Sunday 13th 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 12th July 


No Prayer Meeting by Zoom today.
 

 

Sunday 13th July 


The Fourth Sunday after Trinity
 
9am - Morning Worship – Spirit, Soul and Body (1 Thes 5:23 & 2 Cor 5:16-21) – David Thomas       

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

10.30am - Holy Communion with Baptism and Thanksgiving  – As above

          *The 10.30am service will be livestreamed via the Christ Church Bedford YouTube channel*

7pm - Sundays@Seven – Images of Jesus - Gate (John 10:1-10) – Alan Cottenden
 

Services in the coming week


Wednesday 16th July
10am - Holy Communion – followed by refreshments

Sunday 20th July 
9am -  Holy Communion – Spirit, Soul and Body (1 Thes 5:23 & Rom 12:1-2) -  David Thomas      
          10.05am - Prayer Meeting – in Room 4 for approx. 20 minutes
10.30am - Morning Worship – As above
7pm Sundays@Seven – Images of Jesus – The Word  (John 1:1-18) – Tony Daniels
 

Church Family News

 
A Special Welcome: to the family and friends of Sophie Olivia and Samuel Benjamin Hughes as Sophie is baptised and as we give thanks to God for Samuel this morning.

Word for Today: The August to October edition is now available to collect from church.

Youth Weekend Away: 20 young people along with 7 team are away for the weekend at the Rock UK Frontier Centre in Northamptonshire.

Min-Min Peaker (former Christ Church member): is being licensed as Associate Minister by Archdeacon Dave on Sunday 20th July as part of the normal 10am service at Clapham Parish Church. 

Thoughts from the Vicar

 
I am hot and bothered, hayfever is playing up and I have another sore throat. I am tired (my own fault of course!) and am a bit grumpy. It is very easy to let the circumstances of life take away our joy. 

This week there have been some really wonderful moments. I got to share holy communion on Wednesday, like I do most weeks. But I am reminded of the amazing privilege that is. What a joy!
I have had a number of meetings this week, on Thursday I sat over the road in the tennis club, drinking coffee and eating cake, and spending time with various people cooking up exciting plans for the coming months. What a joy!

I have had people praying for me, I have had people encouraging me. As I think about these things, as I smile and thank God for the small and big ways he continues to be at work in my life, my grumpiness begins to fade into the background. I am reminded of Paul's words to the Philippians - whatever is good, whatever is true, whatever is... think on such things. 

Maybe I need to change what I am thinking about more regularly... Food for thought!
 

For your prayers this week


Prayer for The Fourth Sunday after Trinity: Gracious Father, by the obedience of Jesus you brought salvation  to our wayward world: draw us into harmony with your will, that we may find all things restored in him, our Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen
 
Please pray for:
  • Youth Weekend Away - that it would a fantastic time for all involved and they would grow deeper in their relationships with God and one another.
  • Children and families - as the end of the academic year draws to a close, that those saying goodbyes would know comfort, and those anxious would know peace.
  • Lonely and vulnerable - that they would get the support that they need, and find open doors for welcome and encouragement.
  • Peace in our world - that leaders and those in positions of power would work for peace and justice.
 
Children's Ministry and Events
 
THIS SUNDAY AT 10.30am (13th July) : 
 
 
COMING UP THIS WEEK:
 
 


SUMMER 2025 HOLIDAY CLUB
 
 
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
 
Please note that due to the Youth Weekend away from 11-13th July, there will be no Friday Night Youth on 11th July and no Sunday Morning Youth or Youth @ 6 on 13th July.





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

 
Go4Gold Garden Party: Friday 18th July. Meet at Christ Church at 1.45pm to car share to Biddenham to the lovely garden of Edwin and Peta Martin, for refreshments, thought for the day (shared by Edwin) and a relaxed time of fellowship. Please let Rachel Bennett know that you are intending to come and if you need a lift or can offer lifts, as soon as you can.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: A spectacular theatre production is coming to:
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, MK9 3NZ on Tuesday 22nd - Sat. 26th July
as part of a UK-wide tour throughout 2025.  To get an idea of what to expect see
youtube.com/watch?v=ihLwncHYq1U For details and to book go to: lionwitchonstage.com

First Aiders: We are updating our list of First Aiders. If you have a current First Aid certificate and are willing to be included in our list of First Aiders (displayed in the kitchen and the church porch) then please let Pauline Grimley know (office@ccbedford.org).

Volunteers needed:

This academic year (2024/5) Impact (supporting schools, exploring Christianity) piloted two RE workshops in local schools on the topics of Creation and Holy Trinity. They were a great success, and the schools are keen for us to go back in again. (Creation workshops will be in Sept/Oct 2025 and the Holy Trinity ones in Jan/Feb 2026.) For the Creation workshop, we require Christians, who have an interest or background in the sciences.  This is so that the children have the opportunity to have a Q&A session about science and its relevance to Christianity.
 

Dates for Your Diary:
 
Bike ‘n Hike: Saturday 13th September, an opportunity to get sponsored to visit churches on foot, by bike, or by car, and raise money for the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust and Christ Church. Sponsorship packs now available from the Hub. 
 
Parenting course: The Teenage Years: Open to all parents with young people! Being run by Christ Church Bedford!
Come along to meet and chat with other parents. Starts Thursday 25th September. For more details speak to Hannah Applegarth  or book a space here


 
2025 Ladies and Men’s Weekend Something to look forward to this autumn
HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR SPACE? Don't miss your chance to attend.

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 27th for fun, food, fellowship, teaching and worship. Brochures with booking form now available in the hub, or download LWA or contact Rachel Bennett.  Early booking will secure your place.

2025 Men’s Weekend Away: Friday 17th - Sunday19th 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.
 

 

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: