On Sunday, 29 September, St Mary’s in rural Lower Bentley, Bromsgrove hosted a heart warming ‘Songs of Praise’ service, led by ALM Roger Powell.
The service, which takes place three times a year on the fifth Sunday, welcomed around twenty people from churches across the Redditch and Bromsgrove Deanery.
Reflecting on the service, Sarah Carless said: "What a lovely Songs of Praise we hosted at St Mary’s on Sunday. It is always a fantastic opportunity to get together and sing our favourite hymns. Each hymn is selected and introduced by a member of the congregation. Some are selected because it reminded someone of their school days, it was played at their wedding, or it was just one they liked to sing. Thanks to Roger Powell, one of our ALMs, who puts a lot of time and effort into pulling it all together."
Rev Sarah Jayne added, “The service was, as always, deeply uplifting. It’s always lovely to gather as a wider community to worship together.”
The 'Songs of Praise' service rotates between different locations, including St Mary’s, St Philip’s in Webheath, and St Bartholomew’s in Tardebigge, offering worshippers the opportunity to gather in song, prayer, and fellowship in various sacred spaces.
The hymns for this service included The Church’s One Foundation, O For a Thousand Tongues, Be Still, Love Divine, and others. Each hymn was thoughtfully introduced by the person who nominated it, sharing their personal reason for the selection.
If you would like to join in the next one, it will be at St Philip’s, Webheath (B97 5PD) on the 29 December at 11 am. Song choices can be sent to rmpowell@btinternet.com (Roger Powell)
