Jenkin 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.

Forest Chapel

St Stephen’s is the oldest of the three churches, set in the beautiful scenery above Macclesfield Forest. The chapel serves the local community and the many walkers and cyclists that come from all over the country to take a moment of peace and reflection in a place where people have worshipped for over 340 years.​

If you are passing through, please do take a moment to add your name to the visitor’s book and place any prayer requests in the basket provided. We’re always glad to hear from those who have dropped by and include you in our prayers.

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Accessibility

Forest Chapel is situated in a small hamlet, which is accessed by narrow, winding roads that can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the winter months. The entrance, however, is wide and there are no steps to navigate. Inside, the flooring is level, but fixed pews reduce wheelchair access.

Parking

There is limited parking outside the church. For larger events, more parking is available on request.

Toilets

There is a single unisex toilet within the church.

​Services

Please find below a brief summary of the main services provided at Forest 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.

Light in the Forest

This is a lay-led service held every Wednesday, during which prayers are said for all those that have left prayer requests in the basket and/or filled in the visitor’s book.

Rushbearing

This is an annual service held on the first Sunday after the 12th August, which celebrates the changing of the rushes. It is a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, when most buildings had earthen floors and rushes were placed on top as a form of renewable floor covering. A review of this service can be found on the Ship of Fools website.

Carol Service

The carol service at Forest Chapel is traditionally held on Christmas Eve.