St Georges Douglas

FROM THE VICARAGE

Together by Faith

The celebration of the Eucharist lies at the heart of our church life in St George’s Douglas. Each Sunday we offer our worship, celebrating in hymns and songs the Parish Communion, and involving many different people, each using their gifts in their worship of God. This is a visible expression of our community of faith’s offering to our Father.

The westward facing position of the Priest at the Altar emphasises the corporate nature of the Eucharistic offering. It is Priest and People, together by faith, who offer the Eucharist to God; and the central focus of our adoring worship is the presence of Christ in bread and wine, laid before us on the altar; which in the westward facing position is visible for all to reverence.

The hymns chosen for the moment of communion are often hymns of adoration and thanksgiving, music and words to feed the soul and to touch our emotions at the deepest level.

The corporate nature of our offering is also epitomised by the manner in which the Eucharistic gifts are distributed. Clergy and authorised lay people give the bread and the wine, the body and blood of Christ, to all those who come forward to receive together by faith.

Elsewhere in this news sheet our organist and choirmaster has outlined a new way forward for choir rehearsals; practicing on Sundays instead of Friday evenings. He would be pleased to hear from anyone in the congregation who would like to become part of the choir and further enhance our worship as we sing together by faith.

What a privilege it is, to be week by week in each other’s company and bound together by faith, as God’s people.

Brian.

SEPTEMBER CHURCH NEWS DIOCESE NEWS Venerable Brian Smith Vicar and Archdeacon	St George's Douglas Isle of Man In the Diocese of Sodor and Man, part of the Church of England St Georges is located in the heart of Douglas (Doolish), in the capital of Isle of Man (Ellan Vannin). We are a very welcoming church, with a lot going on. Come in and see us FROM THE VICARAGE *Together by Faith* The celebration of the Eucharist lies at the heart of our church life in St George’s Douglas. Each Sunday we offer our worship, celebrating in hymns and songs the Parish Communion, and involving many different people, each using their gifts in their worship of God. This is a visible expression of our community of faith’s offering to our Father. The westward facing position of the Priest at the Altar emphasises the corporate nature of the Eucharistic offering. It is Priest and People, *together* *by faith,* who offer the Eucharist to God; and the central focus of our adoring worship is the presence of Christ in bread and wine, laid before us on the altar; which in the westward facing position is visible for all to reverence. The hymns chosen for the moment of communion are often hymns of adoration and thanksgiving, music and words to feed the soul and to touch our emotions at the deepest level. The corporate nature of our offering is also epitomised by the manner in which the Eucharistic gifts are distributed. Clergy and authorised lay people give the bread and the wine, the body and blood of Christ, to all those who come forward to receive *together by faith.* Elsewhere in this news sheet our organist and choirmaster has outlined a new way forward for choir rehearsals; practicing on Sundays instead of Friday evenings. He would be pleased to hear from anyone in the congregation who would like to become part of the choir and further enhance our worship as we sing together by faith. What a privilege it is, to be week by week in each other’s company and bound together by faith, as God’s people. *Brian.*	St George's Staff Sunday Services in September Sunday 5th 10.30am Parish Communion 6.30pm Evensong and Communion Sunday 11th 10.30am Parish Communion 6.30pm Evensong Sunday 18th 10.30am All Age Praise 6.30pm Parish Communion Sunday 26th 10.30am Parish Communion 6.30pm Evensong