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."

Sunday 9th November

The Third Sunday before Advent

9am -  Morning Worship – Remembrance Sunday (Job 19:23-27 & 2 Thes 2:13-17) - David Thomas
 
          10.05am - Prayer Meeting – in Room 4 for approx. 20 minutes

10.30am -  Holy Communion – As above

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

 

 

7pm - Sundays@Seven – Remembrance (Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16) - Ben Williams 

Services in the coming week

Wednesday 12th November

10am - Holy Communion – followed by refreshments
 

Sunday 16th November

9am -  Holy Communion – Safeguarding Sunday - David Thomas 

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

10.30am - Morning Worship – As above

7pm - Confirmation Service with Holy Communion - Malachi 4:1-2a & Luke 21: 5-19 - Bishop Richard

Church Family News

 

Confirmation: Next Sunday (16th November) at 7pm we welcome Bishop Richard to Christ Church to confirm Chloe, Daisy and Lewis. Please support them by praying for them this week.

HOPE Bedfordshire is taking part in Shine Your Light 2025 on 13th December. (https://www.shineyourlight.org.uk/), but has also been asked to take part in filming for BBC Songs of Praise (to be shown on 14th December) on Wednesday 12th November. If you are available then why not ‘go shopping’ in the Harpur Centre from 3.30pm on Wednesday, and help to form a crowd. Let’s spread joy, music, and Christmas cheer — together!

Singers Wanted: As in previous years, we will be putting together a choir to sing at the Carols by Candlelight service on the evening of the 21st of December. We will be singing along with the congregational carols as well as 2 choir items. Rehearsals will be on the evenings of Monday 24th November, Tuesday 2nd December and the afternoon of Sunday 14th December (don't worry if you can't attend all 3) as well as on the day itself (timings TBC). We would love anyone interested to come and join us, all are welcome, you don't need to be able to read music. Please speak to Ruth Rawes or email Vikki Thomas (vicarspa@ccbedford.org) if you would like to sing!

Retirement News: Vandon Grimley has retired from his role as Christ Church’s Site Manager. For the past six years he has worked, part-time, mainly behind the scenes, to keep things safe and running smoothly for us.

Thoughts from the Vicar 

 

On Sunday and then on Tuesday, our thoughts turn to remembering those who have died in world wars and other conflicts. It reminds us of the sacrifices which so many have made. It reminds us that even with all this knowledge and experience we still live in the midst of war and conflict in our world.

So, I would invite you to pause, remember, and to pray. 

I have found this prayer below helpful.

A Prayer of Commemoration for the Fallen

 

Father of all, remember your holy promise,

and look with love on all your people, living and departed.

On this day we especially ask that you would hold forever

all who have suffered during war, those who returned scarred by warfare,

those who waited anxiously at home,

and those who returned wounded, and disillusioned;

those who mourned, and those communities that were diminished and suffered loss.

Remember too those who acted with kindly compassion,

those who bravely risked their own lives for their comrades,

and those who in the aftermath of war, worked tirelessly for a more peaceful world.

And as you remember them, remember us, O Lord;

grant us peace in our time and a longing for the day when people of every language, race, and nation will be brought into the unity of Christ’s kingdom.

This we ask in the name of the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For your prayers this week 

 
Prayer for the Third Sunday before Advent: God, our refuge and strength, bring near the day when wars shall cease and poverty and pain shall end, that earth may know the peace of heaven through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Please pray for:

• The Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia following the devastating typhoon.

• The Shine Your Light flashmob taking place on Wednesday in the town centre.

• Church leaders as plans for Christmas are finalised.

• Those who are grieving at this time. 

Children's Ministry and Events
 

THIS SUNDAY 9th November

 

 

THIS WEEK

 

LAST WEEK: We had a great time at our Light Party

 

 

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

 

SUPPORTING CHRIST CHURCH PRE-SCHOOL

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
 

 

Friday Night Youth on 7th November 

The Hamiltons have graciously offered to host our youth to watch the Bedford Blues Firework display from their back garden for our Young People. It will be on the 7th November, meeting at Christ Church at 7pm and aiming to have walked back to church for 9pm.

If you wish your young person to come along, please complete this booking form so that we have your permission to take your young person off site: https://ccbedford.churchsuite.com/-/forms/vmo3hqa9

Satellites 2026: We have announced that, next summer in 2026, we are taking our young people to a youth festival, satellites, down at the Bath & West showground in Somerset. This is an amazing opportunity for them to experience faith alongside so many other young people their age. If you wish your young person to come along, please book as soon as possible to access the 'early bird' ticket that they offer. For any more information about travel or prices, please feel free to contact the youth team (Hannah Applegarth or Sorcha Brown).

 

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: Soup and Social: Friday 14th November @ 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.

 

Open Doors: Saturday 15th November is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). You can find full details of both in-person and online events and book here: Serving Persecuted Christians Worldwide IDOP Prayer Vigil - Open Doors UK & Ireland

 

O magnum mysterium: Sunday 23rd November at St Mary’s Church, Goldington at 7.30, a fascinating exploration of the wonder and mystery of the incarnation accompanied by some beautiful choral music (sung by a semi-professional choir of 8 singers) with scripture readings and seasonal poetry. The concert is free with a retiring collection.

 

Christmas Craft Day: The annual Christmas Craft event for over 16-year-olds is on Saturday 29thNovember from 10am-3pm. We are holding a day of crafts, songs and more, with refreshments including a simple soup and cake lunch. Cost £7, lunch included (pay on the day). Book a place via ChurchSuite or collect a form from the office.

 

Christmas Lunch: Friday 12th December at 1pm. The Lunch Club team are coming out of retirement to cook Christmas Lunch.  If you, a relative, friend or neighbour, would like to come along to our Christmas Lunch for seniors, 50 tickets (£10 per person) tickets are now on sale from the Christ Church Office. First come, first served; please pay on booking, cash or card payments accepted.

King’s Arms Project Bedford Winter Night Shelter will be opening at 56 Harpur Street  on 1^st December 2025 with a renewed focus on wrap-around support for the homeless in Bedford. T To find out more and to volunteer visit their website https://kingsarmsproject.org/bedford-winter-night-shelter/

or why not get a team together for their fundraising quiz on Tuesday 25th November.

This festive night raises vital funds for the Winter Night Shelter and is a brilliant opportunity for churches and supporters to come together, while also competing alongside teams from other community groups, and local residents. Let's spread hope and warmth to people experiencing homelessness in Bedford this winter. 

 When: Tuesday 25th November

 Time: 7:00pm for a 7:15pm start

 Where: 56 Harpur Street, Bedford

 Pre-book: £10 per person | Teams of 2–8 Book your team here

Expect laughter, brain-teasers, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Whether your team is full of trivia pros, festive fanatics, or just friends looking for a fun night out, there’s a place for you.

Seasonal treats, prizes for the top teams, and a raffle await.

All proceeds go directly to providing warm beds, meals, and hope to people in need this winter.

Bedford Foodbank Shopping List: The most needed items at the moment are: tinned tuna/meat/rice pudding/sweetcorn, jars of coffee/cooking sauces, bars of chocolate, biscuits,  laundry tablets & long-life fruit juice. We have received a thank you letter from the Foodbank for our Harvest Donations (see noticeboard, by the glass screen)