Sunday 5th July

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 4th July

9.30am - Prayer Meeting in person in church this week. Everyone is welcome to meet together for prayer in church to pray before …

10.30am - Come Together: Joint event for all (combining Ladies Elevenses and Men’s Breakfast), including bacon butties and other refreshments: Speakers Darren and Kathryn Hughes (with Sophie and Samuel) Walking with Jesus as a family.

Sunday 5th July

Fifth Sunday after Trinity

9am - Holy Communion – The Baptism of Jesus (Matt 3:1-17) -Martin Harris

9.30am - Pop Up Breakfast - in the main hall for families with children - scroll down for more details

10.05 - Prayer Meeting – in Room 4 for approx. 20 minutes

10.30am - All Age Worship with Baptism - As above – Ben Williams

*This service will be livestreamed via the Christ Church Bedford YouTube channel*

7pm - Sundays@Seven – Jonah 1 – Sue Marshall

Services in the coming week

Wednesday 8th July

10am - Holy Communion - in church, followed by refreshments

Sunday 12th July

9am - Morning Worship – Ruth - Leaving God's Land (1:1-5) – Ben Williams

10.05 - Prayer Meeting – in Room 4 for approx. 20 minutes

10.30am - Holy Communion – As above

7pm - Sundays@Seven – Jonah 2

Church Family News

Welcome to Felix Blake, his family and friends as he is baptised at our 10.30am All Age service this morning.

David Thomas: Our vicar, David Thomas, is currently in the Royal Papworth Hospital on a slow journey to recovery following heart surgery. We encourage you to continue to hold the whole family in your prayers at this time. As David will be away for an extended period of time, if there are any matters which you would normally speak to David about, please contact Ben (curate) or Pauline (church office) to enable David to rest and recover.

July Prayer Diary: Our prayer diary for July is now available: collect a printed copy from church.

Word for Today: for August - October copies are now available to collect from Church.

Generosity: Thank you to everyone who has responded to our requests for help. As we come to the end of our morning sermon series on generosity, we encourage you to continue to consider how you can be generous with your time and resources. If you are interested in exploring giving financially, please speak to our treasurer, Chris Stevens, visit our website or pick up a Giving Leaflet from the Hub.

Thoughts from the Curate

I am afraid to say that it is that season of the year. The sun is shining, and the whole country seems to become obsessed with sport; whether that is the men’s football world cup, Wimbledon, F1, or even just the local sports day. However, in case you haven’t noticed, I am not the sportiest person in the world, so as sports becomes the main topic of conversation, so I tend to keep my head down and wait till it’s all over for another year. But I have been reflecting this week what sports may teach us about God and faith.

So much of sport is about being the very best at different activities. It demands perfection, and having absolute focus on being the best, and much of this is also good for our faith. Let’s not forget that Paul encourages us to run the race set before us with perseverance (Hebrews 12:1). It also celebrates only the strongest and fastest, those who are winners, but in God’s kingdom, there is a completely different scoring system. When looking for a new King for Israel, God reminded Samuel that he doesn’t look at the outward appearance, but at what is going on in our hearts. For God, it isn’t about being the best at kicking a ball, or being able to drive the fastest, but about whether our hearts are turned to God; are we focusing on just being the person that God has called us to be, irrespective of others.

So, whether you are consuming every moment of every sporting event, or whether like me you are sitting out this season, I pray that you can draw comfort from the fact that God does not look at our outward successes but at our heart. That in his eyes, you are already entirely enough, just as you are.

For your prayers this week

Prayer for the Fifth Sunday after Trinity: Almighty God, send down upon your Church the riches of your Spirit, and kindle in all who minister the gospel your countless gifts of grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Points for prayer:

For all those being ordained Deacon and Priest this weekend including AJ Hutchinson-Wade
For the world cup and other sporting events, that they would be a catalyst to draw people together in unity.
For our emergency services as they care for our communities, particularly during large sporting events, and when the temperature rises.
For those continuing to search for survivors following the earthquake in Venezuela.
For an end to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.

Children's Ministry and Events

THIS SUNDAY AT 10.30am: 5th July

COMING UP THIS WEEK:

COMING UP AT THE END OF THE MONTH - Please Book Now

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

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

Youth Blog

Find all our blogs on the church website in the 'youth ministry' section in 'connect'

https://ccbedford.org/Groups/452353/Youth_Blog.aspx

Happy Reading! :)

For more information about our regular groups please look on our website here or contact Hannah using: youth@ccbedford.org or 07384 295757

What is happening at Christ Church and beyond

Home Communion: If you, or anyone you know is unable to attend church and would like to receive Home Communion, please contact Vikki Thomas (vicarspa@ccbedford.org) to arrange for someone to visit.

St Albans Diocese Ministry Experience Scheme: This scheme is an opportunity for those aged 18-29 to spend a year growing in ministry and leadership skills through church placements, training and mentoring. Christ Church is hoping to offer placements this coming September (other churches are available!) There are information leaflets available in the Hub or see the link from our website here

Craft Group: Thursdays 10am-Noon in Room 7. Spend time together chilling, chatting and creating crafts.

Church Walk: Sunday 5th July 2.30pm. Meet in the Hub for a local walk and then return to church for refreshments.

Open Garden: The new Bishop of St Albans has graciously agreed to the Bishop’s Garden being open to the public for four Sundays prior to him and his family moving into Abbey Gate House (AL3 4HD) later in the year. This 2-acre hidden garden in St Albans is open on Sundays 28thJune 5, 12 & 19 July from 2-4pm in aid of the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust. Cost £5 per adult; dogs on leads; no toilet facilities.

Watoto Children’s Choir: Tuesday 7th July @ 7pm at Christ Church.

Please pray for all arrangements of the Watoto Choir visit.

- We especially pray for the concert when we are expecting a good number of people who are not part of the CC congregation.

- We pray for good numbers to attend, it would be amazing to have a full house.

- We pray for all who attend to be richly blessed.

Although the concert is free, if anyone wishes to make a donation towards the work of the Watoto Community in Kampala. Gift Aid envelopes will be available, buckets for cash, and a card machine for donations by card.

Castle Newnham School (south site) will be open for parking on this evening (6-9pm).

You can book a free ticket here or just turn up. More details via https://www.watoto.com/choir/

Go4Gold Soup and Social: Friday 10th July @ 12.45pm. There will be a choice of soups, bread rolls, cheese, yoghurts and fruit for a suggested donation of £2pp. This will be followed by a social in the Hub from 2-3.15pm (suggested donation £1pp). No booking is needed, you are welcome, just turn up to one or both events.

Bedford Youth Summer Music Concert: Friday 10th July 7-9pm at Three Rivers Church 88 Denmark Street Bedford MK40 3TJ £5 on the door. Come and listen to local young musicians and singers featuring Bedford Youth Community Gospel Choir and Rise Music.

Men’s Away Day 2026: Information and booking forms for our Men’s Away Day on Saturday 26th September in Epping, Essex, now available – please pick up a copy or download here

Job Vacancy: HopeWorks are excited to be offering a new opportunity to come and work with them. The vacancy is for a Pathways Learning & Engagement Co-Ordinator (part-time). All the details can be found on their website https://hopeworksuk.org/vacancies

Bedford Foodbank Shopping List: The most needed items at the moment are: cup a soup, tinned vegetables/vegetarian meals, jars of jam/cooking sauces, bottles of squash 750ml, bars of chocolate, long-life sponge puddings, cereal bars, sun cream SPF50 (Particularly for children) & washing up liquid. Thank you for your donations.

Praying together for Christ Church and beyond:

Prayer Meeting by Zoom (link here) – in your home, Saturdays, at 9.30am.

Prayer Meetings in Person - Sundays at 10.05am in Room 4

If you have a prayer request, our prayer team would love to pray for you, in person at the back of church after the 10.30am service. Alternatively, you can still contact the team confidentially via prayer@ccbedford.org

Sign up here for our daily prayer email or join our Private Facebook Group: Christ Church Bedford, The Prayer Room

This week's prayer topics are towards the beginning of the notices.

Join a HOME GROUP – opportunities to deepen faith & friendships as we live out our discipleship. Contact: Katherine Davies, Home Group coordinator on homegroups@ccbedford.org

Be aware of SAFEGUARDING - if you are concerned that someone is at risk, being abused or a risk to others, contact Helen Ryan, Parish Safeguarding Officer: 07711 176426 safeguarding@ccbedford.org

Consider GIVING - to donate to Christ Church via standing order or one off gift: Account name: Christ Church PCC Bedford; Sort code: 40-52-40; Account No: 00020562 Reference [your surname] or send a cheque payable to Christ Church PCC Bedford, to: The Treasurer, Christ Church, 140 Dudley Street, Bedford, MK40 3SX. Or tap your card on the reader, or place cash in the collection box, at the back of the church.

CONTACT US

VICAR - David Thomas - currently on sick leave please contact Ben or the Church Office

VICAR'S PA - Vikki Thomas- vi carspa@ccbedford.org

CURATE - Ben Williams - curate@ccbedford.org- 07391 286693 - DAY OFF MONDAY

WARDENS - Gwyneth James and Andrew Russell - warden@ccbedford.org

YOUTH & STUDENT MINISTER - Hannah Applegarth - youth@ccbedford.org - 07384 295757 - DAYS OFF MONDAY & SATURDAY

CHILDREN'S MINISTER - Ruth Hulme - children@ccbedford.org - 07554 537757 - DAY OFF SATURDAY

CHURCH OFFICE - Pauline Grimley - office@ccbedford.org - 01234 327150 - MONDAY TO FRIDAY

CENTRE BOOKINGS - Dawn Hire - centre@ccbedford.org - 07788 687011 - MORNINGS: MON, WED & FRI

05/07/2026

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?

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)
Youth - Our weekly group for those in school years 7-13. They meet in Room 7 (upstairs). Please register at the desk in the hub

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:

Men's Ministry
Women's Ministry
Students' Ministry
Seniors' Ministry
Foodbank (in partnership with Bedford Foodbank)