St. Thomas Choir is gearing up for all the exciting changes that are happening throughout 2012. So what are our plans this year? At the moment the choir are learning a new setting to sing Choral Matins in the next few months. We are also preparing another new setting for Choral Evensong next month. With less services to sing after the changes (at the moment there is a choir presence at Eucharist, Matins and evening service) this means we will be able to explore new settings and choir pieces.

After the changes we are looking at singing about 9 Choral Evensongs a year. Martin has also been in discussion with other Churches who have very little/no choir who would like us to come and sing Choral Evensong - have choir will travel!

In November, when Martin's Chairmanship of the Winchester RSCM finishes, there will be a Choral Evensong at Winchester Cathedral where not only our choir but also many other choirs in the Diocese will be conducted by Malcolm Archer.

The Choir is made up of two sections. Juniors aged 7 - 18 who meet to practice on Friday between 6.45pm-8pm and are expected to attend at least one service a week. They are given singing tuition and are entered for RSCM music examinations. They also get paid!!!! The senior Choir meet between 7.30pm-8.30pm on Fridays. For the senior choir there is an expectation that members have at least basic sight reading.

If you are interested in joining us, why not come along and listen to one of our practices where you will have the opportunity to hear and meet the choir.

More news later

This is the first update on how the Family Time Week of Prayer is progressing - news and items for prayer. Please do join us at St Thomas Church/Hall - everyone is welcome

The first day of our prayers (Monday) was wonderful. We had a lovely mix of different prayer traditions and styles through the day as different people led the group sessions and some lovely singing as well. Thank you to all you came to join us, and thank you to all who are praying at home and work as well.

The theme through the day emerged to be under the heading of 'journey', as we reflected on the move that Family Time will be making to the Junior School in 2011 for the months that the main church building is closed while it is full of workmen. We thought about our foundations for the journey, that God will be with us every step of the way, and that we should travel with hope.

Derek began this morning (Tuesday) with the theme of 'guidance', so we will see what comes out through the day.

Please do join us for the group sessions, or just pop into STC and spend a few minutes sitting in the prayer house . There are prayer activities provided to help you pray, together with opportunities to write your own prayers and add them to those already building up.

Don't forget on Wednesday in the Hall we have: Coffee Morning from 9.30am and Pizza Tea Worship from 3.30pm.

The prayer house at the back of St Thomas Church is open from 7am to 7pm, and group prayers are at 7am, 9.30am, 12 noon, 4pm, 6.30pm and 8pm.

Family Time Week of Prayer, EVERYONE welcome to EVERYTHING – please join us:

Prayers in St Thomas Church
Theme: Listening to God – the future
Mon 13th – Sat 18th 7am-7pm personal prayer
7am, 9.30am, 12noon, 4pm, 6.30pm group prayer each day
Mon 13th – Fri 17th 8pm – 9.30 pm
Group evening prayer service

Coffee Morning Wed 15th, ST Hall 9.30am onwards. Join us for refreshment and chat.

Pizza Tea Worship Wed 15th, ST Hall 3.30pm onwards

All-night Vigil Sat 18th 7pm to 7am Sunday

Details at back of churches and on the website. There will be daily updates on themes for prayer as the week develops.