1 Administration 6 Flowers 2 Stewardship 7 Baby and Toddler Group 3 Sunday school 8 Friends 4 Choir 9 Newsletter 5 Bells 10 Sound System
1 ADMINISTRATION The vicar and the two Churchwardens are responsible for the church administration. They are assisted by the Parochial Church Council and a series of committees to attend to Finance, Fabric, Worship and Music, the churchyard and social matters. There are always opportunities to assist in this important aspect of church work.
2 STEWARDSHIP Our Stewardship Scheme is a very important source of income to meet our running costs and upkeep of the church. There are three ways to donate: by Weekly Envelopes, by Cheque or by Standing Order. If the donor is a Tax payer we can claim 25p for every £1 given. If you are interested or want further details see the "Contact Us" page.
3 SUNDAY SCHOOL The Sunday School meets on the 4th Sunday of each month, with leaders supervising and teaching the children. Children assemble in church with their parents for the 10.30am service, leaving after the first hymn for their own activities, and rejoining their parents towards the end of the service. Age range at the moment is 3-9 years. There is also a family service at 10.30am on the 2nd Sunday of each month, with children very much in mind and taking part.
4 CHOIR The choir has maintained the choral tradition of an Anglican parish church for well over 100 years. There are copies of anthems in the music library dated Whit Sunday 1899. The choral tradition is very much a part of the fabric of the church, even today in the 21st century. The choir sings at two Sunday services every week, morning and evening. While the morning service varies between Book of Common Prayer Communion and Matins, and Common Worship Holy Communion, together with variants for Baptisms and family themed services, the Evensong service is very much as would be heard in parish churches and cathedrals throughout much of England and the Commonwealth. This represents a very strong commitment on the part of the choristers who give their time freely to choir practice and two Sunday services week by week. Anyone interested in joining the choir should see the organist or the vicar (see "Contact Us" page).
5 BELLS The bells are rung before the 10.30am and 6.30pm services every Sunday, and also for weddings and other special occasions. The bellringers practice on a Monday evening. There is much more about the bells on the "Tower and Bells" page. We are always looking for new ringers. If you are interested please talk to the Tower Master (see "Contact Us" page).
6 FLOWERS Our team of flower arrangers are enthusiastic and experienced and keep the church beautifully decorated. If you would like to join the team please contact the vicar.
7 BABY AND TODDLER GROUP This group meets in the Church Room on Monday mornings from 10.00am until 11.30am (except holidays) and you will receive a warm welcome from our older Mums of the Church. Coffee and refreshments are provided.
8 FRIENDS The mission of Friends of Aldenham Church is to provide a link for those connected to the church in the following ways:
Those who used to live in the parish and who have now moved away. Those who have relatives and/or friends buried in the churchyard. Those who have been married and/or baptised in the church (or who have had children married/baptised in the church). Members of the parish who are regular attendees of the services - at least twice a year!
Becoming a Friend either because one is far away but still wishing to keep in contact or because one is still a member of the parish, means being able to continue being in touch with yearly activities, events, and how donations are used towards maintenance. Newsletters are produced twice each year and will be actively supported throughout the year by the church website. Friends of Aldenham Church is a very important part of the church community. If you would like any further information or would like to become a Friend, we would be delighted to accept your donation of £12.00 (payable yearly). Please feel free to contact Sue Barnard (see "Contact Us" page). We look forward to your membership and continuing support of this wonderful church.
9 NEWSLETTER A Newsletter is published three times a year and is delivered free of charge to every address in the parish. A Pew Leaflet is supplied at all Sunday services giving the order of service and current notices.
10 SOUND SYSTEM A system is installed in the church which incorporates an induction loop for worshippers with hearing aids (used in the T position) and a speaker system to provide gentle sound reinforcement to the seating areas. The system also accommodates the playing of compact discs and audio tapes.