We aim to offer a variety of worship styles across our churches, throughout the week, from very traditional 1662 Book of Common Prayer, right through to more contemporary and informal styles. The underlying pattern is below, but do watch the calendar for seasonal variations and one-offs!
You can find our annual calendar here (correct at time of going to print) or our monthly rota of services here, and the readings and themes we'll be working from each week here, or for next year here.
Most Sunday Mornings (some weeks, and festivals, arrangements may be different - so please check the diary below for up to date times)
The Underlying Pattern (a 'normal' month, if such a thing existed)
First Sunday
8.15am Traditional Language Communion (Markington) - an absolute classic, and for good reason. The 1662 language communion is a great, reflective start to any month. Quiet, contemplative, spiritual.
9.30am Communion (Burnt Yates) - a familiar communion service, in contemporary language, with hymns.
9.30am Rejoice and Be Glad (Markington) - an innovative service that combines a light liturgy with a visiting topical speaker, encouraging us to think and consider about what it means to have a living faith in 21st century Britain.
10.45am Family Service (Bishop Thornton) - an easygoing, informal service, suitable for all ages.
10.45 Communion with Sunday School (Ripley) - a contemporary language choral communion, with hymns, and sermon; with children's provision through Sunday Stars, our Sunday School.
4pm Festival Service (South Stainley) - each month we pick a topical theme to celebrate with a shorter, family friendly, engaging service.
Second Sunday
8.15am Celtic Prayer and Discussion (Markington) - A very informal group that explores the set readings for the day through open discussion. All very welcome - whether you are a 'talker' or a 'listener'.
9.30am Rainbow Church (Burnt Yates) - an easygoing, informal service, suitable for all ages.
10.45am Communion (Bishop Thornton)- a familiar communion service, in contemporary language, with hymns.
10.45am All Age Worship (Ripley) - Informal worship, accessible and engaging for all ages.
Third Sunday
9.30am - Traditional Language Communion (Markington) - 1662 Communion, at a later time.
9.30am - Breakfast Fellowship (Burnt Yates) - ָA relaxed service, shared over breakfast, with opportunity to reflect on the days readings.
10.45am - Prayer and Praise (Bishop Thornton)- led by a volunteer team from the congregation, every month can be different!
10.45am - All Age Communion (Ripley) - our most accessible communion service, designed to make it as easy as possible for children to fully engage in this most precious sacrament.
Fourth Sunday
8.15am Celtic Prayer and Discussion (Markington)
10.00am Benefice Communion- new for 2020 we will come together once a month for a combined Communion service. Moving through our churches across the year.
10.45am Morning Prayer (Ripley)- a modern language Matins service, with psalms and canticles to well known hymn tunes. Supported by Sunday Stars for children.
4.30pm Choral Evensong (Ripley)- unless there is a fifth Sunday...
Fifth Sunday
8.15am Traditional Language Communion (Markington)
10.45am Cafe Worship at Ripley- sometimes Communion, sometimes not, either way a service enjoyed over a cup of tea or coffee, sat together cafe style.
4.30pm Choral Evensong (Ripley) - the last Sunday of each month (whether it's a fourth or fifth) is when we indulge ourselves in a little Evensong.
Midweek Services
We say Morning Prayer at 8.30am on Mondays in Bishop Thornton Church.
There is a short informal morning prayer service at 9am during term times on a Wednesday morning at Ripley School.
There is a 10am Traditional Language Communion service every Wednesday in Ripley church, followed by coffee and cake.
Whatever you choose to come along to, we'd love to see you.