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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.
SERVICE PARTICIPANTS AND WORSHIP
SUPPORT
Worship is at the very heart of All Saints. We gather as a
parish to celebrate and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Common
Worship and Book of Common Prayer services both said and sung are used.
Music is both traditional and contemporary, formal and informal
depending on the type of service. A number of lay people are involved in
some aspect of direct liturgical participation In making music, reading,
serving, or ushering, making the services inspiring and uplifting.
SERVER & ACOLYTES All
Saints have a number of adults who participate in the sacramental
ministry as acolytes, crucifiers, torch bearers and servers. They wear
vestments, based on an ancient history of service at the altar. Servers
accept the privilege and responsibility of assisting the clergy at
regular Sunday services and at other special liturgies throughout the
year. To become a server or call Tony Ripton 01245 422127.
READERS AND INTERCESSORS Lay
readers are parishioners selected and trained to read the appointed
lessons and lead the Prayers of the People. Young people over the age of
ten who read well and enjoy reading in public are encouraged to read at
the 10.45am Sunday service. Special Prayer requests can be directed
through the Parish Office 01245 422846
SIDESPEOPLE The Sidespeople
(Ushers) are charged with warmly welcoming parishioners and visitors to
worship services. They are also responsible for escorting seating,
collecting the offering, directing the orderly flow of persons to the
altar during the communion, helping in emergencies, and assisting the
clergy in identifying newcomers and visitors.
FLOWER GUILD The Flower Guild
arranges the altar flowers and any other special flowers in the church
for worship. They would welcome any flowers in memory of loved ones.
Contact: Jenny Palmer
TOWER BELL RINGERS The bells
are rung to changes in the English tradition in celebration of all our
blessings at the beginning of the Sunday morning services. There are 10
bells and each bell rope must be pulled by willing arms. Please contact
the Tower Captain, Phil Stephens, to join the band. 01245 421022.
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