Did you know that as well as being available for Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals St Laurence Church provides a variety of other ministries to people who live in the parish?
Confession
Every service in the Church of England includes an opportunity to confess your sins. The "General Confession" can be used to silently state before God the things which have been burdening you. The General Absolution is then stated by the priest offering Gods forgiveness to you. However if you are not able to "quieten your soul" make an appointment with one of the clergy and they will arrange for you to come to the Lady Chapel where the Sacrament
of Reconciliation will be administered. This will be a one to one meeting following from which you can be assured that God will have forgiven you.
Spiritual Direction
If you wish to talk to someone about a problem you have, or about a worry which is upsetting you, do ask the clergy or Parish Administrator and they will put you in touch with one of the trained people in St Laurences who have been authorised by the Bishop to help. There is always someone available to talk with you after the main worship services, but special arrangements can be arranged when that is more appropriate.
House Blessings
If you have recently moved house, the clergy will be glad to arrange to come and perform a house blessing ceremony. As well as house blessings, the same service is appropriate for blessing new businesses, offices and shops. To find our more details ask one of the clergy for details.
Healing Ministry
Each month as part of its regular ministry St Laurence provides a Wholeness Service. This service includes the laying on of hands following the authorised words of the Church of England. This ministry is also available to be used in peoples homes, and is especially appropriate where it is accompanied by a house communion. Where a person is very ill and it is thought they are reaching the end of their life the ministry can include anointing with oil which has been blessed by the Bishop.
Thanksgiving for the birth of a child and/ or adoption
This service is in addition to or as an alternative to a Baptism service. It may take place in Church, but arrangements can also be made for this service to take place within your own home. Ask the clergy for details.
Meditation
A regular monthly opportunity is provided for Christian Meditation. This takes place in the Lady Chapel. A special leaflet is provided on the leaflet stand which gives more details about this ministry. You are most welcome to join these sessions, and further details can be obtained from the clergy and Parish Administrator.
Daily Prayers
Morning and Evensong prayers are said daily in this parish. Morning Prayers are usually said at 9.00am. Evening Prayers are said at different times in the early evening. You are always welcome to join the clergy for those prayers, but in order to make sure that the particular day is not one of the "exceptional days" when another time has been allocated, it is wise to contact the Parish Office.
Food and Drink
The Refectory is a fully equipped and serviced area where cooked meals are provided on Tuesday and Friday Market days. During the summer months refreshments are also available on Saturday. Our prices are competitive and people comment on our food. Coffee and tea are also provided after the main Sunday morning service. The Refectory is also available for hire and has been used for birthday parties and funeral teas. Ask for details from the Parish Administrator.