Christmas Memories at Christ Church 

I thought that as we enter the advent season, we can look back on all that we have done as we prepare for Christmas. I thought that it would be lovely to see how different people absorb a range of memories, painting a beautiful image of what it is like to spend Christmas at Christ Church Bedford.

I asked the question to some of our Young people and Youth team members: 
“What is your favourite Christmas memory at CCB?”

Hannah, Youth and Student Minister
    “Probably the Contemporary Christmas Service we did last year. The youth helped out: they set it up and led some stations, it was cool to see. It was also cool to sing carols in a non-traditional setting!”

Isaac, age 13
    “Last year when the youth coloured in the Christmas windows at Friday Night Youth”

Aqualina, age 13
    “When we did the Gingerbread house competition at the Youth Christmas Party last year. I just ate loads of the toppings. Me and my friends came first; we were just that good!”

Collett, Youth team member
    “The evening service with all the lights off and the candles round, there was the real sense of Christmas; that wonder and sparkle of the candles. Just really makes it a special service - feeling very close to God in the darkness”

Jack, age 16
    “When we did the Christingles. I felt a sense of warmth as everyone’s singing, holding the orange in the candlelight”

Ben, Youth team member + Curate
    “Climbing up the Christmas tree, climbing up to the hook. There's me going ‘I can do this, can do this!’”
Tash: ”he really doesn't like ladders” 
Ben: “I don’t mind ladders it's just going up them”

Nathaniel, age 17
    “Wasn't last year buy the year before: sitting at the back of a service with my Christmas hat on next to Hannah. Or last year when I was a shepherd”

Daisy, age 13
    “I remember one year, decorating the Christmas tree. I also really enjoyed the youth Christmas party when we had the gingerbread house competition”

Esther, age 11
    “The family Gingerbread house making competition. We came second, although  it was mainly me and my dad. My sister just got the toppings and ate them. Although the main part of making a gingerbread house is eating all the toppings!”

Martin, Youth team member
    “They all merge into one really. When we do the carols on the lawn is probably it.  It's the being outside, inviting people in”


Youth prayer suggestions for the month:

This month I ask that you pray for our Friday Night Small Group on the 5th December as we create a space for the youth to ask questions and further explore their faith. I ask that you pray for our youth Christmas party on the 19th December, that there will be an abundance of joy, that our conversations are blessed and no gingerbread houses are hurt during their construction.  I also ask that you pray for them over the holiday as youth on Fridays is not running over school holidays. That they are still able to feel the sense of community and joy that youth brings through the spirit.


If you missed them, read our past blogs:
Nov 2025 - What is Youth Alpha?
Oct 2025 - 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: