Music at St Peter & St Paul

Music plays an important role in the life of St Peter and St Paul. Our musicians help lead worship at services throughout the year, from traditional hymns and choral music to music led by our younger players.

We are always delighted to welcome new singers and instrumentalists, and there are opportunities for both adults and young people to get involved. Find out more about our music groups below.

Choir

We are a friendly choir and are always happy to accept new members. We usually rehearse at 7pm on Thursdays in St Peter and St Paul Church. Currently we are looking for Tenor, Bass and Alto singers.

We are a traditional robed choir of men and women. Our repertoire is broad and spans music from the Renaissance through to the present day.

We are affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music, and aim to achieve the best possible standards to aid worship within our church.

If you are interested in joining the choir, please contact Wendy Harris, our Organist and Choral Director, via the church office.

Listen to our choir

You can listen to beautiful recordings from our choir here.

Marimba Band

Our Marimba Band gives children in Years 4 to 9 the opportunity to make music together and take part in worship at St Peter & St Paul. No previous musical knowledge or experience is needed.

The band rehearses on Mondays during term time, from 5.30–6.15pm, and plays at the 10am Family Service on the third Sunday of the month during term time.

Please get in touch if you would like to find out more.

The Organ

We are very proud of our church organ and committed to its maintenance. It was built by James J. Binns of Leeds and installed in 1916. It has two manuals, a pedal board, 21 speaking stops and a range of couplers and combination pistons. Restoration work to the organ was carried out in 2006.

In 2016, the original pneumatic action (which was not part of the 2006 restoration work) was converted to an electro-pneumatic system.

Bell Ringing

The sound of our bells is an important part of life at St Peter & St Paul and is enjoyed by people across the local community, calling people to worship and marking special occasions throughout the year.

Our bell ringers welcome both experienced ringers and complete beginners, with opportunities to learn and join the team.

Please get in touch if you would like to join us, or find out more about bell ringing.

If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you about planning a visit.
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Visitors click here

Planning your Visit

New to Church?

Welcome! Whether you've just moved to the area, or have a new interest in our church, we hope that you can find all of the information that you need within our website.

Of course, if you have further questions, we welcome you to get in touch.

FAQs and Key Information

Where & when does the church meet?

We hold a number of services across the parish:

We have a Communion service at St Peter and St Paul Great Missenden at 10am every Sunday. We also hold services at 8am and 6pm each Sunday.

Services at Ballinger are generally at 9.30am on the first Sunday of every month, and services at Little Hampden on the second and fourth Sundays at 11:30am with coffee at 11am.

Details of all our services can be found on our Services page.

What should I expect when I visit the church?

You will be welcomed by the sidespeople who will give you the books you’ll need. They will also be able to answer any questions you may have. There are no set seats, so please sit wherever you feel most comfortable.

The service lasts for one hour and follows the order set out in the booklet.

Tea, coffee and biscuits are served after the 10am service, where there is plenty of time to meet people and ask any questions you may have.

Are there any activities for my children?

We have two Junior Church groups that meet regularly. Head to our Children & Young People page to find out everything you need to know.

We also have an unsupervised crêche area within the Church and your children are welcome to play during the service.

Children may stay with their parents at the start of the service, or sit with their friends as we begin our worship. Junior Church usually leaves our main service after we have started our worship with some singing.

Is there a dress code?

No! Please just be yourself and come dressed in your 'normal' clothes.

Do I have to take communion?

It is completely up to you. God's table is open to all. You are welcome to come up for a blessing, or bring your children up for a blessing. Alternatively you can stay in your seat.

Am I expected to make a donation during the service?

No, donating is entirely optional. We have a time of offering during each service when a plate is passed around for cash or contactless card donations. There is always a contactless card reader and cash box near the door to the church, or you can donate online. You’re very welcome in church whether you make a donation or not.

Can I get married, Christen my children or have a funeral at the Church?

For more information on marriage, christenings and funerals at our Church please visit the Weddings & Christenings and Funerals pages of our website.

I have more questions, how can I get in touch and ask them.

Please feel free to contact us and we’ll do our best to answer any questions you may have.