Michael Mitton (who is the Fresh Expressions Adviser for the Diocese of Derby
for Derby Diocese) suggested that one of the Archdeacon’s Visitation Services should be different from usual so Clergy and Churchwardens could experience a new form of church.
Christine Wilson, the Archdeacon of Chesterfield, took up the challenge. The Visitation service at St Thomas’ was in a Café Church style. The theme was Salty Churchwardens. The pictures below show how the church was set out and the service conducted. It was fairly informal but reverent when appropriate. Tea, coffee and cakes were served at regular intervals.
The service started with a welcome from Christine and Michael Mitton introducing the concept of Café Church. A video clip What is a Church Warden made by St Thomas’ followed. Christine then interviewed Kat Aldridge, a Church Warden from Clay Cross, about her role as Warden. This was followed by the reading, Matthew 5:13, in the form of a video clip.
Christine gave her address, on the theme of Salty Churchwardens. (The picture below shows Christine illustrating her address by adding salt to a packet of crisps.) After she spoke there was a short discussion time in small groups.
The core part of the service then took place –the Admission to Office of the Churchwardens after which there were prayers, led by Michael, and closing remarks and the blessing.
During the evening Gaz Simmonds led a couple of worship songs.
You can listen to parts of the service here:
-Introduction and explanation of Fresh Expressions of Church
-Introduction to the video clip What is a Church Warden
View video clip here
-Being a Churchwarden -interview with Kat Aldridge
-Introduction to the video of the reading -Matthew 5:13 Video clip -Matthew 5:13
-Archdeacon's Address -Salty Churchwardens
-The Admission of Churchwardens
-Prayers
-Closing remarks and final prayer
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