Our day's worship begins with said Morning Prayer, usually from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.
Our main act of worship each week, when we gather to hear God's Word proclaimed, and to receive Holy Communion. We use the modern-language form of service, with a modicum of traditional Catholic ceremonial to foster a sense of the mystery of the Mass. We usually sing a mixture of traditional and more modern hymns, together with a simple congregational Mass setting, led by our cantor(s) and volunteer organist/pianist.
Children and young people are encouraged to stay for the whole service, as it is not possible to have a separate Sunday School at present. For young families, there is a 'safe space' especially for them, with room to move around, but at the moment we cannot provide soft toys/colouring materials.
The Ministry of Christian Healing is available by arrangement with Father Garry, as is the Sacrament of Reconciliation (aka Confession).
A short service of Evening Prayer, usually concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. (Holy Communion from the Reserved Sacrament is available, if you've missed Mass earlier in the day - please speak to whoever is leading the service).
An opportunity to share in a quiet mid-morning service, held in one or other of the various chapels within the church.
A short late-afternoon service in one of our various chapels.
A Mass for the early-birds (!).
A short, said service, usually held in the Lady Chapel (the one in the picture - with a number of furnishings and fittings by Sir Ninian Comper, no less). The Cell of Our Lady of Walsingham meets each month, and dates of Cell Masses are usually published on the weekly pew-sheet.
At today's Walsingham Cell Mass we pray especially for the Shrine in Norfolk, for its work, and for the popular Youth Pilgrimage next week. All are welcome, and there are refreshments after the service.
Our Parish Mass today marks the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady - the principal Marian festival.
The annual Friends of Kent Churches Sponsored 'Ride and Stride' event takes place today. It may not be possible to have the Church open all day, but the form for any Riders or Striders to sign, to show that they have been to St Luke's, will be on the Virginia Road door or noticeboard from 130pm onwards. If you wish to take part in the event, sponsorship forms can be picked up from the table in Church. The Church will be open from 10am until around 130pm as part of the Heritage Open Days weekend, and refreshments will be available in the Hall.
We give thanks to God for the harvest at today's Parish Mass. Gifts of food will be donated to the local Foodbank, and money will be collected for the charity Water Aid.
We mark the Feast of St Luke the Evangelist - our Patronal Festival - on the nearest Sunday, but we invite visitors from other churches to join us if they can. We hope to be able to have a *Bring and Share* lunch after the service!