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A WINDOW ON WORSHIPAs Chair, I feel I must express my thanks for the dedication of all the serving members of the task team, without them, and their input, it would not have been such a successful worshipful year. Thank You. Reflecting upon the past year, there have been some significant changes in the worship life of our two churches. Firstly, and most significantly, has been the introduction and adoption of the new common worship service. This in itself has meant the production of, and subsequent adjustment to, a complete set of worship booklets for both churches, the refining of which is an ongoing task. This has had further implications for our ministry team in that with the adoption of the new common worship came changes to the "right of passage" services. There were also changes made to the service cards used in administering home communion, a lay worship ministry that in the main goes "unsung", but is greatly appreciated by those who are ministered to in this way. We have in the course of the year acquired sets of children’s booklets designed to encourage the children to participate in Holy Communion. I understand they are also being used as a teaching aid for the Sunday School. At Easter, Holy Trinity again hosted the "Walk of Witness", which was, as usual, well attended. The Carol services at Holy Trinity and Christ the King were successful, and it was good to see congregation members from each church attending both services. All our Festival Services have been well attended this year, with the increase of children taking part in the Christingle being most gratifying. There is no doubt that all these services provide a real opportunity for reaching out to those who seldom come to church, and it is with this in mind that I applaud the open, welcoming attitude of the members of both congregations. Both Feast of Title services were well attended, and our thanks go to our two guest preachers - Canon Richard Wheeler on Trinity Sunday, and Bishop Christopher, Hertford, at Christ the King. The inclusion of a hot meal after this service was such a success that it may well become a regular feature. In October, we again held a Pet Service, with support for this given by shops and pet services in the town through the displaying of posters. A good number of pets and "handlers" turned up on the day to make "a Joyful noise for the Lord". There has also been the introduction of the "Prayer and Praise" service at Christ the King on the last Wednesday of each month. This has great strength in both its diversity of music and prayer, and in its ecumenical outlook, with interest being shown by various church groups within and outside the CTIS area. Phew, quite a year!! But I believe our worship has been enriched and enlivened by the changes and additions that have been made. I hope that you will agree that these changes have now become a welcome part of our worship year. Let us pray that, in the coming year, our worship will remain vibrant, varied, topical, relevant, and Reverent. Amen. Brian Hardwick |