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Visitors
All Saints is part of the Church of England in the Diocese of
Chelmsford. We are Christians in the Anglican tradition, whose
fellowship is characterised by a confidence in the authority of the Old
and New Testaments, with basic beliefs summarised in the historic
creeds of the Christian Church. We follow the Biblical plan for church
order, with spiritual oversight provided by Bishops and local leadership
shared by lay persons, Priests, and Deacons. We celebrate the
sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion in obedience to the teaching of
Jesus Christ. What we stand for is most clearly evident in our forms of
worship, where, through orderly services with much congregational
participation, we seek to give praise and thanks to God in the name of
Jesus Christ. We welcome worshippers from every Christian tradition.
If you are new to the parish, or just visiting,
please introduce yourself to the Clergy or one of the Churchwardens.
A
loop system operates in church for those with hearing aids. Tea
and coffee is served after the service. Do join us.
May I sit anywhere?
No pew is reserved in All Saints. Members of the congregation naturally
have pews we prefer to use, but we always have seats for our visitors.
On Sunday, our Sidespeople will be glad to direct you to a seat. We are
glad that you are here to worship with us!
How can I participate in the Service?
On Sundays, our Sidespeople will give you a printed order of service.
A hymn book and pew sheet giving hymn numbers and details of the
readings from the Bible. We customarily stand when we sing, sit to hear
lessons, sermons, or announcements, and stand or kneel when we pray. We
follow the service in the service book and participate audibly in the
people's responses, including the 'Amen' at the end of each prayer.
Members of the congregation will be glad to help you find the place, and
you may stand, sit, and kneel with the congregation as you feel
comfortable.
May I take Communion?
Any Christian who has been Baptised with water in the name of the
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and who receives Communion in his own
church is welcome to take Communion at All Saints. Our custom is to come
to the alter rail, kneel, or stand there, and receive the Communion
Bread in our open hands. After consuming the Bread, we receive the Cup,
guiding it to our lips for a small taste of Wine. Unbaptised or
unconfirmed adults and children are encouraged to come to the altar
rail, carrying their service book and receive a blessing. The clergy are
happy to talk with any interested person about baptism and confirmation.
How can I learn about Christianity?
You can begin to learn about Christianity by becoming involved in a
Christian Church. As you make friends here, you will experience
Christianity in action. ou will also have the opportunity to ask
questions. Christianity Explored and Small group meetings for Bible
study and prayer are particularly good ways to understand the Christian
Faith. As you spend time with practicing Christians, you will realise
that Christianity is more than a Spiritual way of looking at life and
much more than a religious system of moral rules. Christianity is about
friendship with Jesus Christ, who makes Himself known in very real ways
when we invite Him to come into our lives. You can become a Christian by
telling God of your need for Him; by turning from things you know are
wrong; and by asking Jesus Christ to give you strength to live as he
directs. Your Christian friends can help you make this request and they
will support you as you begin your new life.
How can I learn more about All Saints?
When you worship with us, you will be encouraged to fill out the
Visitor's Card in your pew and place it in the offering bag or give it
to one of the Sidespeople after the service. After each Sunday
service we offer coffee, tea and fellowship at the back of the church,
and we hope you will join us there. We want you to have a chance to meet
our Clergy and some of our active members, who will be glad to
answer your questions about our Church or try to provide other
assistance you may need. The Clergy or the Sidespeople will also be
happy to give you, on request, a Newcomer's Information Packet. We are
glad you are here!
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