So... what's the plan? Chatting with Hannah 

I thought for this month that I would have a chat with Hannah about how far the youth has come and her plans for the future. Hannah has worked for Christ Church for (almost) two years, so what better time for her to think back? I also thought this is a great opportunity for Hannah to share with you her plans for the youth ministry while also sharing some of her best bits.

Hannah, how would you describe the development of the youth ministry over the past two years?

'I would say we have further strengthened and created a strong foundation for the youth we already have. We have expanded our needs to fit both the young people and our community.  We have created two new bible study groups to help our youth go deeper with the Bible, and we have also adapted previous structures to accommodate all needs. We have created connections with the local secondary school and opened the youth café, inviting young people from our community into our building.'

What has been your favourite thing to start with the youth so far?

'Well, it’s got to be the youth café. Opening a café has been a dream of mine since I started at Christ Church Bedford. It’s a joy to open up our doors to young people who have never been in our building before. It's been amazing working alongside the school to encourage young people to come along.' 

Could you share a few of your favourite moments as our youth minister so far?

'I absolutely loved the youth weekend away, being able to bond with young people in a different environment. I was able to witness them experiencing the holy spirit and see them throw themselves into a lake while canoeing. I also love the youth getting stuck in at our all-age nativity service, where they dress up, read prayers, and have fun.'

What kind of things hope to achieve with the youth in the future?

'I recently shared our new vision statement with the youth team at our youth team appreciation evening, which is: a community where every young person belongs, grows in love, and finds hope. I am excited for us to live out this vision in 2026 and beyond.'

In what ways do you want to continue to support young people to grow?

'I’d love to continue to mentor our young people, to listen to the things they want to grow in, help to articulate their thoughts and introduce them to new materials that will help their growth. I also think Satellites is a great opportunity to help this growth, where they can see more Christians their age in a more central place.'

For this month's prayer guidance, I would like us to pray for the continued growth of our youth ministries. That we can continue to support our young people in their development as people and Christians. That the youth ministry will be supported in carrying out Hannah’s vision and plans. And to also be thankful for Hannah, for the amazing work that she has done already and for the wonders she will do next.
 

In case you missed them, here are our old editions:
Mar - Youth Café
Feb - 2025 wrapped
Dec - Christmas memories
Nov - What is youth alpha?
Oct - Our youth weekend away

 

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.

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)
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: