What's All Saints All About?
All Saints' is an Anglican Church with a strong evangelical tradition serving the parish of Lindfield in the Diocese of Chichester in West Sussex
Although we are a local church, we are committed to supporting God's work further afield. We have a number of Partners in Mission who are involved in mission work in this country and across the world.
We try to be a welcoming Christian community, embodying as well as proclaiming the gospel of God.
Our belief as a church is grounded in the teaching of the Bible, the inspired Word of God.
We joyfully acknowledge Jesus as our Saviour and try to follow him day-to-day as our Lord.
We believe that he continues his work in our world today through the power of the Holy Spirit - drawing people to himself, changing lives, bringing wholeness and equipping people of all ages to serve him and help extend His kingdom.
We are not a perfect church, but we are trying, by God's grace, to grow in faith, hope and love each day. Our aim, therefore, is to be a disciple-making church, building up and growing mature followers who will be his witnesses in the world.
Because All Saints' is a big church it is easy to feel a bit overwhelmed. Why not contact the Church Office to find our more about our welcome suppers - where we explaining the values of the congregation. Click on Contact Information in the list to the left.
Prayer
On the first Wednesday of each month the whole church mmets for First Priority Prayer. This is a chance to pray corporately for our world, our people and our church.
There is also regular early morning prayer every Monday from 7-7.30am and on Fridays from 7-7.45am. This is in the Crypt of the Tiger.
Young People
We are keen to encourage our young people to put their trust in Christ. And, for them to build their lives on Him and His teaching. Building friendships and relationships within the context of events and activities, worship and teaching, is the basis from which to encourage young people to love Jesus and to grow in Him.
We have two groups for young people.
Pathfinders, for 11-13 year olds which meets in the Tiger on Thursday evenings at 7pm and ALSO on Sundays during the 9.30am service
Encrypt, for 14-18 year olds.
Encrypt, for 14-18 year olds, meets for Bible study on Wednesdays or Thursdays. These meeting are called PoDs (Places of Discipleship). Encrypt also meets in the Tiger for social activities on Friday nights from 8-10pm.
Steph Sayers is our youth coordinator and can be contacted via the church office.
Children
Children of all ages are very welcome at the church. They are valued members of our community. There are groups for children aged from nought to 11 years old at the 9.30am service. These groups are linked to school year groups.
Creche, for 0-2.5, meets in the Stable Block behind the Tiger
Scramblers, for 2.5-3.5, meets in the Schoolroom inside the Tiger
Springers, for reception ages, meets in the Crypt of the Tiger
Climbers, for Years 1-2, meets in the lounge of the Tiger
Explorers, for Years 3-6, meets in the Hall of the Tiger
Jo Ransley is our Children's Project Worker and can be contacted via the church office
Homegroups
Homegroups are at the heart of the church fellowship. We encourage every adult member to belong to one.
In a large church it can be difficult to get to know people and find out where you fit in. So, we have many homegroups across the local area for friendship, bible study and prayer.
They meet fortnightly during term time.
If you would like to join a home group please contact the church office.
Mission
The church has a long tradition of support for mission at home and abroad. We are privileged to share in the fellowship of the worldwide church. We currently support the following mission partners.
Ian and Anne-Marie Prescott
With OMF International in Singapore
Hans-Ueli and Wendy Gerster
With OMF in Sapporo, Japan
Simon and Becky Lunt
With Operation Mobilisation's Turning Point. Working with Muslims in London
Robin and Chris Meredith-Jones
With New Directions Theatre Company in the UK
John and Priya Buzzard
At the Isubilo Aids Orphans project in Ndola, Zambia.
John and Sally Phillips
with Bethany Ministries at Hebron Retreat Centre, Hong Kong
Tom Seymour
with Joint Christian Services in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Bronek and Mandy Pomorski
With Opera Brava touring company, based in Haywards Heath.
Phil Candy
with Medair, in Northern Africa
We also support a variety of short term mission links that involve groups of church members. In addition, the church has strong and growing links with:
the Diocese of South Rwenzori in south-west Uganda. These links help the training of the clergy and the missionary hospital in Kagando.
The Isubilo Project in Ndola, Zambia - helping to improve the living standards of vulnerable people including orphans and those living with Aids.
The Light for Life Ministry in Sofia, Bulgaria - providing specialised rehabilitation, therapy and practical support for adults with disabilities.
Mission Development Group
Mission support in the church is directed by the PCC operating through its Mission Development Group. its work is organised in a series of working groups that each take responsibility for a particular area of mission support. The MDG is chaired by Prof. Andrew Nunn and does the following:
- suggests to the PCC areas of strategic development for mission support
- implements policy of mission support as laid down by the PCC's consideration
- reports regularly to the PCC and advises on all matters relating to our mission partners and on mission support generally.
Pastoral Care
The aim of pastoral care is to help individual Christians grow in faith and discipleship so that, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, they may live for Christ in all circumstances.
We recognise that there will be particular times of need where special support is needed and we aim as a church to provide that. A dedicated confidential telephone line and answering machine (01444 487540) is available to request help.
In addition, Julia Storer co-ordinates our parenting programme and we are currently looking at ways of developing our provision for marriage support and enrichment.
One of the pastoral team normally visits local hospitals on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. If you know of anyone requiring a visit please advise the church office by noon on those days.
About Christianity
All Saints’ is strongly committed to evangelism. It aims to make it an essential part of our church life.
Christianity Explored is a course that presents the Christian faith and its implications for people today through a series of short talks and discussions over a ten week period. It is a good way of finding out what we at All Saints' believe as well as providing a great opportunity to meet people and make new friends.
The course runs at least twice a year (daytime and evenings) and is designed with the interested enquirer in mind, though it can be used as a good refresher course for those who have been Christians some time. Questions are actively encouraged!
A more detailed brochure is available from the church office. See the 'Contact Information' link to the left.
Sunday Services
8am Holy Communion
A quiet traditional Service following the Book of Common Prayer (1662). This Service occurs on the first, third and fifth Sundays of the month.
9.30am Morning Service
Our main morning service for all the family. The whole church family meets at 9.30am in the church. Children up to 14 leave at about 9.45am to meet in groups in The Tiger. Holy Communion takes place once a month at this service on the first Sunday. Afterwards many people stay for coffee, tea or juice in the Tiger.
11.15am Morning Service
A more traditional service with a robed choir. Holy Communion takes place twice a month on the second and fourth Sundays. It alternates with services of Morning Prayer (BCP on first Sunday).
6.30pm Evening Service
A less formal Service of Worship and teaching with Holy Communion on the third Sunday. Watch out for Souled Out, when our youth lead the evening service.
There is also a service of Holy Communion each Friday at Noon. It follows the Book of Common Prayer (1662). Once a month, on the fourth Friday, this is followed by a cooked lunch in the Tiger.
We welcome baptised Christians of other traditions to share Holy Communion.
Collections are not taken during services. Bowls for offerings are placed by the pillars at the back of the church.
