|
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." |
|
|
Friday 18th April - Good Friday
10am - Family Gathering - an opportunity to worship and engage with the story of Good Friday, including different activities from sensory play to a finger labyrinth to a bible discussion - followed by refreshments.
Following this, some may wish to head into town for the Good Friday Walk of Witness at midday.
12pm - Good Friday Witness @ Harpur Square.
Sunday 20th April - Easter Day
Easter Day - Alleluia! Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
9am - Holy Communion – David Thomas
10.05am - Prayer Meeting – in Room 4 for approx. 20 minutes
10.30am - All Age Communion – As Above
*The 10.30am service will be livestreamed via the Christ Church Bedford YouTube channel*
7pm - Communion@Seven – As above
|
|
|
Services in the coming week
Wednesday 23rd April
10am - Holy Communion – followed by refreshments
Sunday 27th April
9am - Morning Worship – Thanksgiving and prayer (Phil 1) - David Thomas
10.05am - Prayer Meeting – in Room 4 for approx. 20 minutes
10.30am - Holy Communion - As above
7pm - Sundays@Seven – Prayer & Praise – Bedford Street Angels |
|
|
Church Family News
Word for Today: Copies of Word for Today for May - Jul are now available in the Hub.
Anne Wakeling: a member of our Wednesday congregation, Lunch Club, Go4Gold etc. died on 30 th March. Her funeral is on Tuesday 6 th May, 2:00pm at Elstow Abbey Church, with reception afterwards at the Kings Arms Pub, St. Mary’s, Bedford
2024 Annual Report and Accounts: Our formal report to the Charity Commission and our accounts have been published this week and are on display in the Church Porch (where you will also find a copy of the new electoral roll) and online. If you would like a printed copy, please ask the office.
Date for your Diary: Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Wednesday 30 th April, 8pm. We will be electing four lay members to the Parochial Church Council and our Wardens. If you are interested in standing for either of these positions please have a chat with David Thomas, Kay Berrington or Andrew Russell. Nomination forms can be found by the pigeon holes.
Elections to PCC (Parochial Church Council)
There are 4 PCC places available, for 3 years. Please consider standing to serve our church in this key leadership capacity.
PCC representatives’ role involves:
1) enable the church to play its part in God’s mission to his world
2) co-operate with the Vicar in sharing leadership
3) ensure legal compliance with charity law
4) care for the buildings and church gardens
5) be a channel of consultation within the wider Church
We usually have 6 PCC meetings a year. They must be DBS checked and complete safeguarding training and are encouraged to pray for Christ Church, prepare for the meetings and contribute to the discussions.
|
|
|
Thoughts from the Vicar
At the time of writing this, I am knee deep in Holy Week. If you’re reading this on email it is likely to be Good Friday, and if it is on paper, then it is probably Easter Day. That covers a lot of ground. Someone said, a lot can happen in a week! We have gone from the jubilation of Palm Sunday with hosanna ringing in our ears, to the depths of betrayal, the horror of the cross, and the joy of the resurrection. What a week. What a story. What a saviour!
I hope that the journey of Lent, the self-sacrifice and the prayer, has brought you closer to God. I pray that as we walk out into the world following Easter, we might have a greater appreciation of our saviour’s love and the call he places on us. As his disciples, we are bearers of this good news, and however we share it, in word and deed, we all have a part to play. So be encouraged, be of good cheer, for Christ is Risen, Hallelujah.
|
|
|
For your prayers this week
Prayer for Easter Day: God of glory, by the raising of your Son, you have broken the chains of death and hell: fill your Church with faith and hope; for a new day has dawned and the way to life stands open in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Please pray for:
-
The church that she might proclaim the gospel in word and deed.
-
Our world, that there would be an end to wars and violence.
-
Our town, that those who need help would get the support they need.
-
Ourselves, that we would know the peace of Christ.
|
|
|
EasterMonday Pilgrimage
Easter Monday Pilgrimage to St Albans Abbey: A group from Christ Church will be meeting in the Hub on Monday 21st April at 10.45am to car share down to St Albans for a walk in the local area. Bring a picnic lunch and drink and then join with the Pilgrims gathering from all over the diocese for a procession at 2.30pm followed by a service in the Abbey at 3pm. Contact Rachel Bennett for more details and please let her know if you would like to join the group.
|
|
|
Children's Ministry and Events
THIS SUNDAY AT 10.30am (20th April) :
We are all in Church together for Easter Day.
What's been happening recently?
For more information about our regular groups please look on our website here or contact Ruth using: children@ccbedford.org or 07554 537757
|
|
|
What is happening at Christ Church and beyond
Items wanted: please can you save any empty, clean, gravy/hot chocolate/custard powder etc. tubs with plastic lids that could be used for making money boxes at Morning Out.
Go4Gold Social: Friday 25 th April 2pm-3.15pm. All welcome, refreshments provided, suggested donation £1pp
Men’s Breakfast: Saturday 26 th April 9am-10.30am at Christ Church. Numerous breakfast options available: including egg and/or bacon and/or sausage bap, cereal, croissants, toast, jam, orange juice, tea/coffee etc. If you would prefer a veggie option instead please let us know ( mens.breakfast@ccbedford.org). Cost £3 (free on first visit). No need to sign up, just turn up on the day as we would love to see you. This is a valuable time to build up friendships and develop support networks. We hope you can join us.
You can also click on the picture to book (rather than using the QR code).
Garden tidy up: Sunday 27th April after 10.30am service. Cake provided but if possible please bring equipment eg, clippers, rakes, brushes, trowels for weeding, All welcome.
A Celebration: Saturday 10th May 7-10pm Celebrate 20 years of the Malawi Orphan Fund working with the Home of Hope. A fun evening of food for the stomach and for the mind. £20 (children £5). Tickets available this Sunday from Alex Mnatzaganian or use the QR code.
Plant sale: Saturday 24th May 2025. Please continue to take cuttings and plant seeds ready for the sale, then come and buy other wonderful plants to make your garden look great. We had a great time last year, let's make it even better this year.
2025 Ladies Weekend Away: Friday 26 th-Sunday 28 th September staying at The Garden House in Stamford. Ladies can come for the weekend or for the day on Saturday 27 th for fun, food, fellowship, teaching and worship. Brochures with booking form now available in the hub, or download LWA or contact Rachel Bennett on 07981918263. Early booking will secure your place.
2025 Men’s Weekend Away: Friday 17 th - Sunday19 th October staying at The Garden House in Stamford. Green brochures with booking form now available in the hub, or download here or from John Betteley. Twin or single en-suite rooms available. Book early.
|
|
|
 Bedford Foodbank Shopping List: The most needed items at the moment are: tinned meat/rice pudding, jars of coffee, bars of chocolate, milk (UHT), long-life fruit juice, laundry tablets, deodorant and sun cream SPF50 (Particularly for children).
If you wish to donate toiletries to Bedford Foodbank, current needs are: toilet rolls, disposable razors, shaving foam/gel, sanitary wear, household cleaning sprays and washing up liquid. Many thanks for your generosity.
|
|
|
|
|