Dedicated teams lead the ‘Friends of God Club’ and ‘Time Out’, which provide activities for the children and the young members of the choir during the 10am service. An all-age Eucharist at which the young assist with readings, prayers and presentations is held monthly. For pre-school-age children and their mums, the ‘Little Angels’ service is held on Thursday afternoons.
There is a large team of well-trained servers. The parish church has an historic collection of silver and many magnificent sets of vestments. There is a strong tradition of choral music. The Director of Music trains a choir of adults and children.
The church is open every day between 10am and 5pm; a rota of stewards welcome visitors and staff the shop area.
Supported by financial assistance from past legacies and money raised by the Friends of the Parish Church, there has been a steady programme of work to maintain the fabric. Phase A of a major programme of works has just begun. The Victorian floor is being replaced with stone paving incorporating under-floor heating and the Father Willis organ is being removed, rebuilt and refurbished. The organ is due to be returned at the end of 2009. Phase B involves the conservation, preservation and renewal of the exterior of the South Porch, a unique Tudor building. The cleaning of the interior walls of the church and the installation of new sound and lighting systems will be Phase C. An appeal for £6 million is currently in progress.
Holy Trinity, Watermoor, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and built in 1851, stands in its own well-maintained churchyard. Although there are no graves, there is a much-appreciated garden of remembrance. A core of around 200 regular worshippers produces an average of 140 communicants each week.
Every Sunday, there are two eucharistic celebrations, a said service at 8am and a choral service at 10am at which there is a well attended Sunday school. On the first Sunday of each month, an all-age Eucharist, aimed at younger people, currently attracts a congregation of around 150.
On some Sunday evenings, a variety of informal worship styles (including Celtic Praise and Taize services) are held. The midweek evening Eucharist often includes the sacrament of healing.
Teams of sidesmen are briefed to welcome visitors. Alternating with the Parish Church, an accomplished group of bell-ringers ring the peal of eight bells on Sunday mornings.
A congregational committee, annually elected by the Holy Trinity worshippers, provides a useful forum for planning and discussion.
The fabric of Holy Trinity is in good repair. The Associate Vicar and his family live in the substantial Victorian parsonage adjacent to the church. |
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St Lawrence Church Centre was built in 1951 to cater for the needs of the many people living in Chesterton.
Holy Communion is celebrated on the first, third and fourth Sundays at 10.30am and on the first Wednesday morning of each month. Morning worship is held on the second Sunday. Special services such as Christingle; Nativity; Christmas and Mothering Sunday attract congregations of more than 100. There is a large primary school with a County Children’s Centre with which St Lawrence has strong links.
St Lawrence is a modern church building with flexible internal space that is fully compliant with DDA requirements. The church hosts a weekly drop-in coffee morning. The building is used by a range of community groups. |
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