Regarding the choice of hymns, 2009 has seen a continuation of our policy of having a broad base of well-known traditional and modern hymns, spiced with the introduction of new hymns and songs to prevent us from getting into a rut, or failing to move forward in line with churches in the UK and elsewhere.

The hymns are chosen by Stephen Seamer and Nicola McNutt, the aim being to have a balance of old and new, fast and slow, uplifting and joyous, quiet and reflective, and fitting the theme, Bible reading, etc., of the particular service. We are always glad to welcome and consider requests and suggestions from the congregation.

One area we are particularly keen to expand is our repertoire of children‟s songs. If you have sung a children‟s song in another church that you feel would be good to sing at Christ Church, please speak to Nicola.

A vision for the future is that we would have a far larger group of singers, and a rota, so that there would be a group of 4 to 6 singers to lead each week, but the individual singers would be able to choose how many Sunday‟s a month they want to commit to. We recognise that it is a big commitment, to arrive 50 minutes early every Sunday particularly if you come with your family and they all have to arrive early. We hope that more people will feel able to say yes to the commitment, if they know they can opt for just one or two Sunday‟s a month. We would have one practice all together each month, to learn any new hymns or refresh any rusty hymns that are scheduled over the following few weeks. Please consider joining us.

For the 2009 Christmas Carol Service, we had the largest number of singers we have had since I became organist in 1997. Several of them were singers who had taken part in the Joseph Musical. The rest were from within Christ Church. I would like to thank all of the singers for turning out on dark and cold Thursday nights to rehearse for the carol service. 2009 was the last year that the dark red choir robes will be worn. One of the reasons for this is that the robes were tending to become a barrier to some people joining the singers. The future dress code will be black trousers / skirt, with white shirt.

We are blessed to have 3 pianists who regularly lead the music at Christchurch. However, what we would really love to have is some musicians who play other instruments. Again, you don‟t have to commit to playing every week. Please speak to Nicola if you are interested.