Concert 31 October - bring a friend. Or six.
Some evenings do more than fill the diary - they fill our hearts. And at St Aldhelm's we've got an evening coming up that promises to do just that.
I don’t know about you, but for me there is something about live music that really gives me a boost. The pleasure of hearing music that’s being made right in front of me, of being able to see the faces of the musicians, share their enjoyment of the music and the moment, is something really special. And I love a small concert – I have been to many concerts in big halls and stadiums, and I have loved that experience, but the intimacy of a small venue, a place where you can hear the singers’ intake of breath, see the pressure of fingers on keys, that’s the best of all, I think.
On Saturday 31 October you can come to St Aldhelm’s and experience exactly that. Our own church musicians will be putting on a concert and I guarantee that it will put a smile on your face and joy in your heart.
Our musicians are a real blessing to us. Every week they lead our worship, faithfully showing up, making no fuss, receiving no applause. And the music they make is the heart of our worship – hymns and worship songs that invite us to encounter God. Together, they set the tone of our worship – joyful or reflective, lively or quiet, the music makes space for our prayers.
But a concert is something a bit different. In fact, much of the music you will hear on the 31st would not be out of place in church – our musicians love sacred music, so of course they are including it in their concert – but a concert is not a church service. A concert gives the musicians the chance to surprise us. They will step into the spotlight to share their gifts in new ways – something bluesy, a bit of jazz, a song from a film, some reggae and salsa beats. Instrumentalists will sing, singers will play, the vicar will swap liturgy for a songbook and anything might happen!
Our musicians give us so much, week by week. And this concert gives us a chance to say thank you. Not only with applause, though that will be welcome, but by being present. Turning up matters. Encouragement matters. A full church lifts the hearts of those who have prepared, and it reminds us all that music is one of the ways our shared life becomes richer.
So come. And bring a friend. Bring several. This concert will be life enhancing and joyous – who do you know who would benefit from that? Who do you know who is tired, lonely, curious, grieving, new to the area, or simply in need of a good night out? An invitation to a concert is easy, low pressure. “Our church musicians are giving a concert on 31 October. Would you like to come with me?” Easy!
If you have been waiting for the right moment to invite someone to church, this may be it. Take the risk - make the invitation.
This concert will do many things. It will raise some funds for church. It will introduce new people to our church. It will give us all a good night out. But most of all, it will bring people together. Whoever they are, wherever they are from, of any faith or none, we want to connect them, welcome them, show them the best of our community, show them that they are part of our community.
The evening will be a celebration of music, faith, and community. It will also be a reminder that the church is at its best when it opens its doors wide and says, “Come and see.”
So please join us for the concert on 31 October, and bring a friend. Or six.
Church Notices
Thanksgiving Sunday 25 October is our annual thanksgiving service, when we give thanks for the blessings of our lives and we also give to the church which sustains us. At the end of the service there will be a time for people to share their thankfulness with the congregation followed by a joyful time of praise in which we make our thankful offerings to the church.
Top priority this week? Get people to come to our concert on Saturday!
All Souls 1 November At this service at 3pm we will read out names of people dear to us who have died. Please email Tom our administrator TODAY with names to be read out admin@aldhelms.org.uk
Safeguarding Sunday 15 Nov We take safeguarding very seriously and so on 15 November Mthr Anna will take the whole congregation through the Church of England’s basic safeguarding course during the service. This will make the service will be a bit longer than usual. This course is appropriate for all but if you do not wish to take part there will be a 9am service of the Eucharist with Morning Prayer.
Confirmations 6 December Preparation will take place during our regular Sunday services on the following dates:
1 Nov Death and Eternal Life
22 Nov Jesus
29 Nov The Eucharist
Dates for the diary
25 Oct Thanksgiving and Giving service
31 Oct Fundraising concert
1 Nov 10am All Saints
3pm All Souls with incense
8 Nov Remembrance Service
15 Nov Safeguarding Sunday
22 Nov Christ the King with incense
5 Dec Christmas Bazaar with brass band
6 Dec Confirmations with Bishop Anderson
20 Dec Bring & Share lunch followed by
3pm Carol Service
24 Dec 11pm Midnight Mass
25 Dec 10am Christmas service for all ages
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