Once again, apologies to those of you wanting to hear a recording of this morning’s service at Immanuel. Today was another informal Café Church held in the church hall. Although we now have a greatly enhanced sound system in the hall, we do not have the facility to record things there, so sorry!
The proceedings today were introduced by duty elder, Helen Marson and were led by Revd Geoff Gleed and Shelley Morgan, with Bible readings by David Leadbeater and Helen Thomas. Others taking part included Lindal Tindall and Liz Gibney.
The theme for the service was “The church in the Community”: some well -chosen readings and questions brought about a real buzz of conversation as people really “got stuck into” discussing how we saw Immanuel today and its role in the surrounding community. Many of the resulting points and suggestions will be posted on boards for all to see and consider in the coming few weeks. When you are next at church, look out for them and see what others were saying.
Our thanks to all those involved.
Sunday 18th October 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Remembering Loved Ones
Today’s service was the annual occasion when as a church we take time to remember those we have lost in the last year, and light candles in their memory. The Service was devised and led by Revd Geoff Gleed, who also presided at the organ. Other voices you will hear are those of Steve Brain, who introduces the recording as duty elder, Glenys Walker reading from John’s Gospel, John Blakesley who reads the prayers of intercession and Shelley Morgan who gave the final blessing.
Note: there is a time of quiet music when members of the congregation come forward to light their own candles
Bible Reading: Selected verses from John’s Gospel
Music by the Choir
Introit: “Jesus Stand Among Us” Words: William Pennefather Music: Friedrich Filitz
Anthem: “There’s Wideness in God’s Mercy” Words: Frederick Faber Music: Maurice Bevan
Sunday 11th October: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Unfortunately we were unable to record our service this morning as we were obliged to decamp to the church hall at very short notice where we have no recording facilities. It was a great pity, as today we had the joy of welcoming back to Immanuel previous minister Revd Dr Martin Camroux who, together with Margaret, led our service.
We had the delight of two addresses – one , slightly more informal, centred on Martin’s own family history in 13th century Languedoc (south of France) and the Huguenot exodus from France in the 17th century – which brought into sharp focus the question of refugees and asylum seekers today. The second sermon was based on the reading from Philippians and was a plea to show ‘common decency’ to all we come in contact with.
Bible Reading: Philippians 4: 1 – 9
Music by the choir:
Introit: “O Come Ye Servants of the Lord” Words from Psalm 113 Music: Christopher Tye
Anthem: “Was Me Throughly” Words from Psalm 51 Music: David Halls
If there was any question as why we had to move from the church, the photograph below depicts the scene that met our eyes when we arrived……important work in the prayer corner had not finished in time!
At the close of the service a “bring and share” lunch had been organised which gave us all the opportunity for a much longer time of fellowship as well the chance to renew friendship with Martin and Margaret
Sunday 4th October: Morning Worship 10.30am
Harvest Sunday
Our Harvest Service today was ably led by one of our own congregation, David Leadbeater aided by Wally Knight who read the prayers, and Janet Leadbeater who read the lesson from Matthew’s Gospel. The other voice you will hear is that of Maria Kawonga, the duty elder for the day who introduces the recording.
During the service members of the congregation brought gifts of produce that will later be taken to the Swindon Food Collective (see below)
Bible Reading:
Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23
Music by the choir:
Introit: “O Praise Ye the Lord” Words: verses from Psalm 103 Music: Herbert Sumsion
Anthem: “Let us with a Gladsome Mind” Words: John Milton Music: Martin Setchell
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 27th September: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Today’s service was led by retired Methodist Minister, Revd Tony Barnes and the recording is introduced by Steve Brain who was duty elder for the day and who reads the lesson from the Gospel of Mark. Other voices you will hear are David Bevan, reading from Ezekiel, and the soloist Mario Sofroniou. We are grateful once again to Shelley Morgan for accompanying Mario on the piano and for playing during our worship.
Bible Readings
Ezekiel 3 : 15-28
Mark 9: 38-50
Solos:
Introit: “Lord of Life” words: Catherine Walker music: Scottish folk melody
Solo: “The Call” words: George Herbert music: Ralph Vaughn Wiliams
Solo “You raise me up” words and music: Josh Groban
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
September 20th 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
This morning’s worship was devised by members of our World Concerns Committee and led by Eddie Thomas. The recording is introduced by Liz Gibney who was the duty chaplain for the day. During the service the Harvest Appeal for 2026 was launched by Sarah Annable-Gardner who is the CEO of Action Through Enterprise, a charity based in north east Ghana. In a moving presentation Sarah explains why and how she came to set up this remarkable organisation that is enabling the local community to help itself. With our help, we will be assisting the poorest families (expecially those with disabled children) to grow crops and feed themselves.
Bible Reading: Matthew 20: 1-16
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sarah Annable-Gardner M.B.E , of Action Through Enterprise
September 13th 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Todays’s service was led by Revd Mark Barrett and the recording is introduced by Mike Gordon who was the duty elder. In addition you can hear the voice of Linda Tindall who gives a short “plug” for some forthcoming events. The Bible readings are given by Sam Chandler-Benjamin. Immanuel’s choir is taking a few weeks off and so we were delighted to welcome members of the Cooperative Ladies choir who rehearse each week at Immanuel under the directi0n of Sarah Summers.
Shelley Morgan led the music from the piano
Bible Readings:
Mark 10: 13- 16
Matthew 18: 1-6
Music by the choir:
Introit: “There’s a River Running in my Heart”
During the service: “Moon River”
“The Water is Wide”
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Important Note: we apologise that the recording cuts out towards the end of the sermon. Missing from the recording this week therefore, are the prayers of intercession and the communion service as well as two hymns. September 6th 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
During our ministerial vacancy it is not always easy to fill the pulpit Sunday by Sunday; imagine the delight of the pulpit supply secretary when a volunteer steps up! It was a real joy to have Ceri Bevan leading our service today. Ceri is one of the elders at Immanuel (as well as editor of our newsletter). The readings were given by Mike Gordon and Helen Marson, who, as duty elder also introduced the service. The other voice you will hear is that of Liz Gibney who wrote and read the prayers of intercession.
Bible Readings:
Luke 14:1, 7-14
Psalm 112
Note: our organist together with the choir is taking a short break, but we are delighted that Michael Dismore was available to lead the music this morning.
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 23rd August 2026: Morning Worship 10.30am
Today was the occasion of our annual Summer “Singalong” Service – favourite songs and hymns with readings, on the theme of praise and thanksgiving. The worship was led by the inimitable Rev Geoff Gleed who also played much of the music on the organ, but other musical contributions came from Julie and Shelley on keyboards, Keith on percussion and Andy on bass. The Bible reading is given by Jenny Powley, Sam Chandler-Benjamin read the poem and Wally Knight devised and led our prayers of intercession.
Bible Reading: Psalm 98
Poem: “We are here to praise the God who made the Milky Way” by Revd R J Ellis
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 16th August : Morning Worship 10.30am
Today, we were once again delighted to welcome Revd Moira Slack to lead our worship. Moira is one of the Christ Church team of clergy. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Helen Marson who also reads the Gospel lesson. The other reading is given by Shelley Morgan.
Bible Readings:
Romans 8 : 12-25
Matthew: 13: 24-39, 36-43
Music by the choir:
Introit: “God who made the Earth” Words: Sarah Rhodes Music: Josiah Booth
Anthem: “I lift my eyes to the quiet Hills” Words: Tim Dudley-Smith
Music: Michael Baughen
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 9th August: Morning Worship 10.30am
Our preacher this morning was Revd Mark Barrett who we were delighted to welcome once again to our pulpit. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, June Smythe and the Bible reading is given by Stuart Benjamin.
Bible Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2: 22-24, 36-40
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Gloria” in a version used at Taizé
Anthem: “Ave verum”, “Jesu Word of God Incarnate” Music by W A Mozart
Sunday 2nd August: Morning Worship 10.30am
We were once again delighted to welcome to our pulpit this morning to lead our worship, Michelle Pickering from Bath Road Methodist Church. The recording is introduced by Ceri Bevan who was the duty elder. Others taking part were Tom Hartshorn reading both Bible lessons and David Leadbeater who wrote and delivered the prayers of intercession.
Bible Readings:
2 Kings 4: 42 – 44
Matthew 14: 13 – 32
Music by the choir:
Introit: Verses from psalm 19 Setting by Thomas Norris
Anthem: “Brother James’ Air” words – Scottish psalter
Musical setting: James Keith MacBeth Bain
Note: the recording levels are low and you may need to increase the volume.
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 26th July 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Today was the second time we celebrated as a Café Church, so, sadly. there is no recording available. That said we are looking into how we might setup a recording facility in the chruch hall. As you can see in the photos below a good number turned out on another glorious day, and seemingly enjoyed the time of sharing.
Geoff and Shelley did a double act in terms of leading the service and were aided and abetted by Linda Tindall, Anne Farrow and David Leadbeater. The theme for the morning was “Seeing God in the everyday”, and lively discussions took place all around the church hall, as people shared experiences of discovering how God had worked in their lives. Some even managed to put together a short frieze depicting elements of their conversations (to be displayed in the church later on.)
We are extremely grateful to Eric Hewitt, a Methodist Local Preacher, for stepping in at short notice to lead our service this morning. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Steve Brain, who also reads the Old Testament Lesson. The Gospel reading is by Helen Marson, and the prayers of intercession were devised and read by John Blakesley.
Bible Readings:
Daniel 3: 8-18
Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43
Music by the Choir:
Introit: “Bless the Lord O My Soul” Psalm 103 Setting by H Walford Davies
Anthem: “The Peace of Christ be with You” A Celtic Blessing Music: Geoff Nobes
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 12th July 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Today we were delighted to welcome back to Immanuel our former minister Revd Dr Martin Camroux and his wife, Margaret. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Michael Dismore; Margaret Camroux reads the prayers of intercession and the Bible readings are given by Sam Chandler-Benjamin. During the notices you will also hear the voice of Shelley Morgan talking of the café church planned for the end of the month.
Bible Readings: Matthew 12: 9 – 14
Romans 12: 9 – 18
Music by the Choir
Introit: “Praise the Lord” Words: Psalm 113 Music: Heinz W. Zimmerman
Anthem: “Magnificat” in a setting in B flat by C V Stanford
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
After the service we took the opportunity to take a fresh photograph of the congregation who assembled on the terrace at the rear of the church.
Sunday 5th July 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Today’s service was led by Revd David Day, a retired minister attached to the Christ Church team of clergy. We were delighted to welcome him on this his first visit to Immanuel.
The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Liz Gibney, who also devised and reads the prayers of intercession. Another voice you will hear is that of Eddie Thomas who reads both Bible lessons.
Bible Readings: Romans 7: 1 – 6 Matthew 9: 9 – 13
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Jesus Stand Among Us” Words: Wm Pennefather Music: Friedrich Filitz
Anthem: “Lead Me Lord” Words: Psalm 5 Music S. S. Wesley
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
(Note the recording levels are quite low and you may need to increase the volume on your machine) Sunday 28th June: Morning Worship at 10.30am
As our duty elder, Anne Farrow, points out in her introduction to the service, today was something different at Immanuel. Although it was not a formal Partnership service, we were joined by members of Bath Road Methodist Church and our worship was led by Anglican priest. Moira Slack, from Christ Church. The Bible readings were given by Glenys Walker.
Bible Readings: Genesis 22: 1 – 14
Matthew 10: 40 – 42
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Cantate Dominum” (psalm 149) Musical setting by Guiseppe Pitoni
Anthem: “The Peace of God) Words from the book of common prayer Music: J Rutter
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 21st June: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Today, once again we are grateful to Revd Mark Barrett for leading our worship. The recording is introduced by Mike Gordon, the duty elder. Others tasking part in the service were Irene Chesterman (reading from the Gospel of Matthew) and John Blakesley who devised and read the prayers of intercession.
Bible Reading: Matthew 19: 16 – 22
Music by the choir:
Introit: a Taizé setting of the Magnificat
Anthem: “Day by Day” Words: Richard of Chichester Music: Martin How
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
20th June: Sing out for Brighter Futures For the 3rd or 4th year Immanuel once again played host a to remarkable musical event that brought many hundreds of folk onto the church premises. Organised by Sarah Summers, some 24 choirs had been invited to take part in the event that raised funds for the local hospital via its charity “Brighter Futures” Each choir had been allotted a 30minute period between 9am and 9 pm and performed to other choirs who in turn had gathered to sing.
The joint choirs of Immanuel and Christ Church
Sunday 14th June ‘ Morning Worship at 10.30.am
Today’s service was led by retired URC minister, Revd Dr Andrew Francis assisted by Janice Hodby. The duty elder was Don Macarthur who read the reading from the Gospel of Matthew, and the other Bible reading from Romans was read by David Bevan. It is unfortunate that there were problems with the recording and we are unable to upload it to this site.
The choir’s introit was the rousing Psalm 150 in a setting by Charles V Stanford. Our new friends from Madagascar were with us and sang a very beautiful anthem for us that was very well received.
Sunday 7th June 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
“Making Jesus known”
We are pleased to say we are once more back to being able to record our worship and today’s service included the ordination and induction of a new elder as well as the reception of a new church member. Our congratulations and prayers are with Hilary Willard of our Highworth fellowship who was ordained as an elder within our joint pastorate and together with June Smythe, inducted to the eldership here. In addition, we welcomed Jenny Jenkins as a member of the church. The service was led by Revd Geoff Gleed and the recording is introduced by Anne Farrow, duty elder. Other voices you will hear are those of Jean Batten, reading from John’s Gospel, and David Leadbeater leading the prayers on intercession.
Bible Reading: John12: 20 -26
Music by the Choir:
Introit: “In Christ There is no East or West” Words: John Oxenham
Music: German traditional
Anthem: “View me, Lord, a work of Thine” Words: Thomas Campion
Music: Richard Lloyd.
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 24th May 2026: Morning Worship. 10.30 am.
What does Jesus Mean to me?
This morning saw Immanuel’s first experiment with “Café Church” and judging by reactions, it won’t be the last time we meet this way. Yes, it was different – we sat around tables in groups of 6 or 7, teas and coffees were freely available throughout the session, and there was a remarkably relaxed atmosphere. But we also sang hymns, prayed together and listened to a Bible reading. The one real difference? There was no sermon!!! Instead, we chatted and discovered things about each other and our own ‘faith journeys’
A great pity that Shelley Morgan, whose idea it had been, was unable to be with us – get well soon, Shelley, and we hope you’ll soon discard the zimmer frame!
Bible Reading: Matthew 16: 13 – 20.
Unfortunately, there is no recording equipment in the church hall so you can’t discover what fun we had, but the service was led by Geoff Gleed in his inimitable style and others taking party were Jenny Powley and Linda Tindall
Sunday 17th May 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Our worship today was led by Revd Norma McKemy from the Christ Church clergy team of our Partnership of Churches, and we are grateful to her for once again for being with us. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Maria Kawonga and other voices you will hear are those of Stuart Benjamin, reading from the Book of Acts, and Wally Knight who devised and led the prayers of intercession,
Bible Reading: Acts 1: 6-14
Music by the Choir:
Introit: “Holy Spirit Hear us” Words: William Henry Parker,
Music: Kenneth George Finlay
Anthem: “Alleluia” Words and Music: Don Fishel
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 10th May 2026: Morning Worship 10.30am
The recording of our service this morning is introduced by Steve Brain, acting as duty elder. The worship is led by Revd Mark Barrett and the Bible reading is given by Glenys Walker. Geoff Gleed leads the music from the organ.
Bible Reading: John 14: 15-21
Music by the choir:
Introit: “For the Beauty of the Earth” Words: F.S. Pierpoint Music: Henry Smart
Anthem: “Pleasure it is…” Words: W. Cornish Music: Cecil Cope
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 3rd May 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am “What we gonna do?”
Our worship this morning was led by Revd Geoff Gleed, who once again, multi-talented, doubled up as both preacher and organist! The recording is introduced by Mike Gordon the duty elder and there are contributions from Wally Knight (reading from Corinthians) and Liz Gibney (prayers of intercession). We are grateful for the musical contributions by Shelley Morgan on the keyboard.
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11, 27-31
Music by the Choir :
Introit: verses from psalm 146 in a setting by John Goss
Anthem: “Ye Servants of God” Words: Charles Wesley
Music: 18th century German melody, Paderborn
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036