Chorlton Central Church

The style of worship at Chorlton Central Church is relaxed and - we hope - welcoming. We are not committed to a specific Liturgy or Order of Service; those leading worship are encouraged to plan the service to suit the themes or ideas which they are exploring.

A typical service will include

• congregational hymns
• readings from the Bible
• spoken prayers, and often the opportunity for silent prayer
• an activity designed for the needs and interests of children
• an address or meditation led by the person leading the service; this can range from a (fairly) formal sermon to a conversational meditation in which the congregation participate

Children are welcomed at our services, but we know that small children are likely to find adult worship uninteresting. We therefore provide a separate creche organised by CRB checked members of the Church during the latter part of the service : you can accompany your children or leave them to us, whichever suits you (and them) best.

The music we use in worship comes from many sources. We use traditional English language hymns from all denominations. But we also use modern words and music, including those from the ecumenical Taize Community in France, and the Iona Community in Scotland.

We have benefited from the work of a number of gifted writers who have been members or ministers, and a number of their compositions - including some written specially for us - are included in our own compilation of worship material 'Life Together'. The other hymnbooks in use are 'Rejoice and Sing' (United Reformed Church); 'Baptist Praise and Worship' (Baptist Union) and 'Common Ground' (an ecumenical publication).

Words and music from the Taize Community emphasize the importance of prayer and meditiation in the Christian life

Those from the Iona Community express the Christian faith in contemporary language, often using Scots and English folk tunes. They also include hyms and songs from other Christian Churches in a wide range of countries, both in the original language and in translation.

Once a month we join in our Communion Service (referred to in other Christian traditions - with variations in both theology and content - as Mass, Eucharist or the Lord's Supper). In this service we remember Christ's last meal with his disciples before his arrest, trial and execution. Anyone attending the service is welcome to participate in this service or not, as you choose. The invitation is from Christ, not from the Church.

From time to time we hold services in the Taize tradition, 'Messy Church' and Cafe style.

We know that traditional styles of worship are not for all and we are working to develop forms of worship which engage and attract the whole community without throwing away what is valuable from the historic traditions of the non-conformist denominations.

If you would like us to help you to mark some significant event in your, or your friends or family's life, please contact one of the ministers.

revised 27 December 2011