Tag: all-saints

All Saints’ Services

Sundays

10am: The Sunday morning service alternates between Holy Communion and a more informal Morning Worship.

Music is provided by one of our two classically trained pianists and includes the best of both traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs.

Morning Worship is often led by a lay member of the church, and in all our services we strive to engage the children in reading etc.

During term time, the children and teenagers go to the hall for their separate activities in several age-related groups. At other times, worksheets are sent out by email for them to complete during the service. In both cases, a highlight of the service is towards the end when they are encouraged to share their work with the whole congregation.

You can join the service either in person in the church building or online (joining details are emailed to church members or may be obtained from our Associate Vicar or a church member to whom you are known)

Our innovative use of Zoom allows online participants to engage on an equal basis by offering a reading or intercessions, and for children to show their work, displayed on the screen for the church congregation.

Post-Pandemic Sundays

For the time being (Autumn 2021) and whilst the shadow of Covid and its variants still hang over us we are continuing the pattern or worship above established at the start of the pandemic with the flexibility to worship online or in person however people feel most comfortable.

Discussions are underway for the longer term as to whether we continue with one service or revert to the pre-pandemic pattern of separate communion and more informal services. Whilst we have greatly appreciated meeting together as one congregation and the sense of unity that has brought, we also know that people meet with God in different ways and want to encourage spiritual health in all our members.

All Saints History

All Saints’ Church is rather unusual and very special in that Mr E. P. Wilson, an architect and a member of the congregation designed today’s All Saints.

All Saints’ began as a small mission house church in East Harpenden in 1860. In 1889 the second All Saints’ Church was built– but by the mid 20th century it became inadequate to serve the needs of the enlarged district of Batford and East Harpenden. In 1955 Mr Dolphin Smith, a local farmer, gave the site of the present church. This third All Saints’ Church was consecrated on 28th May 1965 and celebrated its 50th birthday in 2015.

» Read more

All Saints Clergy and Leadership

Revd. James Brown joined us in the Autumn of 2020 with a specific mandate to grow the church in new ways.

He has impressed us with his personal touch, his thoughtful preaching and his media skills. You can sample his work, involving many church members, on our YouTube channel.

In addition, he has a keen interest in music, and in sustainability.

You can contact him at associate.vicar@allsaints.parishofharpenden.org or 01582 363789.

There is a Lay Reader (lay minister) based mainly at All Saints, but who also works across the parish, and a retired Anglican minister who is a church member and assists from time to time.

An episcopally mandated Lay Ministry Team assists and advises the Associate Vicar in the planning and delivery of worship, pastoral care and other aspects of ministry

Three district wardens are responsible for administration and organisation.

The District Church Council (DCC) meets regularly and is the governing body under James’ leadership. The committee also has representatives on the Parochial Church Council and Deanery Synod.

Over the years, at least six church members or former members have entered the ordained ministry, and others have become lay readers.

All Saints Community Links

Outreach

All Saints members have a strong tradition of  initiating and founding charitable, ecumenical and community projects and hosting local outreach. One member founded and brought to existence a Christian church and school in Musoto, Uganda, for which All Saints continues to fundraise. Community Meeting Point, a facility in Harpenden for those with mental health challenges is another such story. Harpenden Child Contact Centre and Harpenden Money Advice Centre operate from the Church building and All Saints members are closely involved with both.

We have an annual stall in the Harpenden Larks in the Parks fair.  This year we read bible stories to youngsters.

We host an annual Senior Citizens Christmas Concert where the talented musicians of Sir John Lawes High School join us to provide the entertainment. We also work very closely with Batford Methodist Church, welcoming them to a our festival services and organising a Good Friday Walk of Witness together.

Further information:

Schools

Our links are growing with Harpenden’s primary and secondary schools. Jump! is a small ecumenical team operating out of All Saints that gives Christian lessons across all year groups in four local primary schools.

Hall

Various groups use the facilities of All Saint’s hall. Fingertips Nursery operates four daytime sessions each week.  Rainbow Guides and a Brownie Guides meet at All Saints and are invited to major festivals. The building is very frequently hired out by groups including the Dance Studio, Tiny Tots Tunes and flower arranging groups, as well as for private functions like children’s parties.  To book the hall or a small meeting room, please click on the link below.

Further information:

All Saints church groups

Members of All Saints meet together in various groups outside of the Sunday and midweek services. They are always open to new members or for occasional visitors. All groups include Christian fellowship and pastoral care and are a good way to grow in faith and get more involved with the community of All Saints.

Specific themes of groups include Bible study, Christian nurture and parenting courses. Lent courses are also organised and open to all.

Most church groups are suspended during the pandemic but are expected to resume when this becomes possible.

1 2