Please look at Young Church pages for information and contacts for Young Church, (including Brownies, Cubs, Guides and other uniformed organisations)
Please look at Young Church pages for information and contacts for Young Church, (including Brownies, Cubs, Guides and other uniformed organisations)
The Parish Centre, is an attractive modern building now 10 years old and is used extensively by Church Groups, Uniformed Groups and non-church organisations.
Contact Gordon Priest (Chairman) or Jo Turner Booking Secretary via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
The Church cleaning group consists of volunteers who, on a rota system, dust, sweep and Hoover the Church and Porch every Saturday morning. There is a large "Spring-Clean" every year that is arranged by the Martha Committee and everyone is welcome to come along and help. We are always on the look out for extra volunteers to join the rota and welcome anyone interested.
Contact Sylvia Briggs via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
Cares for the historic fabric of our church, arranging for specialist treatments and structural repairs.
Contact : Ann Jolly via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
Since the refurbishment of the Annexe, St. Michael’s is used by many local groups.
Contact Joan Tautz via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
The readership is parish wide. Magazines are not only distributed within the Rayleigh area but also are mailed out to people who have moved away and like to keep in touch. 600 copies printed monthly. Particular thanks must go to all who contribute regularly, those who get asked to write occasional articles, and all distributors.
Contact Maureen Euphrat (Editor) via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
Revenue from magazine advertising substantially supports the cost of printing the magazine every month. Our advertisers supply a wide range of goods and services, and many businesses ask to be included in our Magazine because the services they offer are relevant and helpful to a congregation like ours. At the moment there is a short waiting list for space, but if you know anyone who is interested in advertising just pass them on to Doris Norwood. Meanwhile Magazine readers please support our advertisers.
Advertising : Doris Norwood via Parish Office on 01268 742151
Maintained by John Maton.
Updates to Ann Jolly, Email jollydutch@tinyworld.co.uk or phone 01268 747053.
More volunteers are always welcome, so if you think this may be a way in which you could support Church life please let Sarah Butcher know.
Contact Sarah Butcher via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
We have twenty-six church members who regularly read at our services. A rota is compiled covering the various services for the year.
Contact Barrie Parsons via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
New participants are always welcome, and encouraging training is available.
Contact Pat Greensmith or James Roskelly via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
The senior Sidesmen and Sidesmen are responsible for the "back of house" management of the church during the services. The senior Sidesman opens the church and organises his or her team to distribute the hymn books and service books as well as counting the collection, checking the microphones, lights, hymn number boards, pew bags etc and helping members of the congregation where needed. The rota for Sidesmen duties is published each month and most Sidesmen are asked to help at one or two services each month.
Contact Deborah Pocock via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
Contact Pat Greensmith via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
There are 3 rotas, providing flowers for Altar vases, Memorial vases, and the Alen Chapel vases. Wedding flowers and special arrangements for Festivals are also undertaken.
Contact Joyce King via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
Please contact Mary Beams if you wish to display a notice via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
The team beautify the church with flowers, especially at festival times. Flowers are often given to mark a Baptism or to offer comfort in trouble.
Contact Pat Greensmith via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
Our group meets each Thursday evening in the Parish Centre at 8pm. We have a varied programme throughout the year with different speakers. A Bible Study is also included and we have Informal Evenings where any member of the group can speak and make an interesting discussion. Our Lent Project each year is usually for a local charity. During autumn we have our Service and Supper, with members from other groups invited to join us. We have a Christmas and New Year party with fun and games. We are a very friendly group and new members are always welcome.
Contact Thea Kentish via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
Founded in 1996 as a vehicle through which anyone can play their part to maintain Rayleigh's historic Parish Church for future generations. The Friends, now 384 strong, has raised over £80,000 for fabric repairs. Are you part of this success story? Join us and have fun whilst raising much needed funds.
Contact Marian Smith (Secretary) via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
Home Groups meet during the week to study the Bible in an informal way in the comfort of someone’s home. New members are welcome at any time.
Contact James Roskelly via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
The Mothers' Union is a world-wide society whose aim is the advancement of the Christian religion in the sphere of marriage and family life. It is a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service. We meet in the Parish Centre -2nd Wed. each month and our Prayer Group 10.45 am 4th Wed. each month. Our Branch Meeting 10.45 am 5th Wed. (when applicable) and Informal meeting at 2.00 pm.
Contact Barbara Hale via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
We meet in Holy Trinity Main Hall on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month during term time, from 1.45 to 3.15pm. There is a chance to meet other mums with babies and small children, to have an informal discussion, sometimes on topical issues and to find out about the Christian faith and how to share your faith with your children. We also have a time for singing with the children, accompanied by their musical instruments, and just relaxing with a cup of tea whilst the children play together.
Although mums are responsible for their children, we aim to have four experienced Creche helpers to assist you at our meetings.
Contact Helen Parsons via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
Meets on Monday night’s at St. Michael’s Church hall. All welcome to come and play.
Contact David Sheffield via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
Since opening in September 1999 our numbers have always been between 25 and 30 attending the meetings. The club meets at St Michael's, and enjoy a social programme of talks and entertainment and "light" lunches which have become almost main meals and always appreciated. If you wish to join the club, or help, please contact Mike as below.
Contact Mike Tautz via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
This informal group for parents and children meets in St. Michael’s hall on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month.
Contact Pat Greensmith via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
It is hoped to continue with the group’s mens breakfast during this year. Contact Geoff Edmunds via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
About once a month we clean the Holy Trinity brass. This includes the lectern, altar crosses, the processional cross, candlesticks, collection plates, vases, stair rods and miscellaneous small items.
Contact David Belcham via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
Follow-ups have continued to be carried out under the umbrella of 'Talk and Tots'. A letter is taken out from the 'Talk and Tots', together with a Parish Magazine recording the Thanksgiving Service or a Baptism Card. Hopefully, by meeting the mums and telling them about our meetings, they will be encouraged to come along and they will be able to recognise and least one face. It will, therefore, not be quite so daunting when arriving alone for the first time, as for some it takes a lot of courage to make that first step through the door.
Contact Helen Parsons via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
The Rayleigh Company of Change Ringers ring the bells for Sunday services, weddings, funerals and other special occasions. Practice night is Tuesday pm. Free tuition in this centuries old tradition is available for those of any age (minimum 12 years) who can make it up the stairs! No musical knowledge required, only a sense of rhythm and the ability to count. The ringers also take responsibility for flying the flag on designated days.
Contact Penny Drayson via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
The bereavement ministry continues to offer support to those who mourn. Visits are made to all who live within the Parish boundary, and our Thanksgiving and Remembrance services are still well attended and appreciated by the families.
Contact Mike Tautz via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
The Book Shop was set up as part of the outreach to the town when we opened Holy Trinity Church on a daily basis in September 1999. It provides Christian books, prayer cards, notelets, and greeting cards. Over a hundred books and hundreds of cards were sold through the Book Agency last year.
Contact June Openshaw via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
The team of Christian Listeners are a group of people involved with pastoral care both within our Churches and the wider community of our town. We have members of the group from all three congregations, both male and female and all receive training and supervision from The Acorn Healing Trust. Christian Listeners are available whenever anyone feels they would like to talk to someone. We do not give advice, but by a gentle method of reflective listening we help people to move forward and make their own decisions. We attend the Bereavement Services, Parish Weekends and other events when asked to be available for listening. Christian Listeners are always available in the Parish Coffee Shop and when the Church is open. Confidential appointments can be made through the Parish Office.
Contact Beryl Savage via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
Our Church is open every morning from 10.00a.m. until 12 noon The Alen Chapel is set aside for private reflection and prayer and there are candles to light if needed. Christian books and cards may be purchased during these hours and there is always someone available to talk to.
Contact Enid Grimwood via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
Our Coffee Shop can be found in the Parish Centre Underspire on Thursday and Friday from 10.30 a.m. until 1 p.m. during school term time. Light refreshments are served in peaceful surroundings and someone is always about to have a chat to if you are feeling lonely.
Contact Enid Grimwood via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
The flowers from the Alen Chapel have continued to be taken out to the sick, bereaved etc., during the past year. Permission is sought from those donating flowers to the Alen Chapel as to whether they would like their flowers to remain in church or to be distributed in this way, when appropriate.
Helen Parsonsvia the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
The Choir leads the singing, and also contributes choir only items at the 11am and 6.30pm services each Sunday, and at the 9.45am Communion on the first Sunday in the month. We rehearse on Fridays at 8pm. In addition we are much in demand for weddings on Saturdays, mainly in the summer months. Our full numbers include members of St Michael's and Grovewood, whose contribution we greatly appreciate when they are free to join us. We also have a junior department, which we would like to see increased in numbers, boys as well as girls (and we accept that membership of other Young-Church groups means that they cannot be with us full time). New members very welcome.
Contact : Gavin Brown via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
We play each Sunday, except the first, at the 9.45.am service. We rehearse twice a month on a Friday. If you enjoy singing or playing and feel this is a way you could serve God, please speak to any of us, or contact Jean Ash as below.
Contact : Jean Ash via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
We meet occasionally at St. Michael’s House to practice worship songs.
Contact Robert Eden via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
The Mary Committee and the Pastoral Care Working Party look at ways of improving Pastoral Care in our parish - from visiting the sick, lonely or troubled to encouraging parishioners to exercise their ministry of caring for each other. If you know of anyone who is in need of this ministry please contact a member of staff, Mary Committee, any church official or myself. Margaret Toogood has joined the team as a pastoral assistant.
Contact : Margaret Allen via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
The Sacristy provides wafers and wine for the Communion, Our tasks include refilling candles, washing the communion silverware, and cleaning and replenishing the decanters and the glass and carafe at the back of the church. Also, the banner, altar frontal colours, and "Sunday" hymn-board headings are changed to reflect the changing seasons of the Church year. Special thanks to Karen Phillips, who keeps us supplied with clean linen, communion wafers, etc. A small team of Servers assist the clergy at Communion services. This involves preparing the Altar before the service, and clearing away afterwards.
Contact :Robert Toogoodvia the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
The team carries out the function of welcoming each week at the 9.45 service. More Welcomers are urgently needed.
Contact : Julie Sawford via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
Please see Young Church Pages.
The distribution of weekly notes to subscribers from the Parish of the three different types of notes prepared by BRF.
Contact Pat Greensmith via the Parish Office on (01268) 742151.
