What sort of style is this service?
The “Rejoice at 10″ contemporary service is based on the Church of Ireland’s Service of the Word liturgy.
We hope to provide a space for reflection, to explore Scripture, and to worship God in a more contemporary style.
There is a mixture of music both old and new generally played by our praise bands and led by a few singers from the front. There is a creche, Sunday School and a Youth Bible Study group, all of which take place during this service, so if you’re interested in any of these things please pop along and we’ll help you find your way.
From start to finish – what happens at this service?
Two people who’ll greet you at the door are our Churchwardens who will help you with any question you might have on where and when things occur. If you’d rather sit somewhere quiet, for example, they will only be too pleased to guide you.
In general the service opens with a prayer led by our Curate, after which the children who are shortly to head out to Sunday School are invited up to the front to hear a short talk or to sing a song with the band.
The children and their leaders are prayed for, and as they are leaving the church to go to Sunday School we take a moment to meet and greet those around us, known in traditional terms as “The Peace”.
You’ll then hear a couple of announcements, and you can find more information on all goings-on in the Parish News sheet that you will have been given on your way in. (You can also download it here).
We then have a segment for someone to provide a short personal reflection or thought for the day, and is followed by a praise section, led by the band. Normally this incorporates three or four songs back-to-back, and all the words are projected onto the screen behind the band.
Bible readings set out for the day are read to the congregation (there are Bibles in the pews if you want to follow the readings) and are followed by the main talk, or teaching section.
We then spend some time in reflection and prayer, before a final song and a blessing from our Curate signal the end of the service.
Before you go!
Tea and coffee are provided every week in the Downshire Centre, which is to the left of you as you leave church, and gives everyone the perfect chance to meet and to catch up before heading back to wherever we have all come from that morning.