Forest Chapel

Rainow Church

Holy Trinity is the largest and the youngest of the three churches in the Parish of Rainow with Saltersford and Forest and the only one to hold a regular Sunday service every week. It serves the local community throughout the year through a wide range of different services, groups and events that are open to all.

Accessibility

The church was extensively reordered in 2019/2020 to increase its accessibility. A ramp and handrails are available at the entrance, and within, the floor has been levelled to allow wheelchair access throughout.

A loop hearing aid system is installed.

Parking

Disabled parking is available at the vicarage on request. Further parking is available off Round Meadow.

Toilets

The church has a single unisex toilet in the adjoining church centre.

Nappy-Changing Facilities

The toilet has a changing table available.

Services

Please find below a brief summary of the main services provided at Holy Trinity, Rainow. There are different styles to suit a range of different tastes and temperaments. For more information regarding service times, please see the Services tab above.

Communion

This is a more traditional service in which bread and wine are shared to remember Jesus’ loving sacrifice and to draw us together in fellowship as one body. If you receive Communion in your own church, whatever denomination, you are welcome to receive it here.

During this service, children are invited to go into the Church Centre to take part in Junior Church.

Family Service

This is a more informal, lively service with a mix of modern and traditional songs. All ages are welcome and families and young children are included in the whole service, which can involve anything from videos and craft to stories and magic and lots of fun!

Celtic Eucharist

The service has been inspired by the Celtic tradition, particularly from the communities in Iona and Northumbria. The music is played on the piano, and the congregation are gathered in a horseshoe formation facing the Altar. The Celtic Style Eucharist is valued by worshippers from a range of traditions, and the pace of the service allows time for reflection and quiet prayer.

There is a short sermon and the whole service lasts under 60 minutes.

Mid-Week Communion with CAMEO bring and share lunch

There is usually one hymn sung accompanied by the piano, a short sermon, and the service would normally be concluded within 45 minutes. It provides space and time for reflection and prayer during what may otherwise be a busy week.

Following the Communion, we have our CAMEO (Come And Meet Each Other) where we meet to have a light lunch which is a ‘bring and share’ meal. Some ideas are fruit, cheese, crackers, crisps, sausage rolls etc. If you would like to attend but don’t feel able to bring any food, or forget, there is always plenty to share. You may of course attend the lunch without coming to the service, and conversely, you may just wish to attend the Communion.

Carol Service

This carol service follows the traditional 9 Lessons and Carols format. During this service the children have the opportunity to go out into the church centre, where they create a Christingle, are read a simple story about Jesus' birth and learn a song, which is sung during the main carol service.

​Groups

Home Group

All are welcome to come join our bi-monthly group where we discuss Bible passages together. No need to have all the answers – no one else does. We do have biscuits though.

Jolly Tots

A really informal monthly pre-school group with an inordinate amount of toys. Plus tea, coffee, squash and biscuits and a chance for mum / dad / aunty / uncle / grandad / grandma / carer to regain their sanity. If it hasn’t gone for good, that is.

Mothers' Union

Mothers' Union is an international Christian membership charity that aims to demonstrate the Christian faith in action through the transformation of communities worldwide. Rainow members meet together monthly to listen to talks, enter contests and go on trips together.

Jenkin Chapel

Untouched since it was first built by the local farming community, St John’s Chapel feels as though it has captured within its walls the simple spirituality of those who first worshipped there almost 300 years ago.

Accessibility

Jenkin Chapel is accessed by narrow, winding roads that can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the winter months. An uneven path leads to a heavy door, and inside, the floor is uneven and the box pews are cramped. Wheelchair access is therefore limited.

Parking

There is no official parking outside the church.

Toilets

There are no toilet facilities available.

Services

Please find below a brief summary of the main services provided at Jenkin Chapel. There are different styles to suit a range of different tastes and temperaments. For more information regarding service times, please see the Services tab above.

Evensong

Though Evensong is traditionally choral, our service is a more relaxed, prayerful and meditative one for those looking for a quiet space in amongst the busyness of life.

Carol Service

As Jenkin Chapel is not fitted with electricity, wrap up warm for this traditional candlelit service.