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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." |
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Saturday 4th January
Sunday 5th January
Epiphany
9am - Holy Communion – Epiphany – David Thomas
10.05am - Prayer Meeting – in Room 4 for approx. 20 minutes
10.30am - All Age* – as above - Chris Somervell
All Age Service: If you can, please bring a smart phone, or tablet, to the All Age Service
*The 10.30am service will be livestreamed via the Christ Church Bedford YouTube channel*
7pm - Sundays@Seven - Prayer and Praise |
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Services in the coming week
Wednesday 8th January
10am - Holy Communion – followed by refreshments
Sunday 12th January
9am - Morning Worship - Body of Christ: What does it mean? (Unity) 1 Cor 12:12-27 – David Thomas
10.05am - Prayer Meeting – in Room 4 for approx. 20 minutes
10.30am - Holy Communion – as above
7pm - Sundays@Seven – As above |
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Church Family News
All Age Service: If you can, please bring a smart phone, or tablet, to the All Age Service on 5th January
Prayer Diary: January’s Prayer Diary is available to collect from church.
Baptism, Confirmation, and Children’s Admission to Communion: In the new year, we are planning on running preparation classes for children (age 7+) and young people who want to be admitted to receive Holy Communion. We are also planning on running classes for anyone who is interested in baptism (any age) and/or confirmation (12+). Please drop an email to Vikki ( vicarspa@ccbedford.org) expressing an interest. More details will follow.
Coffee Rota at 10.30am: we have struggled a fair amount the last few months with the Coffee Rota, which has historically been made up by our Home Groups. Therefore moving forward, if we are to continue to have refreshments after this service, we need volunteers. Please can you email Vikki ( vicarspa@ccbedford.org) if you are willing to volunteer. Depending on the number of volunteers, depends on the frequency of service. We need a minimum of 20 people to be able to continue to have refreshments at the 10.30am.
 Please consider GIVING to Christ Church in 2025: to donate to Christ Church if possible, please, use bank transfer, via standing order or one-off gift: Account name: Christ Church PCC Bedford; Sort code: 40-52-40; Account No: 00020562 Reference [your surname].
However, we now have a Payaz ® giving station. It is located at the back of church, and it can accept all major debit & credit cards and digital payments and for donations of £30 or less we can claim Gift Aid on small cash donations*, where no Gift Aid Declaration had been given. *A Small Donation is a cash, contactless or card donation of £30 or less. A church can claim up to £8,000 in Small Donations of donated income per tax year per church.
Car parking: Thanks to Castle Newnham School, the south site school playground is open for car parking Sunday mornings (9.30am to 1pm). To bless our neighbours, please use this or the church car park (Dudley Street) rather than parking on the narrow side streets and please always park with due care and consideration for others, not on the yellow lines.
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Thoughts from the Vicar
Last Sunday I shared our Bible Verse for 2025. Matthew 11:28 (NIV) - Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
For me there are two reminders here. The first is for us to continually return to the Lord, to bring our whole selves, the good, the bad and the ugly. And to receive from Jesus the rest which he promises.
The second is the challenge to share this good news with our various communities. As we enter into this new year, the joy and peace of Christmas can feel a lifetime ago for many people. We, who know something of God's peace, have a role to play in sharing the good news of rest for the weary.
PS: if you were not at Church on 29th December do collect a copy of our verse of the year colouring sheet and/or a bauble that you can hang somewhere to remind you of this year's verse.
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For your prayers this week
Prayer for Epiphany: Creator of the heavens, who led the Magi by a star to worship the Christ-child: guide and sustain us, that we may find our journey’s end in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Children's Ministry and Events
THIS SUNDAY AT 10.30am (5th January):
This week is an all age service at 10.30am, we encourage families to join us for the service. There are instruments and quiet toys available for children who join us.
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
Don't Miss Out!
Join us on 12th January for an exciting Skills Workshop designed for any young people interested in:
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Leading activities at youth and church events.
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Getting involved in music, lights, and AV for church and youth.
This is your chance to try out these roles, learn new skills, and discover where you can make an impact.
 When: 12th January
 Where: Christ Church Bedford
 Open to all – no prior experience needed!
Sign up now to secure your spot!
SIGN UP HERE
Friday Night Youth restarts on 10th January and the Sunday groups on 12th January
For more information about our regular groups please look on our website here or contact Hannah using: youth@ccbedford.org or 07384 295757
18-30s Ministry and Events
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What is happening at Christ Church and beyond
Church Walk: Sunday 5th January. Meet at Christ Church at 2.30pm for a local walk followed by refreshments in the Hub.
Go4Gold Social: 2-3.15pm Friday 10th January 2025 in the Hub; all welcome for chat and refreshments - no booking needed, just turn up.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18th-25th January
Churches Together in Bedford have organised the following times of prayer during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025:
Saturday 18 January - 2.30pm St Joseph's Church, Midland Road
Sunday 19 January - 6pm St Andrew's Church, Kimbolton Road
Monday 20 January - 6.30pm Polish Church, Mill Street
Tuesday 21 January - 12 noon St Martin's Church, Clapham Road
Wednesday 22 January - 1.30pm Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street
Thursday 23 January - 12.45-1.15pm Bedford Quakers, Lansdowne Road. (You are welcome to bring your lunch and share time together afterwards)
Friday 24 January - 1pm Christ Church, Goldington Road
Coming up later in 2025 – Bookings now open
2025 Church coach holiday Monday 2nd -Friday 6th June: open to all, staying at the Holiday Inn in Portsmouth (with a complimentary swimming pool, Jacuzzi and gym).
2025 Ladies Weekend Away: Friday 26th-Sunday 28th September staying at The Garden House in Stamford. Ladies can come for the weekend or for the day on Saturday 26th for fun, food, fellowship, teaching and worship.
Brochures and booking forms for both these events are now available from The Hub, or download (CCH / LWA) or contact Rachel Bennett. Early booking will secure your place.
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 Bedford Foodbank: The most needed food items at the moment are: Tin openers, 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: toilet rolls, disposable razors, shaving foam/gel, sanitary wear, household cleaning sprays and washing up liquid. Many thanks for your generosity.
Please note: the next foodbank date at Christ Church is Tuesday 7 th January 2025.
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