Worship
The pattern of worship at St Aidan’s follows the authorised liturgies of the Scottish Episcopal Church. These are in most respects similar to services in the Church of England, but with some distinctive characteristics. We hope that our worship would be familiar and welcoming to anyone accustomed to contemporary Anglican worship, and that visitors and newcomers would find themselves readily at home with us. Our tradition could be described as moderately catholic, with scripture read reverently and the sacraments celebrated in a relaxed but dignified manner. We welcome people of all ages and backgrounds, and encourage everyone to take an active part in our worship.
Our regular programme on services is as follows:
Sundays
10.00 Holy Eucharist. The 1982 Scottish Liturgy is used, with its contemporary but dignified language. The officiating Priest is assisted by Eucharistic Assistants authorised by the Bishop, and by a team of servers which includes children as well as adults. Parts of the service are sung, led by the choir with organ accompaniment, but the emphasis of the musical tradition is on congregational singing. A sermon is preached. During part of the service the Sunday School and crèche meet in the Choir Vestry, but children play a full part in those parts of the service for which they are present in church. Everyone is welcome for coffee and tea in the hall after the service. From time to time a Family Eucharist is celebrated, and the children and their teachers remain in church. The service is adapted accordingly, and may include a song or other item prepared by the Sunday School. Children able to do so are encouraged to read lessons or lead the intercessions, as well as to serve.
Afternoon Eucharist: For several years, we offered on one Sunday of each month a celebration of the Eucharist at 15.30, according to the 1982 Scottish Liturgy. This was designed especially for people who for any reason find the morning services difficult. Chairs were arranged around the Altar, so that worshippers would not need to leave their seats at any point during the service. A cup of tea was provided afterwards, which enabled members seldom able to leave their homes to enjoy company and also to meet old friends. As there does not need to be a need for this service at present, it has been discontinued, but can be reinstated if circumstances change.
Our programme of services on Sunday evenings is more variable, and details are provided in our Magazine and Weekly News sheet. Times of services also vary between summer and winter.
Details of evening services are announced in the monthly St Aidan's Magazine, in the weekly notice sheet, and on our home page.
Wednesdays
10.30 Holy Communion. The 1970 Scottish Liturgy is used, and all are welcome to coffee and fellowship in the Choir Vestry after the service. In place of a sermon or homily by the officiating priest, there is opportunity for discussion of the readings and any issues or concerns they may raise.
Fridays
From May until September the church will be open from 13.00 to 14.00 for silent prayer, to which all are welcome. Anyone seeking prayer for any particular need is invited to remain behind at the end of this period, and there will be people available to pray with them.
Festivals and Special Occasions
Special services are arranged through the Christian calendar. Details are provided in the Magazine, in the weekly notice sheet, and on the home page.
Large Print and Braille copies of our liturgy books and hymnal are available on request.
Gluten-free wafers, approved by the Coeliac Society UK, are available. Please notify the Rector or one of the sidespeople at the door of your requirements.
The church is equipped with a loop system.
There is wheelchair access to all parts of the building.
Authorised Ministries
A number of Eucharistic Assistants are authorised by the Bishop to assist in public worship, and in particular with the distribution of the bread and wine at the Eucharist:
Mrs Phyllis Cross
Mr Douglas Graham
Mrs Fiona Graham
Mr Roy Hayden
Mr Jim Johnstone
Mr Andrew Parfitt
Mrs Rachael Samuel
Mrs Cross, Mrs Graham, and Mrs Samuel are also authorised to take Communion to sick or housebound members in their homes.
Guild of Servers
A team of servers assists at the celebration of the Eucharist, and on other occasions. Their duties include preparing the sanctuary before the service and tidying up afterwards, as well as their ceremonial and practical functions in the course of worship.
The Guild includes baptised members of the congregation of all ages. Adult members may be by the Bishop as Eucharistic Assistants. Children share in the celebration of the Eucharist, but the younger boys and girls also attend Sunday School during part of the service, except when there is a Family Eucharist for which the Sunday School remains in church. Older children divide their time between the celebration of the Eucharist and attending Sunday School as appropriate.
The Guild is affiliated to the Scottish Guild of Servers.
Choir
The musical tradition of St Aidan's emphasises congregational singing, with organ accompaniment. The principal instrument is an Allen Digital Organ, and there are also a Bechstein upright piano and a Casio digital piano in the church. A small but experienced choir leads the hymns and other sung parts of the services, and is expanding its repertoire in choral music. New members, adult and junior, are always welcome. Younger children attend Sunday School for most of the service, but are introduced also to congregational worship from an early age.
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