Parish Communion Service History
As different vicars came and went various changes and developments were made to the pattern of church services.
St James's Church Services through the years shows their development from when records began up until 2017.
St James's Day through the years shows these specific services developments from when records began up until 2017.
2018 saw the introduction of a cashless option for the Sunday collection. Later people were able to make contactless, virtual terminal, and SMS mobile payments for events, including weddings and hall bookings, as well as one-off donations.
At the start of the Covid 19 pandemic lockdown period, when all church buildings were closed, ways were found to sustain our church life, mainly through IT. Sunday services, with a difference, continued uninterrupted. Liturgy and preaching, storytelling, reading and leading of prayers were rather different - but they were done.
Derek, the vicar, used his technical skills to produce a weekly online service, and a green screen meant he could magically ‘transport himself’ to the Holy Land. For many people, singing is an essential part of the Sunday morning service. However, experts concluded, at least at the start of the pandemic, that it could also spread the virus. Choir Director and Organist Thom continued holding weekly choir practice, but remotely on Zoom. To provide music for the streamed services he sent out mp4s of the music and encouraged members to record themselves singing the hymns, communion service and anthems. With skill and technical wizardry he combined their voices and sent final versions to Derek, the vicar, ready for each Sunday.
When the lockdowns were lifted safety was paramount, so measures were put in place for hygiene and social distancing. Details were in the weekly e-Flyer and on the website. Alternatively, people could still watch online then and now.
An audio-visual system, including a large screen, speakers, microphones, wireless headsets for clergy, and an induction loop for people with hearing aids was installed in 2021. The screen could be used to show films and the words of hymns. A camera makes it possible to stream services or record concerts. The equipment is operated from a console desk at the back of the nave where there is a digital mixing desk and a laptop. To enhance concerts and other events stage lights can also be set up.
Service booklets were changed, the hymns and Gospel started to be produced on the weekly pew sheet and the old hymn books were retired. The new Service Booklets included an explanatory note at the beginning to help newcomers. They also have an appendix with the musical notation for the setting, for those who read music. This new service music was composed in 2024 specially for St James's Church by Martin Hinckley, a member of the choir.
All Age Service History
There have been designated children's services since the earliest days as maintaining children's interest has always been important to St James's.
Family Worship through the years shows their development from when records began up until 2017.
The original All age sevices were, and still are, specially aimed at family groups and younger members of our congregation. There is often a theme involving activities for the younger members (and the not so young!). Examples of these services are Christingle, Mothering Sunday, Harvest and St James's Day. These are usually held in place of the regular 9.30 Parish Communion service, and usually later in the morning. When these take place, the Sunday afternoon services are not held.
Together at Eleven, a service especially created to meet the needs of families, was launched in 2017. Everyone was welcome and stayed together in church for worship, teaching and prayer. There were songs, interactive Bible stories and imaginative prayers. Refreshments and crafts followed the service.
Messy Church was introduced in February 2020 and ran on the first Saturday, then Sunday, afternoon of the month for those who wanted to come to church as a whole family and be messy! Messy Church began with children and adults doing some craft activities exploring a biblical theme. That was followed by a short celebration time involving story, prayer, songs, games and similar and ending with delicious cake and a cup of tea (or squash). At St James’s we had just started a Messy Church before the pandemic. Some 50-60 people came to the first two, and the team were on a roll — but then had to stop! It took time to re-establish the team and for restrictions to ease. We restarted at the end of 2021, initially with a slightly different set up to be COVID-secure.
By 2023 the monthly Messy Church had moved to Sunday afternoons so it was decided to have the Together in the afternoons as well, replacing it once a month with Messy Church. That meant family church in one form or another would be happening most Sunday afternoons.
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Together at Eleven |
Deanery Evensong |
Messy Church |
