Sunday 8th September 


All our latest events, information and prayer needs
 
Our Vision: "We are a people being transformed by the unconditional love of God; seeking to bless our community, and longing for all to experience the hope we have in Jesus."
 

Saturday 7th September




Sunday 8th September


The Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity
 
9am - Morning Worship – Characters from the Old Testament: God heals Naaman (2 Kings 5: 1-19) – David Thomas
           
           10.05am - Prayer Meeting – in Room 4 for approx. 20 minutes

10.30am - Holy Communion – as above

          *The 10.30am service will be livestreamed via the Christ Church Bedford YouTube channel*
          
            6pm - Prayer Meeting – in Room 4 for approx. 40 minutes

7pm - Sundays@Seven –  Being Disciples 1- Being – David Thomas
 

Services in the coming week


Wednesday 11th September
10am -  Holy Communion – followed by refreshments

Sunday 15th September
9am - Holy Communion – Characters from the OT – Elisha and the blind soldiers (2 Kings 6:8-23) – Jonathan Templeman
          10.05am - Prayer Meeting – in Room 4 for approx. 20 minutes
10.30am - Morning Worship – as above
            6pm - Prayer Meeting – in Room 4 for approx. 40 minutes
7pm - Sundays@Seven – Being Disciples 1- Being (Response) – David Thomas
 

Church Family News

 
Prayer Diary: The September Prayer Diary is now available to collect from church.


Our “How to Make a Difference” 2024 Lent Course described how involvement in both Christian-based and secular social action projects demonstrates our love for others, provides natural opportunities for faith-sharing and deepens our trust in God (link).
This is the first of a series of suggestions and ideas for making a difference. These will be split into these three categories:
  • Poverty and Injustice
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Climate Change
#1 Why not take part in the “Big River Watch” (link) - between 6th and 12th September: download the App, sit by a river for 15 minutes and record what you observe.

For those who prefer you can download the survey here (word document) or why not take a walk by the river and see what you can observe, enjoy God's creation and be open to any opportunities for action or conversation on your walk.
 

Thoughts from the Vicar

 
What is Jesus doing in your life recently? Perhaps a strange question depending on your spirituality, perhaps an awkward question depending on your faith journey? But perhaps a helpful question to ponder!

I have this sense that Jesus has been saying to me - do you trust me?

Which the obvious answer is "yes." 

But as I have been digging into this, praying and thinking about it, I have realised that it's perhaps not as straightforward, and perhaps it's a little bit awkward. 

It reminds me of two passages in the gospels.

The first is where the disciples say to Jesus - but where else can we go, only you have the words of life. Which can be found in John 6:68. Jesus has spoken some hard things, and he asks the disciples if they want to leave. And Peter says we have come to believe and know that you are the Holy one of God.

And the second is where the man says - I believe, help my unbelief. This can be found in Mark 9:24. A father is desperate for his son to be healed, and Jesus says everything is possible for the one who believes. 

The tension we can feel between belief and unbelief. Of wanting to trust but needing help to trust. Where else can we turn but to Jesus? Whether in belief or unbelief, Jesus is there with open arms. Welcoming us, sustaining us by word, spirit and sacrament.

So, back to that question, what is God up to in your life?                                                                                                     
 

For your prayers this week

 
Prayer for the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity: Lord God, defend your Church from all false teaching and give to your people knowledge of your truth, that we may enjoy eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen
 
Please pray for:
 
  • Justice and change following the publication of the Grenfell report.
  • Those recovering from operations and stays in hospital. 
  • The team visiting the Home of Hope in Malawi, that their last few days would be productive and blessed. (read their blog here)
  • An end to domestic violence, safety and healing for victims.
 
Children's Ministry and Events
 
THIS SUNDAY AT 10.30am (8th September):

Please register your children before the 10.30am service at the welcome desk in the hub. 

Today's Groups:
 

 
COMING UP THIS WEEK:

 
 
VOLUNTEERS WANTED

For more information about our regular groups please look on our website here or contact Ruth using: children@ccbedford.org or 07554 537757

Youth Ministry and Events


 
18-30s Ministry and Events
For more information contact Laura Jewell our 18-30s Pioneer at 18-30s@ccbedford.org
 

What is happening at Christ Church and some dates for your diary



Relicensing of Richard Hibbert (our previous vicar): Richard is being licensed as permanent vicar of Holy Trinity Coventry on Tuesday 10th September at 7.30pm at Holy Trinity Coventry (up to now he was Interim Vicar).  If you are would like to attend to support Richard please let Tayo know on parishmanager@holytrinitycoventry.org.uk 

Go4Gold Social: Friday 13th September 2-3.15pm. Refreshments provided.  No booking needed, just turn up. All welcome.
 
Bike N Hike 2024: Saturday 14th September 9am and 5pm – the annual event in aid of the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust.  If you would like to take part, either on foot, by bike or by car, gathering sponsorship for the number of churches you visit between 9am and 5pm on that day, let us know and collect a sponsorship pack from the Hub.  Half the money raised comes back to Christ Church.

Grandparenting and Faith: At St Mary’s Church Goldington on Saturday 14th September 9.30am-1pm. Ever wondered about sharing your faith with your grandchildren? You are invited to come along and explore Christian grandparenting. To book a place, or to find out more, please email grandparenting.stmarys@gmail.com or call Ceri-Anne on 07872 052175.

Malawi Lunch: Sunday 15th September at 12.30pm, in Christ Church Halls Everyone is invited to a simple lunch to hear about the Home of Hope with updates from the recent visit to Malawi. If you are able to bring cakes to share, these would be much appreciated.  
 


Fairtrade at St Andrews: Sunday 22nd September celebratory sale (11am-5pm) and refreshments (2-4pm) in the main hall at St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road.
 
Ladies Weekend Away 2024: Friday 11th-Sunday 13th October staying at The Garden House in Stamford. Ladies can come for the weekend or for the day on Saturday 12th for fun, food, fellowship and teaching from Mhairi Brown and Sue Marshall with worship led by Ellie and Eilidh. More details and booking forms available here or from the Hub.
 
 
Bedford Foodbank:The most needed food items at the moment are: Pot noodles, cup-a-soup, fruit juice (long-life), tinned meat (200g), tuna, sweetcorn and fruit, jelly, coffee and long-life milk.
If you wish to donate toiletries to Bedford Foodbank, our current needs are: toothbrushes, toilet rolls, disposable razors, shaving foam/gel, sanitary wear, household cleaning sprays and washing up liquid. Many thanks for your generosity.
 

Volunteer Opportunity

@ Bedford Foodbank


Trustee

Bedford Foodbank
Voluntary Position (approximately 4 – 8 hours a month)
 

In 2023, we moved premises to a larger warehouse which is enabling our fantastic team of staff and volunteers to work in a better, safer environment, and our day-to-day operations can run more efficiently.

The Foodbank is committed to delivering a high standard of service to anyone who engages with our work. We operate our services with a Christian ethos, supported by local churches. You don’t need to be an active Christian to be part of the team, but understanding these values is important.

We have recently spent time reviewing our policies and processes, developing our strategy and identifying areas where we can strengthen our governance - and now, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join the team as we continue to serve the community of Bedford.

The Role

Along with the board of trustees, this role’s responsibilities are;
  • To oversee the governance of the organisation.
  • To work alongside the trustee board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined and made publicly available when necessary.
  • Ensure Bedford Foodbank is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law. 
  • To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
  • To help promote the organisation to a wider audience of potential funders and beneficiaries.
  • To ensure the food bank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
  • Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
  • To serve as an additional promoter of the food bank in the community.
About you
  • A knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Bedford foodbank.
Benefits of volunteering
  • Using your existing skills to make a difference.
  • Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the local community.
  • Make a real difference to the running of the food bank.
Support

A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role.

How to apply

For more information, please contact Kirsty Middleton or fill in our application form here and return it to Kirsty Middleton (kirsty@bedford.foodbank.org.uk) by 30th September.
 

 

Hello
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

A Warm Hello

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning. When you arrive, you should be greeted by someone on our Welcome Team.

Our 9:00am service is traditional in style and lasts about 45 minutes.

Our main Sunday family service starts at 10:30am and runs for about 75 minutes, everyone gathers together at the beginning of the service. After a short time of worship together, we divide into different teaching and worship groups as children up to school year 11 leave.

At our all-age services (60 minutes), everyone stays together for the whole service. Our weekly notice-sheet gives details of all important events happening in the near future and some guidance on topics for prayer.

Tea, coffee and biscuits are served after the service where there is plenty of time to meet new people and ask more questions. We are proud to be a certified Fair Trade Church.

Our 7:00pm Sunday evening service runs for about 75 minutes and adopts a more contemporary style with a focus on deeper worship and teaching.   

 

What happens to the kids at church?

Children

We have a fantastic programme for the kids at the Church on Sunday mornings during our 10.30am service:

Imagine -  Our weekly group for babies to 3 year olds, parents are welcome to stay with their child, if they like.  They meet in the main hall 
Wonder - Our weekly group for those in school years R-3. They meet in Rooms 2-3
Marvel - Our weekly group for those in school years 4-6. They meet in Room 5 (upstairs)
JTeam - Our weekly group for those in school years 7-11. They meet in Room 6 (upstairs)

The children and youth stay with their parents at the start of the service as we worship together for the first part of the morning. Someone will announce when the children and youth should go to their groups. You will need to go with your children and register them, the first time they attend. 

For more information about what is currently happening in the children's work please visit the Children's Ministry page and for the youth work please visit the Youth Ministry page.

What about accessibility?

There are parking spaces next to the church halls but for the 10:30am service a larger car park is available at Castle Newman School (south site) just a few yards along Goldington Road. We have step free access from both Denmark street and Dudley street and there is space for buggies and wheelchairs in the Hub area of the new halls. There are baby changing and accessible toilet facilities and a lift to the first floor. Our sound system incorporates a hearing loop.

Getting Connected


Small Groups

While Sundays are a great way to meet new people, it is often in smaller gatherings that you can really get to know someone. Being part of one of our small groups allows you to make new friends, share together and support each other. We have a variety of groups that meet throughout the week, some afternoons and some evenings. Check out Small Groups and see if there’s one that you could join, or we can put you in touch with a small group leader who will be more than happy to invite you along to their group.

Serving and Volunteering

If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, you can sign up to serve on a team. 

Other Ministries

We also run the following ministries:

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