Meet the congregation
Revd. Jane Walker is in the process of interviewing current members of the congregation about how they came to worship at Holy Innocents.
Betty Ormrod
A familiar and much loved figure across the diocese and well known amongst the nation’s bellringing community, Betty is a regular attender at Holy Innocents. With her customary good humour she gave Reverend Jane an insight into what first brought her to Holy Innocents and what continues to attract her to worship here. When did you become a Christian? It was late in the sixth form that I really came to faith. When did you first start attending Holy Innocents and why? I started worshipping at Holy Innocents in 1979 after the closure of St James, Birch where I previously worshipped and when the peal of bells transferred to Holy Innocents. Holy Innocents and St James had shared the same rector and I already knew the congregation. Can you remember the first time you attended and how you felt? Yes I was awestruck and felt very welcome and comfortable. Why do you continue to worship here? Whilst I do occasionally worship at other churches I like the fellowship, liturgy and clergy here. Do you have a favourite prayer/hymn/Bible passage? I don’t have particular favourites but I do like Harvest hymns. We may not be a rural parish but we’re well blessed with food when half the world isn’t and I like the Thanksgiving theme at Harvest time. What would you say to anyone considering visiting Holy Innocents for the first time? Come! 
Barbara Kinch
A regular attender and valued member of the Holy Innocents congregation, Barbara was born one of identical twins and was at school with our last interviewee, Betty. You will sometimes see Barbara giving one of our Bible readings at the lectern during the Sunday Eucharist. When did you become a Christian? I was born into the faith, baptised as a baby, confirmed when I was twelve years old and had a church wedding, but for some years following my marriage I was probably best described as a “rested Anglican”. When did you first start attending Holy Innocents and why? I first came to Holy Innocents in 1988 when I was being interviewed for a job at St James’ school. The interviews were held in church and it felt serene and calming. I attended on occasions via school and that continued after my retirement from teaching. In 2011 I started attending every week in Lent and have been a regular worshipper since then. What do you remember about your first time worshipping at Holy Innocents? I liked the atmosphere. It felt like coming home. The liturgy spoke sweetly to me. I was welcomed on my own terms, accepted for who I was. Why do you continue to worship here? I love the liturgy, the fact intellect is respected and the church’s commitment to social justice. Do you have a favourite prayer/hymn/Bible passage? If so, what are they? The Prayer of Humble Access is a favourite, as are the prayers of Ignatius Loyola and Richard of Chichester. As for hymns, I love Just As I Am, And Now, O Father, Mindful of the Love, Tell Out, my Soul and Be Still. One of my favourite bible passages is Ecclesiastes 3. What would you say to anyone considering visiting Holy Innocents for the first time? Enter, sit and absorb the atmosphere. Look and listen, absorb the silences. |
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SERVICE TIMES
Sunday 10.00 Sung Eucharist Monday 19.30 Eucharist Thursday 19.30 Eucharist |
Content and images © 2020 Holy Innocents Church and Jamie Neville
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