Reverent, rooted, and welcoming – worship that honours the sacred rhythm of the Church.

​

Our 11.15am service is a time-honoured space of traditional worship, shaped by the liturgy of the Church of England and enriched by the gifts of the whole congregation. Arrivals begin from 10.45am, and during this time the church comes to life with gentle activity – there is a tangible sense of anticipation and quiet purpose. Welcomers prepare the service booklets and hymn sheets, the choir gathers, sacristans prepare the High Altar, and people greet one another or enjoy a cuppa with the earlier congregation in The Tapestry Room. This quiet bustle sets the tone – a community coming together to worship God with care, reverence and joy.

 

The Shape of Worship
Our traditional services follow the Common Worship pattern, with seasonal liturgies that reflect the beauty of the Church’s year – from Advent to Easter, Pentecost to Ordinary Time. We use printed booklets that change with the season, grounding us in the rhythm of Christian worship.

​

• On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, we celebrate Holy Communion, led by a priest.

• On the 2nd and 4th Sundays, we offer Morning Worship, led by a Licensed Lay Minister (LLM), an Authorised Lay Minister (ALM), or a priest.

 

Scripture and Preaching
Bible readings are shared by members of the congregation, following the Common Lectionary. During Communion, the Gospel is brought into the midst of the people in a Gospel Procession, and read by the priest. Occasionally, we step away from the lectionary to explore a particular theme or short sermon series. Sermons (usually preached from the pulpit) aim to encourage, challenge, and deepen your faith, with a balance of thoughtful insight and real-world application.

​

Participation and Prayer
Prayers are offered by lay members of the congregation, reflecting the voice and concerns of our worshipping community. Everyone is encouraged to join in where they feel comfortable – you may notice some people bowing at the altar, making the sign of the cross (a small gesture across the body in the shape of a cross), or genuflecting (kneeling briefly on one knee as a sign of honour and humility before God). These acts are rich in meaning, but not expected – you are welcome to simply be present in the way that feels most natural to you.

​

Music and Hymns
Our music is drawn from traditional hymns, played on tracks while we nurture the return of live music. A member of our congregation is currently learning the organ, so we are joyfully beginning to introduce live accompaniment as confidence and skill grow. The music is familiar, uplifting, and invites everyone to lift their voice in praise.

​

Receiving Communion
During Communion services, the prayer of consecration is said at the High Altar, but the bread and wine are distributed at the bottom of the chancel steps – a pastoral decision to ensure accessibility for all. You are warmly invited to receive the bread and wine, or come forward for a personal prayer of blessing. If you prefer to stay seated, that’s fine too – our welcome is always gentle and without pressure.

​

After the Service
Following worship, you’re invited to stay for refreshments in The Tapestry Room – and yes, cake is often involved! Whether you linger for conversation or quietly slip away, you are part of this community.

 

Come As You Are
Some of us dress smartly, others more casually. What matters most is that you feel at home. Our congregation is friendly, open, and delighted to welcome new faces, familiar friends, and everyone in between.

​

​

Traditional worship at St Leonard’s offers a beautiful, sacred space to meet with God, to hear the timeless words of scripture, to pray with others, and to be strengthened for the week ahead. Whether you are a lifelong churchgoer, returning to faith, or simply exploring – you are warmly invited to join us.