Today’s service was led by retired Methodist Minister, Revd Tony Barnes and the recording is introduced by Steve Brain who was duty elder for the day and who reads the lesson from the Gospel of Mark. Other voices you will hear are David Bevan, reading from Ezekiel, and the soloist Mario Sofroniou. We are grateful once again to Shelley Morgan for accompanying Mario on the piano and for playing during our worship.
Bible Readings
Ezekiel 3 : 15-28
Mark 9: 38-50
Solos:
Introit: “Lord of Life” words: Catherine Walker music: Scottish folk melody
Solo: “The Call” words: George Herbert music: Ralph Vaughn Wiliams
Solo “You raise me up” words and music: Josh Groban
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
September 20th 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
This morning’s worship was devised by members of our World Concerns Committee and led by Eddie Thomas. The recording is introduced by Liz Gibney who was the duty chaplain for the day. During the service the Harvest Appeal for 2026 was launched by Sarah Annable-Gardner who is the CEO of Action Through Enterprise, a charity based in north east Ghana. In a moving presentation Sarah explains why and how she came to set up this remarkable organisation that is enabling the local community to help itself. With our help, we will be assisting the poorest families (expecially those with disabled children) to grow crops and feed themselves.
Bible Reading: Matthew 20: 1-16
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sarah Annable-Gardner M.B.E , of Action Through Enterprise
September 13th 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Todays’s service was led by Revd Mark Barrett and the recording is introduced by Mike Gordon who was the duty elder. In addition you can hear the voice of Linda Tindall who gives a short “plug” for some forthcoming events. The Bible readings are given by Sam Chandler-Benjamin. Immanuel’s choir is taking a few weeks off and so we were delighted to welcome members of the Cooperative Ladies choir who rehearse each week at Immanuel under the directi0n of Sarah Summers.
Shelley Morgan led the music from the piano
Bible Readings:
Mark 10: 13- 16
Matthew 18: 1-6
Music by the choir:
Introit: “There’s a River Running in my Heart”
During the service: “Moon River”
“The Water is Wide”
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Important Note: we apologise that the recording cuts out towards the end of the sermon. Missing from the recording this week therefore, are the prayers of intercession and the communion service as well as two hymns. September 6th 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
During our ministerial vacancy it is not always easy to fill the pulpit Sunday by Sunday; imagine the delight of the pulpit supply secretary when a volunteer steps up! It was a real joy to have Ceri Bevan leading our service today. Ceri is one of the elders at Immanuel (as well as editor of our newsletter). The readings were given by Mike Gordon and Helen Marson, who, as duty elder also introduced the service. The other voice you will hear is that of Liz Gibney who wrote and read the prayers of intercession.
Bible Readings:
Luke 14:1, 7-14
Psalm 112
Note: our organist together with the choir is taking a short break, but we are delighted that Michael Dismore was available to lead the music this morning.
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 23rd August 2026: Morning Worship 10.30am
Today was the occasion of our annual Summer “Singalong” Service – favourite songs and hymns with readings, on the theme of praise and thanksgiving. The worship was led by the inimitable Rev Geoff Gleed who also played much of the music on the organ, but other musical contributions came from Julie and Shelley on keyboards, Keith on percussion and Andy on bass. The Bible reading is given by Jenny Powley, Sam Chandler-Benjamin read the poem and Wally Knight devised and led our prayers of intercession.
Bible Reading: Psalm 98
Poem: “We are here to praise the God who made the Milky Way” by Revd R J Ellis
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 16th August : Morning Worship 10.30am
Today, we were once again delighted to welcome Revd Moira Slack to lead our worship. Moira is one of the Christ Church team of clergy. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Helen Marson who also reads the Gospel lesson. The other reading is given by Shelley Morgan.
Bible Readings:
Romans 8 : 12-25
Matthew: 13: 24-39, 36-43
Music by the choir:
Introit: “God who made the Earth” Words: Sarah Rhodes Music: Josiah Booth
Anthem: “I lift my eyes to the quiet Hills” Words: Tim Dudley-Smith
Music: Michael Baughen
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 9th August: Morning Worship 10.30am
Our preacher this morning was Revd Mark Barrett who we were delighted to welcome once again to our pulpit. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, June Smythe and the Bible reading is given by Stuart Benjamin.
Bible Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2: 22-24, 36-40
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Gloria” in a version used at Taizé
Anthem: “Ave verum”, “Jesu Word of God Incarnate” Music by W A Mozart
Sunday 2nd August: Morning Worship 10.30am
We were once again delighted to welcome to our pulpit this morning to lead our worship, Michelle Pickering from Bath Road Methodist Church. The recording is introduced by Ceri Bevan who was the duty elder. Others taking part were Tom Hartshorn reading both Bible lessons and David Leadbeater who wrote and delivered the prayers of intercession.
Bible Readings:
2 Kings 4: 42 – 44
Matthew 14: 13 – 32
Music by the choir:
Introit: Verses from psalm 19 Setting by Thomas Norris
Anthem: “Brother James’ Air” words – Scottish psalter
Musical setting: James Keith MacBeth Bain
Note: the recording levels are low and you may need to increase the volume.
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 26th July 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Today was the second time we celebrated as a Café Church, so, sadly. there is no recording available. That said we are looking into how we might setup a recording facility in the chruch hall. As you can see in the photos below a good number turned out on another glorious day, and seemingly enjoyed the time of sharing.
Geoff and Shelley did a double act in terms of leading the service and were aided and abetted by Linda Tindall, Anne Farrow and David Leadbeater. The theme for the morning was “Seeing God in the everyday”, and lively discussions took place all around the church hall, as people shared experiences of discovering how God had worked in their lives. Some even managed to put together a short frieze depicting elements of their conversations (to be displayed in the church later on.)
We are extremely grateful to Eric Hewitt, a Methodist Local Preacher, for stepping in at short notice to lead our service this morning. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Steve Brain, who also reads the Old Testament Lesson. The Gospel reading is by Helen Marson, and the prayers of intercession were devised and read by John Blakesley.
Bible Readings:
Daniel 3: 8-18
Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43
Music by the Choir:
Introit: “Bless the Lord O My Soul” Psalm 103 Setting by H Walford Davies
Anthem: “The Peace of Christ be with You” A Celtic Blessing Music: Geoff Nobes
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 12th July 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Today we were delighted to welcome back to Immanuel our former minister Revd Dr Martin Camroux and his wife, Margaret. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Michael Dismore; Margaret Camroux reads the prayers of intercession and the Bible readings are given by Sam Chandler-Benjamin. During the notices you will also hear the voice of Shelley Morgan talking of the café church planned for the end of the month.
Bible Readings: Matthew 12: 9 – 14
Romans 12: 9 – 18
Music by the Choir
Introit: “Praise the Lord” Words: Psalm 113 Music: Heinz W. Zimmerman
Anthem: “Magnificat” in a setting in B flat by C V Stanford
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
After the service we took the opportunity to take a fresh photograph of the congregation who assembled on the terrace at the rear of the church.
Sunday 5th July 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Today’s service was led by Revd David Day, a retired minister attached to the Christ Church team of clergy. We were delighted to welcome him on this his first visit to Immanuel.
The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Liz Gibney, who also devised and reads the prayers of intercession. Another voice you will hear is that of Eddie Thomas who reads both Bible lessons.
Bible Readings: Romans 7: 1 – 6 Matthew 9: 9 – 13
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Jesus Stand Among Us” Words: Wm Pennefather Music: Friedrich Filitz
Anthem: “Lead Me Lord” Words: Psalm 5 Music S. S. Wesley
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
(Note the recording levels are quite low and you may need to increase the volume on your machine) Sunday 28th June: Morning Worship at 10.30am
As our duty elder, Anne Farrow, points out in her introduction to the service, today was something different at Immanuel. Although it was not a formal Partnership service, we were joined by members of Bath Road Methodist Church and our worship was led by Anglican priest. Moira Slack, from Christ Church. The Bible readings were given by Glenys Walker.
Bible Readings: Genesis 22: 1 – 14
Matthew 10: 40 – 42
Music by the choir:
Introit: “Cantate Dominum” (psalm 149) Musical setting by Guiseppe Pitoni
Anthem: “The Peace of God) Words from the book of common prayer Music: J Rutter
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 21st June: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Today, once again we are grateful to Revd Mark Barrett for leading our worship. The recording is introduced by Mike Gordon, the duty elder. Others tasking part in the service were Irene Chesterman (reading from the Gospel of Matthew) and John Blakesley who devised and read the prayers of intercession.
Bible Reading: Matthew 19: 16 – 22
Music by the choir:
Introit: a Taizé setting of the Magnificat
Anthem: “Day by Day” Words: Richard of Chichester Music: Martin How
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
20th June: Sing out for Brighter Futures For the 3rd or 4th year Immanuel once again played host a to remarkable musical event that brought many hundreds of folk onto the church premises. Organised by Sarah Summers, some 24 choirs had been invited to take part in the event that raised funds for the local hospital via its charity “Brighter Futures” Each choir had been allotted a 30minute period between 9am and 9 pm and performed to other choirs who in turn had gathered to sing.
The joint choirs of Immanuel and Christ Church
Sunday 14th June ‘ Morning Worship at 10.30.am
Today’s service was led by retired URC minister, Revd Dr Andrew Francis assisted by Janice Hodby. The duty elder was Don Macarthur who read the reading from the Gospel of Matthew, and the other Bible reading from Romans was read by David Bevan. It is unfortunate that there were problems with the recording and we are unable to upload it to this site.
The choir’s introit was the rousing Psalm 150 in a setting by Charles V Stanford. Our new friends from Madagascar were with us and sang a very beautiful anthem for us that was very well received.
Sunday 7th June 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
“Making Jesus known”
We are pleased to say we are once more back to being able to record our worship and today’s service included the ordination and induction of a new elder as well as the reception of a new church member. Our congratulations and prayers are with Hilary Willard of our Highworth fellowship who was ordained as an elder within our joint pastorate and together with June Smythe, inducted to the eldership here. In addition, we welcomed Jenny Jenkins as a member of the church. The service was led by Revd Geoff Gleed and the recording is introduced by Anne Farrow, duty elder. Other voices you will hear are those of Jean Batten, reading from John’s Gospel, and David Leadbeater leading the prayers on intercession.
Bible Reading: John12: 20 -26
Music by the Choir:
Introit: “In Christ There is no East or West” Words: John Oxenham
Music: German traditional
Anthem: “View me, Lord, a work of Thine” Words: Thomas Campion
Music: Richard Lloyd.
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 24th May 2026: Morning Worship. 10.30 am.
What does Jesus Mean to me?
This morning saw Immanuel’s first experiment with “Café Church” and judging by reactions, it won’t be the last time we meet this way. Yes, it was different – we sat around tables in groups of 6 or 7, teas and coffees were freely available throughout the session, and there was a remarkably relaxed atmosphere. But we also sang hymns, prayed together and listened to a Bible reading. The one real difference? There was no sermon!!! Instead, we chatted and discovered things about each other and our own ‘faith journeys’
A great pity that Shelley Morgan, whose idea it had been, was unable to be with us – get well soon, Shelley, and we hope you’ll soon discard the zimmer frame!
Bible Reading: Matthew 16: 13 – 20.
Unfortunately, there is no recording equipment in the church hall so you can’t discover what fun we had, but the service was led by Geoff Gleed in his inimitable style and others taking party were Jenny Powley and Linda Tindall
Sunday 17th May 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am
Our worship today was led by Revd Norma McKemy from the Christ Church clergy team of our Partnership of Churches, and we are grateful to her for once again for being with us. The recording is introduced by the duty elder, Maria Kawonga and other voices you will hear are those of Stuart Benjamin, reading from the Book of Acts, and Wally Knight who devised and led the prayers of intercession,
Bible Reading: Acts 1: 6-14
Music by the Choir:
Introit: “Holy Spirit Hear us” Words: William Henry Parker,
Music: Kenneth George Finlay
Anthem: “Alleluia” Words and Music: Don Fishel
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 10th May 2026: Morning Worship 10.30am
The recording of our service this morning is introduced by Steve Brain, acting as duty elder. The worship is led by Revd Mark Barrett and the Bible reading is given by Glenys Walker. Geoff Gleed leads the music from the organ.
Bible Reading: John 14: 15-21
Music by the choir:
Introit: “For the Beauty of the Earth” Words: F.S. Pierpoint Music: Henry Smart
Anthem: “Pleasure it is…” Words: W. Cornish Music: Cecil Cope
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 3rd May 2026: Morning Worship 10.30 am “What we gonna do?”
Our worship this morning was led by Revd Geoff Gleed, who once again, multi-talented, doubled up as both preacher and organist! The recording is introduced by Mike Gordon the duty elder and there are contributions from Wally Knight (reading from Corinthians) and Liz Gibney (prayers of intercession). We are grateful for the musical contributions by Shelley Morgan on the keyboard.
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11, 27-31
Music by the Choir :
Introit: verses from psalm 146 in a setting by John Goss
Anthem: “Ye Servants of God” Words: Charles Wesley
Music: 18th century German melody, Paderborn
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
26th April 2026: Morning Worship 10.30am “Service of Release of the Revd Robert H. Jordan”
“Life in Fullness”
As the heading above bears witness, today saw something of a milestone in the life of Immanuel and certainly in the life of its minister: as of the end of this service Robert is no longer an active minister of the United Reformed Church but retires from the stipendiary ministry. It was a beautiful service that resonated in the hearts and minds of all who attended – and it was indeed a packed church that gathered to hear Robert’s final sermon as minister of Immanuel. Friends had gathered from Highworth as well as from the churches of the local partnership (all had closed their doors for worship this morning) and it was particular joy to have Revd Canon Simon Stevenette in the congregation as well as representatives of the Himalayan Church that meets week by week on our premises
As usual, the recording is introduced by the duty elder who this week was Helen Marson. Other voices you will hear are those of Tom Hartshorn who reads from the Gospel of John, and then later on, in the Liturgy of Release, you will hear Don Macarthur, secretary of Immanuel, George Kennedy, Chairman of the Old Town Partnership of Churches, and then Revd Gerald England, Synod Pastoral Advisor, and finally the Moderator of the SW Synod, David Downing,
Bible Reading: John 10: 1-10
Music by the choir:
Introit: psalm 150 in a setting by C V Stanford
Anthem: “Jubilate” psalm 100 by George Thalben Ball
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
A bring and share lunch was enjoyed after the service that proved, as always, to be delicious and gave ample opportunity to renew friendships and make new ones.
During the lunch presentations were made to Revd Jordan on behalf of Immanuel, and the Old Town Partnership of Churches, also, in a very touching gesture, members of the Himalayan Church meeting at Immanuel made their own lovely gift to Robert. This was followed, in inimitable style, as Geoff Gleed shared one of his humorous ‘odes’ celebrating some of the aspects of Robert’s time in North Wilts.
George Kennedy, Robert Jordan and Don Macarthur
Robert Jordan an our Nepalese representative
Revds Geoff Gleed and Robert Jordan
Sunday 19th April 2026: Morning Worship 10.30am
Today’s service, which included Holy Communion, was conducted by the minister and was introduced by Mike Gordon, the duty elder. Other voices you will hear in the recording are those of Helen Marson who read from the New Testament, and John Blakesley who devised and read the prayers of intercession.
Bible Reading: 1Peter 1: 13-25
Music by the choir
Introit: verses from psalm 103 in a setting by H. Walford-Davies
Anthem: “Come Ye Faithful, raise the strain…” Words: John of Damascus
Music: R S Thatcher
Note: the sound team apologise that the minister’s mic was inadvertently left on during the first hymn so you have the dubious pleasure of hearing his singing!
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Sunday 12th April: Morning Worship at 10.30 am
Today’s service was devised by members of the church choir and, understandably, featured several musical items. Voices you will hear in this recording are those of Anne Farrow, the duty elder who introduces the service, Linda Tindall and John Blakesley, Wally Knight, Steve Brain, Pam Western, Sam Chandler-Benjamin and Stuart Benjamin. You will also hear Shelley Morgan who takes the congregation through the intricacies of singing as a round, the Taizé hymn of praise “Glory to God”.
Bible Readings:
Selected verses from Ephesians
Psalm 150
Other Readings:
“Music” by Ashley Danyew
“Songs for the People” by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Music by the choir:
Introit: “This Joyful Eastertide” Words: G R Woodward Music: old Dutch melody
Anthem: “Rejoice in the Lord always” Words: from Philippians
Music: Christopher Tambling
Anthem: “I will sing with the spirit” Words: from Corinthians Music: John Rutter
Anthem: “The Lord Bless you and Keep you” Words: From the book of Numbers. Music John Rutter
Words and music are reproduced under Immanuel’s copyright licence: CCLI 547036
Musicians: Geoff Gleed on the organ Shelley Morgan on the piano Sunday 5th April : Morning Worship 10.30 am Easter Day
This morning we held a very joyful service with the Minister leading our worship. Pam Western read the Easter story from the Gospel of St John and David Leadbeater led us in an Easter reflection as well as the prayers of intercession. At the time of writing we have experienced another problem with the recording of the service (despite the acquisition of a new recording device), but we might still be able to coax some life into it!
As has been our custom for many years, members of the congregation brought flowers to decorate the bare cross which afterwards was taken outside to the front of the building to pass the message of the risen Christ to the community !
Bible Reading: John 20: 1 – 18
Music by the Choir:
Introit – “Now the Green Blade riseth” Words: J M Crum Music : French trad.
Anthem: “He is Risen” Words Mrs Alexander Music: Cecil Cope
