible Reading:

Philippians 4 : 2 – 9

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

8th October 2023: Morning Worship: Harvest  Sunday

Today  was one of those Sundays when  despite all the planning that  rotas and rosters provide, we were beset  with  issues: several ‘key  players’  from  our  congregation had  come down  with  covid, or at  best, heavy  colds, so  our grateful  thanks to  those who  stepped in  at  relatively  short  notice, and to the choir who, unperturbed, adapted  to completely  new music for the introit and anthem (well  Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ can  be sung another  day!)

The recording is introduced by  David Leadbeater and the reading from the book of Ruth is given  by  Helen  Marson. The service is conducted  by  the minister Revd Robert  Jordan and the other  voice  you  will hear is that of Geoff Gleed  who was involved  in  welcoming new church  member, Michael  Dismore.

Bible Reading: the book of Ruth 2: vv 1 – 23

Music by the choir:

Introit:    “This Earth  belongs to God”                     words: Psalm  24                                   music: Jeremiah Clarke

Anthem: “All Things Bright and Beautiful”             words:  Cecil Frances Alexander        music:  William Monk

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright  licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

1st October 2023: Morning Worship

Duty Elder, Eddie Thomas, introduces the recording of this morning’s service which  was conducted by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan. Other  voices you  will hear are those of Mike Gordon  who  reads the Bible lesson  from the Gospel of Matthew, and of David Leadbeater who devised and leads the prayers of intercession.

Bible Reading:  Matthew 21:  vv  23 – 32

Music by the choir:

Introit:   Psalm  121           “I will  lift up my  eyes unto the hills”         setting by  Walford Davies

Anthem: Jubilate Deo      “Oh be Joyful in the Lord”                             setting by  Albert Prince Consort

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

 

24th September: Morning Service

It  being the 4th  Sunday of the month, our  minister  was preaching at  Highworth and we are grateful  to  retired  Methodist  minister, Revd Tony Barnes, who  led  our  morning worship. The recording is introduced by the duty  elder,  Maria Kawonga,  and the other  voice you  will  hear  is that of Pam  Western,  who  reads from  the Gospel of Matthew.

Bible Reading: Matthew 20: 1-16

Music bythe choir:

Introit:             Verses from Psalm  46                                                            Music: Martin Luther adapt.

Anthem:         “God So Loved the World”       Words from  John 3: 16    Music: John Stainer  (from”Crucifixion”)

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

17th September : Morning Service 

It  was something of a special  service at  Immanuel  today, not  only  was  it the launch of our annual  Harvest  Appeal* but  we were marking the 50th anniversary of Geoff Gleed’s appointment as Organist  and Choirmaster. The service was introduced by  Eddie Thomas, the duty  elder and the worship  was conducted  by the minister, Robert Jordan.

Other voices you  will  hear  in the recording below are those of Jean  Batten (Bible Reading) Liz Gibney (prayers of intercession) , Steve Brain (presentation  to  Geoff), Geoff  Gleed himself, and Jenny  Powley (Poem “Let us sing”).

The address was by Sheila Cannell, the chair of the Trustees of  “Scottish Love in Action” with  whom  we will  be working  in  our  Harvest  Appeal.

  • For details of this year’s Appeal,  click on the “Beyond Immanuel” tab

Bible Reading: John 4: 5 – 26

Music by the choir:

Introit:      Psalm  150     setting by  C.V. Stanford

Anthems:  Blessed be the God and Father        Words from  1 Peter          Music: Samuel  Sebastian  Wesley

                       All  Things Bright and Beautiful      Words : C.F Alexander    Music: John Rutter

Geoff  Gleed was at the organ  and Shelley  Morgan on the piano

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

During the service on  behalf of the choir and the Royal  School of Church  Music, Steve presented  Geoff  with  a certificate of Appreciation as well  as medal to  mark  his outstanding contribution  to the music of the church

 

 

 

 

After  the service, in the Church  Hall the minister made a similar  presentation to  Geoff  on  behalf of the South  West  Synod of the United  Reformed Church. Former  organists and choir  members had  travelled from  all over the country  to  join in the service  and acknowledge Geoff’s remarkable achievement.

 

 

 

 

10th September

Worship  this morning was conducted by Revd Jonathan  Edwards from  Central  Church, Swindon. At the start of his sermon he introduces himself and expolains some of his background. The service is introduced in the recording by the duty  elder, Mike Denton and the other  voice you will hear is that of Helen Thomas who reads the lesson from the Gospel of Luke.

Bible Reading: 

Luke 10: v38 –  11: v13

Music by the choir:

Introit:     “Praise the Lord”     verses from  Pslam  113                         Music by  Heinz Zimmerman

Anthem:   “Save us O Lord!”  words from the service of Compline    Music by  Edward C Bairstow

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

 

3rd September

Today’s worship  was conducted  by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan, and the recording is introduced by the duty  elder, Paddy Hayes. Other  voices you  will  hear are those of Liz and Peter  Gibney who read the Bible reading, Liz in  English and Peter in  Spanish. You  will  also  hear Wally Knight who devised and  reads the prayers of intercession.

Note: the service includes the sacrament of baptism and the  paternal  grandparents who are present, are Spanish  speaking from  Costa Rica.

Bible Reading:

Matthew 19: 13 – 15

Music by the choir:

Introit:      “God renew your People”      words and music by  Bernadette Farrell

Anthem:   ” Rejoice, the Lord is King”   words by  Charles Wesley    music by  Malcolm Archer

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

 

27th August 2023

Our own  minister  was preaching at our sister  church in Highworth, so this morning’s service at  Immanuel  was conducted  by Revd Mark  Barrett, retired methodist  Minister.  The recording is introduced by the duty  elder, Don  Macarthur who also  read the lesson  from  Exodus. The first  reading from  Psalm 138 was read  by  Irene Chesterman.

Bible Readings:

Psalm 138

Exodus 1:  8 -21

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

20th August 2023

NB. There were problems with the recording of our  morning worship today (the minister’s mic failed to  work ) and at times the sound is rather  muffled; we do  apologise that the sound is not up  to  our usual standard.

Our  worship is introduced by Anne Farrow, the duty  elder, and the service is conducted  by the minister. Several  others are involved and you  will  hear the voices of Devid Bevan, Tom Wheeler  and John Blakesley

Bible Reading

Matthew 15: 21 – 28   (Read  by David Bevan)

Solo: “Be  Thou My  Vision”  (words and music, traditional  Irish,  sung  by  Tom Wheeler)

The Prayers of intercession  were devised and read by John Blakesley

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

 

13th August 2023

“Which Miracle”

The recording of our worship  today  is introduced by the duty  elder, Anne Farrow and the service is led by the minister, Revd Robert Jordan. The other  voice you will hear is that of David Leadbeater  who reads the Lesson  from  the Gospel of Matthew. If  you  wish  to  read the text of the sermon  you  may  find it  on the “Weekly Reflection” page of this web-site, together  with  the poem  that the minister  read  during his address.

Bible Reading:

Matthew 14: 22 – 33

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

 

8th August 2023: Tea and Chat

Our August  Tea and Chat  had a special  flavour to it…not only  did we enjoy a cream  tea instead  of just  biscuits with our  cuppa, but  as you  see  below, one little lady  had something to  celebrate….

100 not out!!

Nancy  Self is certainly the shortest  of  Immanuel’s members but what  she lacks in stature she certainly  makes up for in  personality! She is perhaps one of the most  cheerful  and the ‘bubbliest’ in our congregation and invariably  wears a lovely  smile on her  face. 

This month  she  will receive a special  card from  his Majesty  the King marking  her  100th  birthday and she will  be celebrating in style as there is to  be a special  lunch on the day  itself.  Ever  ready  to  seize the opportunity  to  have a bit of a party (or at  least  enjoy a slice of cake) her friends at  Immanuel took the chance to  do that at the August Tea and Chat.

And seeing that  she is such  a bubbly character,  one of  our number made sure we  had containers of  soap  suds so the church hall  was filled with  lots of bubbles … a ‘first’  for Immanuel  I think!

Nancy  enjoys having bubbles blown at  her.

AUGUST 2023

Well  our  Minsister,  Robert  Jordan, is now back  with  us after  his period of sabbatical  leave  and  you  may  well  be wondering how he spent his time.  From  time to  time we heard reports of his travels in  Spain,  Germany, France…as well  as other  parts of Europe …was he just  on  a glorious long  holiday?????   The answer is  a resounding NO ! (Though as  his report  makes clear it  was an  enjoyable study tour!)

As you  see below, he  has written  a short  account of his travels that  includes some fascinating insights.

Click on the link  below to  be able  to  read  some of his story….

Sabbatical Reflections

 

 

6th August  2023: Morning Worship

We were delighted  to  be able to  welcome back  to the pulpit  this morning our own  minister  after  his three month  sabbatical  break; though it  was   sad, in a way, that  his return  corresponded with the choir  beginning its annual  holiday  for the month of August!

The recording of the service is introduced by the duty  elder,  Mike Gordon, and other  voices you  will hear are those of Wally Knight  who  reads one of the  readings from the Book of Acts, and David Leadbeater  who  devised  and leads the  prayers of intercession.

We are grateful  to  Michael  Dismore who  deputised  for  Geoff Gleed  on the organ.

Please  note that there is a moment of silence part  way through, when the congregation was asked to  read  through and consider the words of the hymn they  were about to  sing.

Bible Readings:

Acts 10: 1 – 8,  9 – 23, 34 – 38, 44 – 48

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

 

30th July: Morning Worship

This morning’s service is led by  Bryan  Elkington  of our  sister  church  at  Highworth. With  the merger  of our  two  churches ever  closer, Bryan  takes the opportunity  to  tell us a little of the church  in  Highworth  and its amazing outreach…it  certainly  seems to punch  above its weight! The recording of our  worship  is introduced  by  Liz Gibney, the duty  elder,  who  also  reads the New Testament lesson. The Old Testament is read  by Edith Watson.

Bible Readings:

1 Kings 3 : 5 – 12

Matthew 13 : 31-33   44 – 46

Muis by the choir :

Introit :    “God is Forgiveness”           words and music from the Taizé Community 

Anthem : “The Peace of God”              words from the Book of Common  Prayer      Music: John  Rutter

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

23rd July : Morning Worship

Today’s service is introduced by the duty  elder, Helen  Marson  who  also  reads the lesson  from the book of Jeremiah. The other  Bible reading, from  the book  of Psalms,  is given by  Jenny  Powley. The Service is conducted  by Revd Gerald England, the minister  of Emmanuel URC, Haydon Wick, and we are grateful  to  him for taking our  servicee today at  a time when  our own  minister is on sabbatical  leave.

Bible Readings:

Psalm 139:  1 – 6, 13 – 18

Jeremiah 18 :  1 – 11

Music by the choir:

Introit:       Cantate Domino        words from  Psalm  149     Music by Pitoni

Anthem:    Magnificat                   music by  Patrick  Hopper

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

16th July: Morning Service:  including Holy Communion

The recording of this morning’s service is introduced by the duty  elder, Maria Kawonga and  the   worship is led by  our own  Geoff Gleed. Other  voices you  will hear in the recording are those of Pam  Western  who reads both  Bible Readings, Wally Knight who devised  and reads  the prayers of intercession,  and Don Macarthur who  delivers both the offertory  prayer and the benediction.

Bible Readings:

Matthew 25:  31 – 40

Philippians 4: 4 – 9

Music  by the choir:

Introit:                  Verses from  psalm 19     music Thos Norris

Anthem:               “Jesu the Very Thought of Thee”    words: 12th  century  Latin Tr. Caswell   Music: Simon Lole

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

 

9th July: Morning Service: Summer  Praise

Today’s worship  was devised by  David Leadbeater  and Wally  Knight, together with  Geoff Gleed and we are grateful  to them  for stepping  in  when  our  pulpit supply secretary was finding it  difficult to   identify  a preacher  for the day. The service is conducted  by  David Leadbeater and other  voices you  will hear  in the recording are those of Wally Knight (Prayers of Intercession and Offertory  Prayer), Janet  Leadbeater (Old Testament Lesson), Jenny  Powley (New Testament Lesson) and Steve Brain (Poem: “Praise to the Saviour Give”  by   Lois Beckwith).

The recording is introduced by  the duty  elder, Helen  Marson

Bible Readings:

Psalm  145 : 1 – 13

2 Corinthians: 1 – 13

Music by the choir:

Introit:”Word of God, renew your people”   Words and music: Benadette Farrell

Anthem: ” Creator God, the world around declares your Glory” Words: Brian  Hoare.  Music: Henry  Carey

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

2nd July 2023: Morning Service

With  our minister  still on his sabbatical,  we were delighted  to  welcome Mr  Andrew Fleet to  out  pulpit  today. A retired headteacher,Andrew is a lay  preacher  in the Methodist  circuit. The service is introduced by our duty  elder, June Smythe and the Bible reader  is Mike Gordon.  The prayers  of intercession  were devised and read  by Liz Gibney.

Bible Readings:

Acts4: 32 – 36

Hewbrews 10: 19 – 25

Music by the choir:

Introit:   “Father, Lord of earth  and heaven”     Words: James Quinn   Music:  Christian  Witt

Anthem: “Fairest  Lord Jesus”                               Words: Anon                  Music:  Silesian  melody

 

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

25th June 2023: Morning Service

Today we were pleased  to  welcome back  to Immanuel  Revd Mark  Barrett, who in his retirement from  Bath Road  Methodist  Church  is proving to  be a good friend to Immanuel. He  led our  worship  in characteristic style with  good humour and a good message for all of us.  Other voices you  will hear  in the recording are Paddy Hayes, the duty  elder , who  introduces the service ,  and that  of Jean  Batten  who  reads from  the Book of Exodus.

Bible Reading:

Exodus  20: 1 – 18

Music by the choir:

Introit:  “Praise the Lord”       Words from  Psalm  113    Music by  Heinz Zimmerman

Anthem: “Your Words to  me are Life and Health”   words: G Currie Martin  Music: Trad arr. R Vaughan Williams

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

 

24th June : Fundraising for “Brighter  Futures”

For  more than  80 years Immanuel  has gained a well-deserved reputation  as a centre for excellent music making: today  was no  exception. From  9.00am  until  9.00pm 26  choirs from  Swindon  and District  came together  to  raise  funds for the GW Hospital’s  main  charity, “Brighter  Futures”, each  choir singing for 30  minutes aopproximately.  Everyone,  singers and audience, paid the same £2 fee  to  take part  or just  sit  and listen throughout the  the day.  Wonderful  refreshments were available in the church  parlour; although the final  total  is not  yet  known  a great  sum  will  have been  raised to  swell the coffers in support  of cancer  patients attending the new unit  in the hospital.

Here are three of the participants all  of which  have Immanuel  connections…

Voces Mates under the direction of Jenny  Rebbeck  were performing at  10.30  am

 

 

 

 

 

 

The augmented Partnership  Choir   sang from  11.00  –  11.30  and received  lots  of very  complimentary  remarks from  a large audience that  was gathering during the morning.

 

 

 

Ten in a Bar  gave a very  polished performance  to  a packed church  in the evening between  7.00  ad 7.30 pm

 

 

18th June 2023: Morning Service

Our worship  today  was conducted  by Revd Sue Henderson, a retired URC minister  now living in Trowbridge. we were delighted  she was able to  be with  us today. The service is introduced by  Don Macarthur  who  was the duty  elder  for the day  and other  voices you  will hear  in the recording below are those of Irene Chesterman who  reads the Old Testament Lesson and  that  of John Blakesley who  evised and read the prayers of intercession.

Bible Readings:

Exodus  19:  1 – 8

Matthew:9: 35 – 38,  10: 1 – 8

Music by the Choir:

Introit:    Psalm  19   Chant by  Thomas Norris.

Anthem:  Ave Verum Corpus   music by Robert Pearsall

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

 

 

11th June 2023 : Morning Service

Due to  unforeseen  circumstances, Revd Dr Martin Camroux was unable to  be with  us to  lead  our worship and we were extremely  grateful  to  Revd Geoff Gleed who  stood  in at  short  notice . The  service is introduced by  June Smythe,  the duty  elder,  and the readings are given  by David Leadbeater. You  will  also  hear the voice of Liz Gibney  who  devised and read the prayers of intercession.

Bible Readings:

John 6: 1 – 15

Ephesians 3: 14 – 21

Music by the choir:

Introit: Verses from  Psalm  34  (music John Goss)

Anthem: Jubilate Deo:  (music Charles Villiers Stanford)

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

4th June 2023:  Morning Service:

Trinity  Sunday

With  our  minister, Robert,  now well into  his sabbatical leave, we are grateful  to our  pulpit  supply  secretary  for providing an  interesting range of visiting preachers . This week  we welcome Ailsa Palmer, a  lay  minister  from the  team  at  Christ  Church. Other  voices  you  will hear in the recording are those of Mike Denton,  duty  elder, who  introduces the service, and those of Wally  Knight  who  reads both  Bible Lessons and David Leadbeater  who  devised and led  the prayers  of intercession.

Bibe Readings:

Romans 5: 1 – 5

John 16 : 12 – 15

 

28th  May 2023: Morning Service

Pentecost  Sunday

Today  was also  ther occasion of outr Partnership Birthday  Service and all  the churches joined together  at Immanuel  to  celebrate. The worship  was led by the leadership of Messy  Church  and true  to  form  we met  initially  in thr church  hall  for a craft  session, and the product of our efforts  was used in the worship  that  followed.

 

Some tables were set  aside to  make suitable hats depicting tongues of flame that  reminded us all  of the events of that  first  Pentecost  Sunday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Others were used  to  prepare paper  airoplanes  for use in the “Airoplane prayer”  in the service – each  plane bearing some of the themes for our prayers

 

 

Everyone got  involved  (well  most  of us!) including the clergy and leadership  team!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the service, a packed church  welcomed the newest  confirmands from the recent Anglican  service –  representatives form all  constituent churches  offered  a warm  handshake.

Below is the link  to  the recording of the service-  do  note that  at  times the recording levels are high, and you  may  need  to ‘adjust the volume!!

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

21st  May  2023: Morning Service

Today  were were pleased  to  welcome to  Immanuel  for his first  visit, Revd David Pattie, a URC minister  from  Bath. The service is introduced by  Mike Gordon  our duty  elder, and other  voices you  will  hear  are those of Tom  Hartshorn who  reads both  Bible lessons, and that of Wally  Knight who  leads the prayers of intercession.

Bible Readings:

Colossiand 1: 15 – 23

Matthew 11: 25 – 30

 

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

14th  May 2023: Morning Worship

In something of a marathon session, our service today  was led by John Cheek of the Lawn  Community  Church. The service is introduced by our duty  elder  for the day, Helen  Marson, the readings are given  by David Bevan  and the music is led by  Julie Dyer

Bible Readings:

Luke 2: 41 – 52

Matthew 27: 11- 26

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

7th May 2023: Morning Worship

(A special  arrangement to  mark  the coronation weekend )

Geoff Gleed had the double role this morning in leading both the service and also the music from the organ! The service is introduced by our duty  elder  for the day, Maria Kawonga, and other  voices you  will  hear  are those of Jenny Powley,  who  reads the two  lessons from the Gospel of Luke, Liz Gibney who  leads the prayers of intercession and Don Macarthur who  assists  Geoff in  leading parts of the worship.

Bible Readings: St Luke 13: 18 – 21  and St Luke 18: 15 – 17

Music by the choir

Introit  : “Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us”       words: James  Edmeston, music: Filitz

Anthem: “I will  Thank Thee”   Music: Daniel  Purcell

All words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036

5th May 2023: Service at  Christ  Church

A special  Act of worship  took  place at  Christ  Church on  the eve of the Coronation to  mark  the occasion … some wonderful  singing  by the partnership  choir  and a stirring sermon  from  Simon that  encouraged us all  to continue in  our ecumenism and work  in  and for the community we are here to  serve.

A couple of photos of the choir in its regerasing prior  to the service…it never  ceases to  amze what  we can  produce after  only 45  minutes of practice!!!

Thanks  of course to  both  Tim and Geoff for all theior work …we’d never  do  it without them!

 

30th April 2023: Morning Worship.

Unfortunately, due to a problem with the microphones, we are unable to bring you this service.

23rd April 2023: Morning Worship.

Our service this morning was led by Reverend Daphne Hardwick from Christ Church.  The Elder introducing the service is Don Macarthur and the readers are Pam Western and Don.

Robert Jordan, our Minister, was leading worship at Highworth United Reformed Church.

Bible Readings: 1 Peter 1 verses 17 to 23 and Luke 24 verses 13 to 35.

16th April 2023: Morning Worship.

Our service this morning was conducted by our Minister Reverend Robert Jordan.  Others taking part in the service are Mike Denton the Chaplain who introduces the service, with David Leadbeater reading the lesson and John Blakesley leading the prayers of Intercession.

The Anthem this morning was “Come ye faithful” with words by St. John Damascene, translated by J.M Neale. The composer: R.S. Thatcher.

Bible Readings: 1 Peter 1 verses 3 to 9

9th April 2023: Morning Worship – Easter Sunday

Our Easter Sunday service was led by the Minister.  Paddy Hayes was the Elder who introduces the service and the lesson was read by Jean Batten.

During the service members of the congregation added their own flowers to the bare cross at the front of the church.

   

Bible Reading: Matthew 28 verses 1 to 10.

 

 

 

 

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