Services

St Jude’s has a tradition of being ‘Evangelical Low Church’.  We have a strong emphasis on teaching and bible study, stressing the authority of Scripture.  We believe that Scripture is the Word of God, which continues to speak directly to believers today through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. 

Through prayer we seek to discern God’s will and the leading of the Holy Spirit in all we undertake as a church. 

• Our 9.15am congregation prefers a more traditional approach led by trained, robed leaders and preachers. The services are taken from Common Worship or BCP and music is provided by organists. The Mission Praise hymn book is now used predominantly for this service.  The average attendance is 30.
• The 11.00am family service has a more contemporary feel.  We have increasingly included short times of sharing what Jesus is doing in our lives throughout the rest of the week, as well as time for the children and young people to talk about what they have been learning. Sung worship is led by a worship group. Average attendance is 75 adults and 30 children.
• 1st Sunday of the month - ‘All Together Service‘ is held in the church hall, and follows an informal service plan, often led by lay members of the church and encouraging interaction with all ages in the congregation.  We hope to appeal to members of the community who are not used to a formal church setting. Average attendance is 75 adults and 35 children
• The 6.30pm service has developed into a form of ‘café church’ in the small hall. Everyone has time to chat around tables before a time of worship, teaching, discussion and sharing. The programme is varied, planned by a team using a range of resources. The prayer time is usually open for all to voice praise, thanks and requests.  Our café church has become the ‘practice ground’ for people new to leading and speaking, under the supervision of the present incumbent, to develop their gifts of speaking and leading. The average attendance is 25 (most also attend earlier services).

The cycle of services is generally as follows: