SERVICES
We are a real mix of people, young and old, singles and families, with a huge variety of backgrounds and experiences between us, trying to share our joys and sorrows, struggles and celebrations as we journey through life together and try, but often fail, to live in the way Christ taught us.
We are fortunate to have a beautiful ancient building in which to worship, where centuries of prayers have been offered to God – a place of peace and refuge from the busyness of 21st century life.
WEDDINGS
Holy Baptism
The preparation sessions are when we meet together in a relaxed and informal way to explore the meaning of baptism and talk about the service. Godparents are also welcome to attend.
Baptisms take place on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Sunday of the month at the 10am service.
Bereavement
We each react to any kind of loss in ways that are uniquely personal. In each situation, grieving and bereavement will follow and this becomes a journey that the church can accompany you on. The ministers, both ordained and lay, at All Saints’, Writtle can help and support you through this difficult time. The church building is open everyday for quiet reflection and/or to have a conversation with a member of the Ministry Team. Please do contact us.
Funerals
In the case of a loss through death, the Bible asks us to view death as a bridge to something better, John chapter14 verse2.
Normally it is the next of kin that plans the funeral and they should contact a Funeral Director. They will invite you to visit their office or would come to your home to discuss with the family what your wishes are. (Some people will have left instructions for what they would like). If the person who has died lived in the parish of Writtle or was connected to the church, the Funeral Directors will contact us on your behalf.
The funeral can take place at the church followed by a cremation or burial elsewhere, or can take place at a crematorium. A memorial/thanksgiving service can take place at a later date in the church. Once a time and date has been agreed, the Minister will arrange to meet you and agree the details of the service.
A useful website is
www.churchofenglandfunerals.org
A funeral service, cremation or thanksgiving service offers the formal ritual needed in which ‘goodbyes’ can be said. Talking about the joys as well as the pain can provide a healing conversation. As Christians we do not see death as the end. Those we have know in this world have left to continue their lives elsewhere. As a church, we are here for you today, tomorrow and for the future.
Churchyard
Whilst there are no unreserved plots in our churchyard, it may be possible to bury a loved one in an existing grave that was originally intended for two, and there is space for a second coffin. Ashes may also be interred into a family grave.
Our churchyard has a Garden of Remembrance and ashes can be interred there by arrangement. This
information sheet describes the Garden and how it can be used.
Pastoral care
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 17)
“Whatever you have asked for in prayer, believe that you have received it.” (Mark 11:24)
Prayer Ministry –
Prayer is central to all aspects of our mission to love God and serve all.
A votive stand can be found in the Carpenter Chapel in Church. Please feel free to light a candle and offer up a prayer for yourself or someone else who is in need of prayer. There is also a Prayer Board in Church where you can write a note requesting prayer which will then be included in the intercessions at the Monday intercessory prayer group meetings.
Prayers For Healing and Wholeness:
The team meets on Mondays at 12 noon in the church. All are welcome to come along and join in. To request prayer for yourself or another, please ring the Parish Office or leave a note on the Prayer Board in church. In due course, please do let us know if prayer is no longer needed, and how you see it has been answered.
Prayer Circle Teams:
The Prayer Circle Teams include in their confidential personal prayers anyone who would appreciate prayer support. If you, or someone you know, would like the prayer circle teams to pray for you please do contact our
Pastoral Assistant. If you feel called to offer prayer support to others we would welcome you joining our team. Please do contact our
Pastoral Assistant to find out more about joining a prayer circle.
Healing Prayer Ministry:
When we pray for physical healing, we are responding to the scripture “Is anyone of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14)
We give thanks to God that skilled medical professionals with their abundance of knowledge, are indispensable parts of modern life. Yet, we believe that Jesus is still the great Physician and Healer. The Healing Prayer Team is growing in their knowledge and education to aid them in their call to pray for those seeking physical, emotional and spiritual healing.
Lay people, who are called, committed and trained to pray with others for physical, emotional and spiritual healing carry out this ministry. We seek to provide a safe and confidential setting in the church where people can come to receive personal prayer with a team of two or three healing prayer ministers. Healing prayer teams are now available on the third Sunday of the month and on any other Sunday by request. We welcome your testimonies of healing. They will encourage and bless us all!
Pastoral Care Ministry –
Home Communion Team:
If you are ill or housebound and unable to attend church, but would like to receive Holy Communion, we have a team of authorised personnel who will willingly visit and bring you Holy Communion by arrangement. To request this please contact our Pastoral Assistant.
Parish Visitors:
Parish Visitors provide a supportive listening ear and offer Christian fellowship to anyone in our church community or the wider parish. If you would just like to talk to someone in total confidence, or are unable to come to church and would appreciate a visit from our Vicar or one of the Parish Visitors, please contact our Pastoral Assistant.
Healing ministry
Sometimes it helps to come to a service where someone can pray with you and for you. They will lay their hands on your head or shoulder as they pray. Such personal contact expresses their focussed attention and the assurance of the presence and love of the Christian community who are holding you in God’s love.
Anointing by a priest may also be part of this ministry. The priest will trace onto your palms the sign of the cross with olive oil (which is blessed by the Bishop in the Cathedral each Maunday Thursday). This is a sign of God’s comforting, soothing presence. A sign that at the deepest level God knows you and your suffering and need.
Healing prayers can be offered for people who are unwell or who have any kind of problem or trouble.
It is also common practice to receive this ministry on behalf of another person, as well as in relation to peace and justice, and the healing of the earth and human communities, local and national.
Healing ministry is usually offered during 10.45am Holy Communion services on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Members of the healing fellowship are available to pray with you in the side chapels after communion.
All Saints Church Church Lane, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3EN
PARISH OFFICE
Open Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10am – 12noon after hours voicemail