Every week on the Sabbath the Rector or, in his absence, a visiting clergyman conducts a service of praise
and thanksgiving to Almighty God.
This service begins with a hymn usually taken from the Church of
Ireland hymn-book. The singing is led by the church organist and the church
choir. The rector then uses the form of morning service found in the Church
of Ireland prayer book wherein he leads the assembled congregation in the
public confession of our sins and invites us all to affirm the main tenets
of the catholic faith by reciting together the Apostles Creed. We join
together in singing and reading aloud one or more of the Psalms of David.
Other hymns and carols appropriate to the time of year or current
circumstances (harvest, Easter, Christmas, etc.) are sung. Passages of
scripture from the Bible, appropriate to the time of year are read.
The highpoint for many is the rector's sermon delivered usually from the
pulpit. He takes a Bible passage and develops it into a modern day setting.
He will have spent quite some time during the previous week reading and
studying the pros and cons of his chosen subject and he will take up to 15
minutes telling us what his thinking is! Whatever the subject, he will have
stimulated us to look again at our own strengths and weaknesses and we will
leave afterwards full of new confidence to live a better life here on earth in the coming
week.
The rector will not con us into thinking that the doing of good works or the
giving of money or property to the church will in any way help to save our
souls when we sooner or later have to meet our God and account for our life
on earth. He will have told us again that Jesus is the way, the truth and
the light. No amount of praying to or kissing statues, images or idols will
count with God. We have to mature a genuine sure faith in the Trinity of the
Father, Son and Holy Spirit to contemplate a new life after this one one on
earth is taken from us.
Some of the St. Tidas' church services are Holy Communion services where
those that have previously received the 'laying on of hands' by the Bishop
of the Diocese can partake of the Bread and Wine in memory of Jesus Christ's
death and passion.
Other services are held during the week and at specific festival times
during the church year.
Visitors are always made very welcome
and can come
either by previous arrangement with the Rector, or any
parishioner, or by simply turning up at the church when any service is being
held.