What sort of church is St. Thomas?
We don't like labels - Catholic, Evangelical, Traditional, Inclusive, Liberal, Charismatic etc - we would like to claim to be all of these and more: to be "all things to all people". So first and foremost we try always to be inclusive. Certainly we are Catholic in the sense that we value ceremonial and sacramental signs of the mystery of God. We even indulge ourselves on very special occasions with the use of incense. We are Evangelical in our commitment to spread the gospel of God's love as known to us in the life, death and resurrection of Christ. We preach a doctrine of justification by faith.
Whilst we honour traditional values, we count one of them as openness to the convictions of others and a recognition that nobody has a monopoly of truth. Rather than give people a ready-made package, we encourage them (as Jesus did) to think things out for themselves. So Liberal we certainly are. Charismatic?
Well, exuberance in worship is not forbidden but not noticeable at St. Thomas'. However, if Charismatic means believing in the power of God's Holy Spirit to make all things new, then yes, we can even put our hands up to that description.
What services do you have?
Every Sunday there is a said Holy Communion at 8.00a.m. and the Parish Communion takes place at 10.00a.m., followed by coffee in the church hall. There is also a service at 6.30p.m. except (normally) on the third Sunday in the month when the Churches in Wells and some of the surrounding villages meet to worship together in one of our churches. On other Sundays we have a variety of services at 6.30p.m.: Compline, Sung Evensong or special seasonal services as on Remembrance Sunday or at Christmas.
What service books do you use?
For the Sunday and weekday Eucharists we use Common Worship Order One usually as printed in our own service books. The readings follow the Ecumenical Calendar. Collects and readings are printed in the weekly newssheets. Our hymn book is the New English Hymnal, but we also use our own supplement. For Sung Evensong which takes place about once a month we use the Book of Common Prayer. On other Sundays at 6.30pm we often use the 1928 Compline Service.
How do I arrange a baptism?
You can contact the Vicar or the Parish Office. It is normally necessary to live in the parish but sometimes there are circumstances which permit exceptions. Baptism is sometimes called "Christening" and this is just what it is: being made a Christian or a member of Christ's family. Baptisms usually take place at the Parish Eucharist when the Church family are assembled to welcome the new 'Christian, but other times are sometimes possible.
How do I arrange a wedding?
Again, you should contact the Vicar or enquire at the Parish Office. It is normally necessary for bride or bridegroom to live in this parish, unless one of you is a regular worshipper and therefore on the church Electoral Roll.
How do I arrange banns to be called?
If you are being married at St. Thomas', you will be in contact already with the priest who is marrying you and you can arrange when the banns will be called on three consecutive Sundays within three months of the wedding.
If you are being married elsewhere but one of you lives in this parish, it will be necessary to have the banns called here, unless you are being married by licence. Details should be given to the Parish Office and there is a fee. Banns are called at the 10.00am Sunday service on three consecutive Sundays.
How do I book a funeral or arrange a burial?
Everyone who lives within the parish has a right to a funeral in the church, whether or not they have been a worshipper here. When the service is to be at the cemetery or crematorium, the Vicar is always willing to conduct it, and again it doesn't matter if that person has not been a regular member of St. Thomas' congregation. Those who live in the parish may be buried in the churchyard at Horrington. Funerals and burials are normally arranged in the first instance through the Funeral Director.
We also inter cremated remains in St. Thomas' churchyard, and there is space reserved on the west wall (outside) for memorial plates of a uniform design.
How do I arrange to see someone from the church?
The Vicar and honorary clergy who serve our parish are always pleased to give any help they can to those who want to talk over their faith - or doubt - or who want to discuss any other matters. If you would like to talk to any of them, please do not hesitate to phone the parish number for an appointment. You can of course speak to any of the clergy or to the churchwardens before or after a church service.
Don't forget - the clergy have no mystical way of knowing if someone is ill or in need of a visit. They may not necessarily realise that a regular churchgoer has missed a few Sundays. So please tell them, preferably in writing. A note can always be left at the Parish Office.
How can I have someone's name added to the prayer list?
At the Eucharist each day, including Sunday, we include in our prayers for the sick by name those who have asked for our prayers. The Guild of Intercessors also pray regularly, but privately, for those known to be in special need. We do not pray publicly for anyone unless they themselves have given permission. Names should be given to the Vicar or churchwardens, or left in the Parish Office, please in writing - one Christian name is sufficient.
Do you pray for the departed?
Yes, at the Eucharist we always pray for the departed and by name for those who have recently had funerals here. You may also request that those you love who have gone before are remembered at their anniversary of death. Names in writing should be left in the Parish Office please.
How can I join the choir?
Speak to the Director of Music, Michael Taylor. You can phone him on 01749 670348 or speak to him after a service.
Is there a Sunday School?
Yes. St. Thomas' Sunday School exists to teach the essential elements of our Christian faith to children, to welcome them into the Church family and to enable them to learn about and join in the regular worship at St. Thomas'.
To these ends, Sunday School meets in the church hall every Sunday in school terms. We start at 9.55a.m. and have a Bible story and prayers every week; other activities include learning songs and hymns, making things (Christmas decorations, gifts for Mothering Sunday) and preparing activities for presentation in church.
All children are welcome whether they are able to come every week or only occasionally and whether or not parents are able to be in church.
For further information or to offer help, please contact the Vicar or the Parish Office.
Are children welcome in church?
Children are also always very welcome in church, and at the 10a.m. Parish Communion there are nearly always some children and babies. We understand that sometimes they may be noisy, and that's OK.
How do I book the church hall?
Bookings are handled by Mr. and Mrs. Bowyer on 01749 673977.