About our Worship
Where we meet
For many years we met at
St. Benet's Chapel Mile End Road, London E1. When they no longer felt able
to offer us hospitality we began our search for a permanent home. Although
no other church in Tower Hamlets would accommodate us we were overwhelmed to hear
from the congregation of
St. Bartholomew's Church of England church in East Ham. They had heard
about our plight and offered us a sanctuary and a home. Although the
accommodation does not meet all our needs we have loved meeting there since July
2004 and enjoy their warm hospitality. We meet in The Luke Room at
5.30pm. The address is 292b Barking Road E6 3BA near the town Hall at East Ham.
The Liturgy
In MCC in East London we have created our own liturgical style of
worship based on the variety of different experiences that individuals bring.
This has led to a whole worship experience that offers something new to
everyone. We often say that if you are unfamiliar with parts of the
liturgy, wait a few minutes - something you are more familiar with will be there.
Our Orders of Service are
written by a group within the church where each person is encouraged to bring
their own gifts and skills.
Who does what
In MCC in East London we practice the
Priesthood of all Believers, the ministry of all people. We believe that
you don't have to be clergy to preach, lead worship or celebrate communion.
We actively encourage all people to use, discover and develop their gifts
including worship skills. We try to ensure that the worship service
reflects our desire to be inclusive, and our worship leaders reflect the
diversity of our membership..
We offer basic training in preaching and leading skills so that no-one need be
excluded from this ministry.
The Music
The songs and hymns that we use in our worship services come from a
variety of traditions. This variety reflects our own diversity as our
members come from a number of different Christian backgrounds and none.
Music is an important part of our worship experience. People are actively
encouraged to share their musical skills with the community and we are lucky to
have musicians skilled in guitar, flute, trumpet, recorders, organ and clarinet.
We are constantly adding new hymns to our repertoire as new people bring new
music to the church community.
Children and the Church
Our worship services last for about
an hour, sometimes a little over. We have several parents of young
children in the church and have begun to explore what we can offer to young
children. This includes making sure we meet the Home Office guidelines for
the care and well being of young people. At present the health, safety and
well being of young people remain the responsibility of their parent/responsible
adult.
We have adopted a Child Protection Policy and have appointed Jak Davis as our
Child Protection Officer.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion, the sharing in bread and wine with friends, as Jesus
did, is offered every Sunday to those who are seeking to know God's will in
their lives.
We celebrate open Communion and believe that God's table is open to all,
regardless of age or creed.
It is not necessary to be a member of our church, or of any other church in
order to receive God's gifts.
In order that no-one need be excluded we celebrate Communion with alcohol-free wine/fruit juice.