Music plays a vital role in our worship and there are lots of opportunities to become involved.
The diverse range of musically traditions that thrive within St James and Emmanuel is one of the unusual features of our church family. From plain song through traditional hymns to the latest contemporary worship songs, you can find them all somewhere within our church family.
What kinds of music?
The breadth of our musical worship is a great example of the diversity of our church family.
Our 9am Holy Communion service in St James is a traditional service with fantastic traditional music. Even here there is a diverse range of music to aid our worship – from well known hymns to the medieval motets and anthems brought to life by the St James Consort and the St James Clerkes.
The family friendly St James 1030 service features a mix of traditional and contemporary worship music, accompanied by a combination of the organ and a worship band. The St James and Emmanuel Gospel Choir also regularly feature within the St James 1030 service.
The Emmanuel 1030 service is also very family friendly but is a more informal service with a greater emphasis on contemporary music. The sung worship for this service is normally led by a contemporary worship group, with occasional input from the Gospel Choir.
The Emmanuel 1815 service is a very informal service with a strong emphasis on contemporary musical worship led by a music group.
In addition to these regular services, special musical groups and choirs are often assembled for special occasions such as our Nine Lessons and Carols.
Can I Get Involved?
The simple answer is yes!
With such a range of vibrant musical worship, it might be tempting to think that there is no need for you to get involved. The reality is that all of the different musical traditions rely entirely on volunteers.
From the early morning plain song to the evening pounding drum beat, everyone involved is a volunteer and we are always delighted to welcome new musicans onto any of our musical teams. You don’t have to be brilliant, you just need to be willing to have a go.
If you would like to know more then please contact Helen who will work with you to help you find your place within our musical worship teams.
