Church Family Weekend at Home – 12th–14th September 2025

This September, the Old Town Partnership of Churches will gather for a very special Church Family Weekend at Home, hosted at Christ Church and the Community Centre. From Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September, we’ll be coming together around the theme:

✨ “Growing in Jesus and Community” ✨

The weekend offers a wonderful mix of worship, learning, fellowship and fun – with something for everyone, no matter your age or stage of faith.

What’s on?

The programme begins on Friday evening with The Beloved Son, a moving performance of Henri Nouwen’s life story by actor Andrew Harrison, followed by a Q&A. You can book your tickets to this by clicking on the image below.  The evening will close with a time of worship and quiet reflection in Christ Church.

On Saturday morning, we welcome our guest speaker, the Revd Robert Jordan, who will guide us in exploring what it means to grow in Jesus and in community. The afternoon offers opportunities to take part in creative workshops, join a walk on the Ridgeway, or support a fundraising garden event in aid of The Children’s Society. In the evening, we’ll share a fish and chip supper and enjoy a games night before evening worship.

On Sunday, the whole church family will gather for a Celebration Parish Service at Christ Church, followed by a congregational roast lunch in the Community Centre. The afternoon includes a Q&A session with Revd Robert Jordan, a chance to reflect on how we’ve grown together over the weekend, and finally a bring-and-share tea to close.

Everyone Welcome

Whether you can join us for the whole weekend or just one part, we’d love to see you there. It’s a chance to deepen our faith, strengthen our community, and enjoy time together as God’s people.

To help with catering and planning, please let the Parish Office know which events you’d like to attend.
📧 Email: parishoffice@christchurchswindon.co.uk

📄 Download the full weekend programme here: CC Church Family Weekend Final

We hope you’ll join us for this joyful weekend of worship, fellowship and fun!

Christ Church Swindon Strikes Gold for Creation Care 🌿✨

We are thrilled to announce that Christ Church Swindon has been awarded the A Rocha UK Eco Church Gold Award – the highest level of recognition for a church’s commitment to caring for God’s creation.

This award is given only after a thorough and rigorous assessment across five key areas: worship and teaching, management of church buildings, management of church land, community and global engagement, and lifestyle. Achieving Gold in each area means that creation care is truly embedded in the life of our church – not just in what we say, but in what we do.

Christ Church is now one of only 111 churches across the UK to receive the Gold Award, the third in the Diocese of Bristol, and the first in Swindon. The assessment team described us as “a beacon Christian community, inspiring other churches to make a similar journey in their own context.”

A Team Effort, Years in the Making

This success is the result of years of vision, prayer, and action from many people. Our dedicated Eco Team, led by Anne Grainger, has been at the heart of this work – coordinating projects, inspiring the congregation, and keeping us moving forward.

Anne said:

“We are very happy to receive this award as it shows we are moving in the right direction; this is not the finish line but a milestone on our journey to help protect the earth for future generations, and to inspire others to do the same.”

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many local eco and wildlife organisations who have supported and partnered with us throughout this journey. Their expertise, encouragement, and collaboration have been invaluable in helping us achieve this milestone. We look forward to continuing these strong partnerships as we work together in our community to care for God’s creation.

We also recognise with gratitude the contribution of many others over the years – including creation care pioneers such as Owen Barraclough and Margaret Williams, as well as the leadership of Phil Mansfield as our previous PCC Eco Group Chair. We thank God for the inspiration of Martin Palmer, and for the encouragement and support of our Old Town Partnership of Churches and Swindon Deanery colleagues.

Encouragement from the Diocese

The Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Suffragan Bishop of Swindon, congratulated the church, saying:

“I would like to offer my congratulations to Christ Church Swindon for becoming the first churches in Swindon to receive this status, joining two other congregations in the diocese who have been commended for their attentiveness to environmental justice. This is a wonderful example of how our church communities are responding to the cry of the earth and I am pleased that their hard work has been recognised in this way.”

What is Eco Church?

Eco Church is an initiative of A Rocha UK, a Christian charity working for the protection and restoration of the natural world. The scheme encourages churches to integrate environmental care into every aspect of church life – from the way buildings are heated and powered, to how the land is managed, to how creation care is taught and lived out.

Looking to the future

The Revd Canon Simon Stevenette, Vicar of Christ Church with St Mary’s, said:

“This achievement is the result of years of prayer, action, and partnership. We are deeply thankful for all who have worked so hard to help us reach this point – from those who inspired our creation care journey many years ago, to the many volunteers and community partners who have been part of our mission. We are honoured to be recognised in this way, and humbled by the responsibility to inspire others in caring for God’s creation.”

Receiving the Gold Award is not the end of the story – it is a significant step on a much longer journey. We will continue working with our community partners and congregation to find new ways to reduce our environmental impact, support biodiversity, and encourage others to join us in caring for the earth.

We give thanks to God for His creation, and for the opportunity to serve Him by protecting and renewing it.

Find out more about the Christ Church Eco Group and their work, and how to get involved, on our Eco Hub website HERE

The Grief Opera – A Moving Musical Journey at Christ Church

Saturday 1st November 2025 | 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm) | Tickets: £10

This November, Christ Church will host The Grief Opera – a powerful and emotive musical work that explores the depths of grief, love, and remembrance. Written by Nigel Linacre in response to the tragic loss of his son, and composed by Vladimir Miller, this original piece draws on classical, jazz, opera, and musical theatre to tell a profoundly human story.

The performance follows a father’s final conversations with his son, the moment of loss, and the struggle to carry grief forward. It aims not only to offer comfort to those facing their own losses, but also to spark important, potentially life-saving conversations around mental health – particularly in relation to suicide, the leading cause of death among young men.

The Grief Opera features a gifted cast of singers and musicians, including tenor Neil Latchman, mezzo-soprano Keri Farish, and soprano Grace Dowdeswell, with narration by Ashley Green. They will be joined by a live ensemble, creating a rich and stirring musical experience.

Join us for what promises to be an unforgettable and meaningful evening.

Location: Christ Church, Cricklade Street, Swindon, SN1 3HB
Time: Doors open 7.00pm | Performance starts 7.30pm
Tickets: £10 + £0.50 booking fee
Contact: chris@christchurchswindon.co.uk | 01793 617237
Book your tickets HERE

The Beloved Son – A Powerful Theatrical Exploration of Henri Nouwen’s Life

We’re delighted to be hosting The Beloved Son at Christ Church on Friday 12th September 2025 – a moving and thought-provoking solo play inspired by the life of renowned spiritual writer Henri Nouwen.

Written and directed by award-winning playwright Murray Watts and performed by acclaimed actor Andrew Harrison, this powerful performance delves into Nouwen’s extraordinary journey — from his academic success at Yale and Harvard to his radical decision to live within a L’Arche community, sharing life with adults with intellectual disabilities.

The play offers an honest and deeply human portrait, exploring themes of identity, longing, brokenness, and the transformative power of love. For anyone seeking meaning, comfort, or deeper faith, this promises to be a truly enriching evening.

📅 Friday 12th September
🕖 Doors open at 7.00pm | Performance starts at 7.30pm
📍 Christ Church, Cricklade Street, Swindon SN1 3HB
🎟️ £10 for adults | Under 18s go free
🍷 Pay bar available (cash/card)

Tickets are available online:
👉 Book your place HERE

This is a unique opportunity to experience a remarkable story brought to life on stage. We hope you’ll join us.

🌿 Help Us Complete the Final Phase of the Jubilee Garden! 🌹

We’re now halfway through Phase 3 of our Jubilee Garden restoration – the final and most challenging stage of this long-awaited project.

This east–west section brings unique difficulties with mature trees, gravestones, and limited access. But thanks to the incredible dedication of Ian Handy and his hardworking team, fantastic progress has been made. Their care, skill and commitment have transformed much of the space already.
Now, we need your help to finish the job.

💚 Please consider donating via our JustGiving page to support the completion of this special garden of remembrance:
🔗 https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/rosegarden

Every contribution brings us closer to creating a beautiful, peaceful space for reflection – a garden that truly honours those remembered here.

📬 Want to stay updated? Subscribe to our quarterly email newsletter here:
🔗 https://mailchi.mp/c79de914e698/jubilee

And if you have loved ones remembered in this area or thoughts to share, we’d love to hear from you: parishoffice@christchurchswindon.co.uk

Let’s complete this journey together – with thanks to Ian and the team, and to everyone supporting along the way. 💫

#JubileeGardenAppeal #ChristChurchSwindon #InLovingMemory #Phase3 #CommunitySupport #ThankYouIan

Come and Discover the Plant, Wildlife, and Nature in your local churchyard and grounds!

Caring For God’s Acre – Christ Church 2nd Eco Fair – FREE ENTRY

Sat 7th June 2025 12-4pm at Christ Church

After the success of last year’s first Eco Fair and growing local interest, we’re excited to bring the event back for 2025!

As part of the national Love Your Burial Ground Week and Churches Count on Nature, our Eco Fair celebrates nature, wildlife, heritage, and sustainable living.

We’re teaming up with a wide range of local environmental and nature-focused groups who will be showcasing their work and leading engaging activities throughout the day.

Come along to explore our beautiful churchyard, join in nature-themed events and talks, and enjoy some light refreshments. You’re also very welcome to bring your own picnic and relax on the lawns and in the peaceful gardens. It’s a fantastic day out for all ages – everyone is welcome!

Free entry | No booking required

The day will include:
🦋 Bug hunts
🪱 wildlife specimens
🎋 wild plant tours
🎤 nature talks
📖 storytelling
🎨 children’s activity tables
🪧 local wildlife, environmental, and sustainable-living organisation’s displays and talks
🎤 local history talks
🍔 picnic area
🥤🍪 refreshments
… and much more

All welcome! Come and Discover

We’re looking for eco-focused groups and organisations to join us at this year’s Eco Fair! If you’d like a free display stall or would be interested in running an activity, please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you. Contact Daphne Hardwick at daphne@christchurchswindon.co.uk or Steve Cox at communications@christchurchswindon.co.uk

The Friends of Christ Church AGM is this Thursday, 22nd May at 2pm in Christ Church.

The AGM is followed by the Friends of Christ Church Annual Lecture at 3pm in Christ Church.

Join us for a fascinating afternoon celebrating the stained glass windows of Christ Church!

Stained glass expert Mike Snow will begin with a short talk on the history and art of stained glass, followed by a guided look at each window with Janet French.

📖 We’re also excited to announce that Mike and Janet will be launching and selling their brand new book, Glorious Glass, at the event – a wonderful memento or gift for anyone interested in local heritage and craftsmanship.

🎟 Entry is free, and all are welcome. Donations will be gratefully received in support of the restoration of the William Wailes “Render unto Caesar” window.

Please come along, bring a friend, and see the windows of Christ Church in a whole new light! ✨

Church Family – Please support the finale concert at next week’s beer festival!

We’re calling on all our church family to come along and support this uplifting evening of music in the beautiful setting of Christ Church on Sunday 11th May. Please share this with your family and friends too!

🎵 Just one week to go until the Finale Concert of this year’s Old Town Beer Festival

Featuring: 🎶 The award-winning Wessex Male Choir 🎶 The brilliant After Eight Choir

This special event is more than just a concert — it’s part of our biggest fundraiser of the year, and your presence really makes a difference.

It’s also a joint fundraiser for Christ Church and the Kelly Foundation mental health charity, doing important work in our community.

🎟 Tickets: £12 Adults | £6 Children (includes drinks & snacks!)
👉 https://oldtownbeerfestival.com/wessex-finale-concert/

Let’s pack the church, raise the roof, and end the festival on a high note! 🎼🍻 Please help spread the word and invite friends!

🌿 Holy Week at Christ Church Swindon 🌿

13th – 20th April 2025

Join us for a meaningful journey through Holy Week, with daily prayers, special services, music, and reflections as we prepare for Easter together.

🕊️ Daily Morning Prayer – 9am (Mon–Sat)
🙏 Compline – 6:30pm (Mon–Wed)
🎶 Passiontide Organ Recital – Wed, 1pm
🕯️ Lent Talk: Ephesians 6 – Wed, 7pm
🍞 Agape Supper at Bath Road – Thurs, 7pm
💭 Reflections at the Cross – Fri, 12–3pm
🎨 Children’s Activities – Fri, 2–3pm (Community Centre)
🌅 Dawn Service – Sun, 5:30am (Holy Rood on the Lawn)
✝️ Holy Communion – Sun, 8am & 10am
🎉 Easter Praise – Sun, 6:30pm

All are welcome – come and reflect, remember, and rejoice.

Notice of Forthcoming Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)

This will take place on Sunday 27th April at 11.30am, immediately after the morning service.

We will review the year 2024-25, including the Annual Report and Financial Report, with an opportunity to ask questions.

(Please note you can view the Annual and Financial Report now online HERE.)

It’s the AGM of the church, and all are welcome. We will also elect people to some key roles.

Please show your support and come along with your coffee after the service.

The whole meeting will not be long, and you’ll be home in good time for lunch!