Church Life
What’s On
For information on activities and facilities, please scroll down this page or use the buttons below to jump to a specific section.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care provides spiritual guidance and support to help people build closer relationships with the God who loves them completely and can meet all of their needs. The aim of pastoral care is to meet the spiritual, emotional, physical, and social needs of individuals and congregations. It involves listening, comforting, encouraging, guiding, nurturing and praying.
The pastoral care group is led by the Lay Pastoral Assistant and Anna Chaplain, Beverley Linnecor. The group is composed of members of the congregation who assist, and work with her and the Rector in ensuring the provision of pastoral care for people in particular need.
This may be due to many different reasons including ill health, personal circumstances or being unable to attend church. The Lay Pastoral Assistant, Beverley Linnecor, can also take communion to those unable to attend church.
The Lay Pastoral Assistant can liaise to provide phone calls, home visits and hospital visits, according to the need of the person.
The pastoral care group aim to meet at least 4 times a year to review the provision of pastoral care in the parish. All members have undertaken DBS clearance and Safeguarding training commensurate with their role and are aware of confidentiality requirements. Other training is given to ensure all members are kept updated and informed e.g. bereavement, dementia, dying, communication skills etc.
For more information contact Beverley Linnecor by phone on 01481 242192 or email: magazine@valechurch.gg
Choir & Music Group
Church Choir
The Church Choir sings during Communion at the Parish Eucharist most Sundays (excluding Family Eucharists), and also for special services such as the annual Carol Service.
The Choir rehearse on Fridays between 7.30 and 8.30pm in the Church, although there is generally a break during August.
Music Group
The Music Group sing once a month at Family Eucharists (generally on the 3rd Sunday of each month), as well as at special services such as the ‘United Services’ with Salvation Army and Methodist Church.
They also give occasional concerts at events such a Church Festivals. The repertoire is modern, generally based around worship songs, and is regularly extended. The Music Group rehearse on Fridays between 6.30 and 7.30pm in the Church, with a break during August.
Join Us
Both the Choir and the Music Group welcome new members (in the case of the Music Group from the age of 7+).
If you are interested in joining one or both groups please contact Joan Le Flem at organist@valechurch.gg
Bell Ringing
What?
The Vale Church has six bells, tenor 6 ½ cwt, which were cast in 1891, replacing 3 medieval bells. Until 1977 these were rung from an upstairs ringing chamber accessed by the vertical metal ladder you can see on the outside of the tower! Nowadays we ring inside from the ground floor.
When?
We ring for our main Sunday service 10 – 10.25 am and other times by arrangement, including fairly frequent quarter peals to mark special occasions.
Practice night is Monday 7.15 – 8.30pm.
Why?
We are a small but enthusiastic band of ringers and would be delighted to welcome you to any of our ringing sessions, either as a visiting ringer from elsewhere, or as a prospective learner.
Who?
Tower Secretary – Nicky David – bellringers@valechurch.gg
or
Tower Captain – Mike Bubb – towercaptain@valechurch.gg
Weddings, Funerals & Baptisms
Weddings
The Vale Church has been welcoming couples for hundreds of years and is a wonderful place to get married. With panoramic views across the island, it is the perfect setting to make your vows surrounded by your family and friends.
If you would like to know more about weddings or wedding blessings at the Vale Church, please contact the Rector, Revd Beverley Hervé on 01481 244088 or beverley.herve@deanery.gg
Funerals
When someone dies there is so much to think about and organise, that it can all seem a little overwhelming. Here at the Vale Church we understand how difficult this can be. Whether the service is in church, at the graveside or crematorium, we can advise and support you to plan a personalised service for your loved one.
In most cases the initial arrangements are made with the funeral director, however if you would like to speak to the Rector, Revd Beverley Hervé, she can be contacted on 01481 244088 or beverley.herve@deanery.gg
Baptisms
At the Vale Church we welcome the baptism of infants, children and adults. Baptism (or Christening) is a response to God’s love and through which we take the first step on our journey of faith, into the membership of the church and the Christian life. Baptism is also a celebration, a time to come together with family and friends. During a baptism promises are made to God, a sign of the cross is made upon the forehead of the person to be baptised and they are baptised with water to represent their new life with God and to celebrate being part of his family. Baptisms are usually conducted on a Sunday at 12.15, directly after the morning service.
For further information or to arrange a baptism please contact the Rector, Revd Beverley Hervé on 01481 244088 or beverley.herve@deanery.gg
Other Events
Special Services
Evening compline – a time for quiet prayer and reflection – every Thursday during Lent commencing 26th Feb at 6pm in church
Palm Sunday 29th March 10.30am (Palm procession from Billie & Leslie Norman Rooms – weather permitting)
Maundy Thursday 2nd April 7.30pm
Good Friday 3rd April: Stations of the Cross 10.00am, Easter Liturgy 2pm
Easter Sunday 5th April 10.30am
April 19th 10.30a.m We invite you to a Service of Thanksgiving for Marriage. During the service there will be an opportunity for couples to renew their marriage vows. Further information contact Rector Rev Bev Herve 01481 244088
Concerts & Festivals
Music or orchestral concerts, church festivals, exhibitions etc will be posted here.
Guernsey Music Centre Concert on Saturday 25th April 7.30pm Free entry / Retiring collection, refreshments
Social Events & Other Activities
Any church social event e.g. fellowship lunches, fetes, exhibitions etc will be posted here.
Bereavement Support Group will run on last Thursday of every month, from Jan – Jun 10.00 in Billie & Leslie Norman Rooms (by Rectory, Vale Church). Come along for informal chat with others who’ve experienced bereavement and the grief journey, learn more about it, or simply have a cuppa and listen till you are ready to share.
Treasure seekers
We currently have no children attending TReasure Seekers sunday school but if you would like your child to join then please contact jane goddard on 07781 123506
Why & where?
The role is both interesting and challenging, as little minds soak up information and young children can throw surprises at you with their knowledge on certain topics. We meet at 10.15am on a Sunday morning in the Billie & Leslie Norman Room (by the Rectory) and then head up to church around 11a.m to join in with Communion and the end of the service.
What?
The school at present is very small and we hope to be able to grow our numbers in time. Learning topics follow the Lectionary Calendar and there is also some form of art and craft to enjoy! This may include learning songs, painting biblical scenes or making posters for a special occasion and these will then be performed or displayed in Church at a later date.
How?
Once a month there is an All Age Service in Church and the children are encouraged to stand and read the bible verses/psalms for that day and assist with the intercession prayers by writing and reading out their own prayers. Children of any age are welcome but we request that children of non-school age are accompanied by an adult.
For more information contact Jane Goddard at treasureseekers@valechurch.gg