Sunday mornings are the heartbeat of our week.

We gather at half past ten, not because we have to, but because we are a community that needs each other. Some of us have been here for decades. Some of us walked in for the first time last week. Some of us are not sure what we believe but we know we do not want to do life alone. Whoever you are, whoever you love, whatever you are carrying, there is space for you here.

When and where

Every Sunday at 10:30am. Christ Church, 164 New London Road, Chelmsford. The service lasts about an hour.

 

What to expect

You do not need to know when to stand or sit. You do not need the right words. You do not need anything at all, really, except a willingness to show up.

A typical Sunday looks something like this.

We sing. A mix of old hymns and newer songs. Some people sing loudly. Some people do not sing at all. Some people are in tune, some not! Some people stand; some sit. All these things are fine.

We listen to readings from the Bible, usually read by different voices from the congregation.

We hear a short talk that tries to connect this ancient story with the mess and beauty of real life. We are not afraid of honest questions. We do not pretend everything is simple.

We pray. Sometimes together, sometimes in silence. There is no pressure to join in. You can simply sit and be.

Once a month we share communion. If you are here, you are welcome to take part. Even if you have never taken communion before. Even if you are not sure what you believe. The bread is gluten free. The wine is non alcoholic. We bring it to you where you sit. If you would rather not take part, that is absolutely fine. There is no explanation needed.

 

For children and families

Children are not an interruption here. They are the church, just like the rest of us. There is space to move, space to play, and space to be loud. We have toys and activities for younger ones, and tables for anyone who would rather draw or fidget. Teenagers are welcome to just be themselves. We are relaxed about noise because church should sound like life, not a library.

Accessibility

Please sit wherever works best for you. You are not stealing anyone's seat. There are comfy seats on the left hand side. Space for wheelchairs is wherever you want to sit, and chairs can always be moved. If there is something else that would help church feel accessible for you, please let us know. We mean it when we say all.

After the service

We gather at the back for tea, coffee, and conversation. This is often the best part of the morning. Real talk. Real friendship. Nobody is rushing off. If you are new and you do not know anybody, look for Jo or one of the team in a blue lanyard. We would love to say hello.

Our values

We are a community that follows Jesus and seeks to live out our faith in ways that bring hope, love, and justice here in Chelmsford. We are part of the United Reformed Church. We value welcome and inclusion, community and belonging, honest questions and real faith, hope, justice, and compassion. You do not need to have everything figured out to be part of the family here.

More than Sunday

Our building is used throughout the week by people of all ages. Sunday worship is just one expression of who we are. If you want to get involved during the week, there is probably a place for you, and if there isn't let's start one.

Questions?

If you would like to know more before you come, or if there is something we can do to make your first visit easier, drop us an email at cchubdesk@gmail.com