Music Ministry

Choir and music group

Music plays an integral part of the worship at St Mary’s. The type of music we use reflects the different styles of our worship including: Taizé, plain-song, and responsorial psalms, as well as hymns and worship songs. We also perform large choral pieces such Handel’s Messiah and Brahms Requiem to raise money and as a fun and inspiring way to grow together.

The Choir

We have a robed choir that leads the singing on two (or sometimes three) Sundays per month at our 10 a.m. Sung Eucharist. Members of the choir meet on the Friday evening of those weekends to practice and we always rehearse from 9.15 a.m. before the service to go through specific pieces for the service. The choir is always looking for new members in all parts – soprano, alto, tenor and bass. Although the ability to read music is useful it is not strictly necessary, rehearsals are geared to all abilities. The main requirement is having a desire to worship God through music and enthusiasm to learn new skills. Just come to a Friday rehearsal if you would like to give us a try.

The choir has a wide repertoire of anthems and service music ranging from contemporary classic works (Howard Goodall’s “The Lord is my shepherd” or Karl Jenkins “Mass for Peace” to music that originated in the early church and before.

Occasional Choral Evensong and themed evening services for different times of the year offer additional opportunities for singing music that does not work so well at the communion service.

The choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) and we attend RSCM and Archdeaconry of Cambridge Church Music Society (ACCMS) events at Ely Cathedral and King’s College Chapel.

We are aided in our worship by the use of a screen at the front of the church.

The Organ

Integral to the worship of the church is the organ, which supports the singing of the congregation and choir at many Sunday service and midweek festivals. We are fortunate in having a good mechanical action instrument at St Mary’s, which is sensitive to the skill of the player. Apart from our Director of Music, Dr. David Parry-Smith, we are fortunate to have several members of the congregation who can play and assist with services. David encourages use of the organ and can advise those who wish to learn to play. You can find details of the specification of the organ at the National Pipe Organ Register.

The Music Group
On the fourth Sunday of each month St Mary's has an all age non-eucharistic service called 'Together with God'. The Music group leads the singing on these weeks, led by musicians playing the piano, guitar and flute. The worship songs are different from the more traditional hymns that are sung in other weeks, however hymns may be sung in family services and worship songs may be sung on other Sundays.
The musicians and singers meet at 9.15 a.m. before the 10 a.m. service. This group isn't robed and everyone is welcome to join in.

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here

Planning your Visit

Welcome to St Mary's, Linton

Where and When

Our main service is 10am every Sunday, after an early said Holy Communion in traditional language at 8am, but there are a number of other ways we meet, both in church (details here) and in homes and other venues across our community. There is some parking on Church Lane, or on the High St, or Medical Centre car park, just a few minutes walk away. If you're new or visiting us, do say hello to one of our welcomers on the door.

The 10am is usually an hour long, sometimes less, and we serve tea, coffee and biscuits after the 10am service, apart from Cafe Church - every fourth Sunday morning - where coffee, etc is served before we begin. All refreshments are free, but donations to keeping our ancient church open for everyone are always appreciated. Thanks.

Other types of worship offer contemplative space (The Well, every second Sunday evening at 6pm), Taize worship, as well as prayer for healing (Services of Hope and Healing) where blessing with anointing is available. Evensong (BCP) takes place in Bartlow, 5 minutes drive from Linton, every third Sunday at 6pm. We are very active in our community and host school worship - our Infant School meet here every Friday in term time - and a range of special events (such as a recent Vigil for Ukraine).

St M's is open every day of the year (c9.30am-4pm), for locals and visitors alike. Many people drop by to light a candle, or to find some quiet, or to read or draw with their child or grandchild. Dogs are most welcome, too.

Celebrating life events

If you're visiting our website because you would like to arrange a wedding, funeral or Christening, do contact us. We'd love to help you mark these precious times in your life and the lives of your loved ones. It doesn't matter if you are not a churchgoer - all are welcome here.

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up. There is a loo in the Pavilion (which has wheelchair access) at the back of the church.

Young people

We really value worshipping God all together as a family. There is an area in the south aisle dedicated to children and their carers, which allows them to take part in the service, while also having books, drawing materials, toys and other resources to hand. We really don't mind if your child makes a noise - they are as welcome as anyone else!

There are other activities, like Messy Church and Tots in Tow, that nurture young people's faith in positive and caring ways. More info can be found on this site.

Children

Root & Branch (RnB) Groups

Being part of one of our small groups is a great way to make new friends, share questions of life and faith and explore the Bible. No previous experience necessary. Four groups meet across the Linton Parishes; three in homes across Linton. Usually, we meet fortnightly, in 'terms' of around four or five dates. Check out our Small Groups and see if there’s a time that works for you, and let us know if you'd like to come along.

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.

Name:

Telephone:

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Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.

Peace and blessings,

Revd Paul