Activities within the church
Many of the varied activities in the church are listed below. If you are interested in any of them, contact us through the contacts page, or get in touch with the named individual, if one is given.
Faith Discussion Group
This is a weekly discussion group in which we explore a variety of different aspects of faith, belief, unbelief and difficulties of belief. A genuine discussion with no pressures to conform. It meets every Tuesday evening at 7.30 in the friendly atmosphere of the Craddock Arms on Knighton Road (on the corner with Newmarket St). Numbers vary from 4 to about 12; some people are connected to the church, some not – a real chance to get to know people and explore what faith means in everyday life. Some people stay on for the pub quiz after the discussion. Just turn up and ask the bar staff where we are sitting, or contact John Fowler.
Study and Fellowship Groups
These are informal gatherings of around 5-10 people, who meet regularly for fellowship, study and pastoral support . Three groups meet weekly, two in people’s homes in the evenings and one at the church on Thursday mornings. Another group meets in members’ homes every 3-4 weeks. Contact Alan Stead for more details.
Parents and Toddlers
The Parents and Toddlers group meets on Tuesday mornings during term time at 9.30, for 20 to 30 families from the local community. It has a great variety of toys and activities for the children and singing at the end of each session. The parents and grandparents who bring their children along also enjoy the time to chat with friends and make new ones. There is no formal enrolment – just come along. This is followed by a half-hour Toddlers’ Service on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Luncheon Club
The luncheon club provides good hot meals and fellowship for about 25 elderly residents in the neighbourhood every Tuesday lunchtime. It has a team of about 15 volunteers (more needed!) who give their time to this valuable work.
Social Groups
The Art Group meets at Christchurch on Thursday mornings from 10 to 12. It is a friendly group who enjoy art work and share tips and guidance. Speak to Sue Pittam if you are interested in joining in.
Pic’n'mix is a group of people who enjoy a wide range of craft activities (knitting, crochet, drawing, card making, rugmaking, tapestries,sewing, embroidery,cooking, quilting etc), meeting weekly to progress our personal projects, share our skills and encourage one another. We support a number of charity projects and identify local craft events for visits and inspiration. Meetings are on Monday evenings at the Manse on Gartree Road. If you would like further information or a lift please contact Lynn Richards or Amanda Youngman.
Tea and Company meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the afternoons at 2.00 for, as it says, tea and company.
The Ladies Miscellany meets on the second Wednesday of the month in the afternoons at 2.30, with a varied programme of speakers, games and other activities.
The Wesley Guild meets at 7.30 on Wednesday evenings between October and April with a varied programme of speakers. It organises an annual summer outing for housebound church members and various charity fundraising events.
Banner Group
The banner group meets regularly to make beautiful banners which decorate the church and enliven our worship.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl ministry was founded in America in 1998 by Vicky Galo and Janet Bristow. In their words. “compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. many blessings are prayed into every shawl.” See the Prayer Shawl Ministry website for more background. A group of people in our church are sharing in this activity. more details…
Traidcraft
We have been running a Traidcraft stall at Christchurch every Sunday after morning service since 1992 thanks to a loyal team of volunteers and the willingness of church members and friends to support fair trade. We also supply several local churches and a college with goods from Traidcraft enabling us to achieve an annual turnover that is currently around £10,000. This is a visible demonstration of our commitment to a fairer world.
top...
The Mustard Seed Project
The people of Zimbabwe have been very badly affected by the AIDS epidemic, which has left many orphans. The Mustard Seed Project was started by Chipo Muteve in 2002 in Chivhu, Chikomba Province. It supports a growing number of children there (currently 55) and is assisted by a number of churches in Britain. Our Junior Church has established links with the Mustard Seed Project and supports it with fundraising and corresponding with the children in Zimbabwe. more details…