🌿 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!

Join Us for the Old Town Beer Festival – Our Biggest Fundraiser of the Year!

We are thrilled to welcome you to the 12th annual Old Town Beer Festival, running from Thursday 8th May to Sunday 11th May at Christ Church and the Community Centre. This four-day event has grown into a major highlight of the local calendar, attracting beer and cider enthusiasts, music lovers, and comedy fans alike.

More than just a fantastic celebration, this festival is also Christ Church’s largest fundraiser of the year. The money raised helps to support the ongoing work of the church, maintaining our beautiful building and funding the vital community outreach projects we run throughout the year.

What’s Happening Over the Four Days?

🍻 Friday & Saturday – A huge selection of 45+ beers and 30+ ciders available to try, plus a brand-new rum bar! Enjoy the vibrant festival atmosphere with friends and family, all within the stunning setting of Christ Church.

😂 Thursday Comedy Night – We kick things off with a night of laughs featuring top comedians, including Dom Joly from Trigger Happy TV and Matt Richardson from The Xtra Factor!

🎸 Saturday Live Music Night – A fantastic lineup of local bands will take to the stage from 5pm onwards, creating an electric festival vibe.

🎶 Sunday Finale Concert – A stunning musical evening featuring The Wessex male choir and the After Eight Choir, raising funds for both Christ Church and the Kelly Foundation, a local mental health charity.

🌭 Delicious hot food available throughout the festival!

How Can You Support?

This festival cannot happen without the help and support of our church family. If you are able to volunteer, whether it’s pulling pints, helping with setup, or simply spreading the word, we would love to hear from you!

Even if you’re not able to help behind the scenes, simply attending the festival, bringing friends, and sharing the event with others is a fantastic way to support Christ Church.

👉 Tickets are on sale now! Book yours today and help make this year’s festival the biggest and best yet: https://oldtownbeerfestival.com/

📅 Event dates: Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th May
📍 Venue: Christ Church, Old Town, Swindon

We look forward to raising a glass with you! 🍻

#OldTownBeerFestival #SupportChristChurch #SwindonEvents #LiveMusic #ComedyNight

Margaret Williams MBE

Margaret Williams MBE
Sunrise: 21st July 1931; Sunset: 5th March 2025
‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant’.
May she rest in peace
Photo: Janet French – used with permission

It is with great sadness that we pass on the news that Margaret died peacefully at home at 12.10am on Wednesday 5th March.

This news marks the end of a wonderful servant hearted, Christ centred life. Margaret was a central part of our Christ Church community for 70 years since her move from Swansea.

We celebrated Margaret’s remarkable 50 years as a Lay minister on St Luke’s day 20th October last year. Margaret was the most amazing, joyful, spirit-filled passionate ambassador for Christ as a Teacher, Headteacher, Gospel Minister, Preacher and worship leader. Above all Margaret was a faithful friend, generous host and ecumenical bridge builder which has been evident over the 56 years of our Old Town Partnership of Churches.

We remember Margaret’s husband Danny, Val her sister and her nieces Pam and Jean.

We are very grateful to Ailsa, Janet, Margaret’s friends and professional carers for the love and support which enabled her to remain at home in her final weeks.

Please pass on your own personal special memories to me personally or the Parish Office of how God touched your lives through Margaret’s life and Christian ministry.

Please pray for the preparation of Margaret’s Christian funeral at Christ Church. Further details to follow.

As Margaret rests in peace may she rise in glory.

God bless you Margaret and thank you our beloved friend for all the countless
ways you have blessed us here in Swindon.

Every blessing Simon

Attention: Church Electoral Roll Revision Now In Progress!

Please fill in an enrollment form if you wish to be included, or remain on the church electoral roll.

Further to our earlier communication about a completely new Church Electoral Roll being prepared leading up to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) on 27th April.

We’ve now emailed or sent a letter to all those on the current Electoral Roll.

Unfortunately, we cannot carry names forward from the previous roll.

Can you therefore please reply as soon as possible to our communication which will enable time for the new Electoral Roll to be prepared.

Are you not on the Church Electoral Roll but would like to be?

There are several benefits from joining the Electoral Roll:
• You can stand for election to the Parish Church Council (PCC)
• You can attend the Annual Parochial Council Meeting (APCM)
• You can participate in the voting at the APCM (next meeting 28 April)

To be entered on the Electoral Roll:
• You must be over 16.
• You must be baptised.
• You must have attended a church in the parish for at least the last six months.

If you wish to remain on, or be entered on the new Electoral Roll please complete an Enrolment form available at the back of the church and return it to the Parish Office by the 15th March or use this link: https://forms.office.com/e/QhHXfSYRSJ
before 15th March.

Thank you for your help.

Heads Up: New Electoral Roll Preparation

Heads up regarding preparation for the New Electoral Roll

Every Church of England parish must keep an Electoral Roll which is a list of names and addresses of every person who can vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) which this year is on 27 April.

A completely new roll must be prepared every six years leading up to the meeting and it’s Christ Church and St Mary’s turn to prepare a completely new list this year. No names can be carried forward from the previous roll, so those currently on it will be informed, either via email or post, that it’s time to re-apply.

There is no action to take at this stage but when you are contacted about reapplying, please do so as soon as possible.

You can find out more about our requirements to refresh the Electoral Roll on the Church of England website HERE

Thank you.

Ian Farr, Electoral Roll Officer

Our New Eco Hub Mini Website Has Launched

We’re excited to share the launch of our Eco Hub mini-website! You can explore it here:
https://linktr.ee/christchurchswindonecohub

This is part of our ongoing efforts to care for creation, by reducing our environmental impact and enhancing biodiversity around the Christ Church site.

The Eco Hub is designed to help church members find useful information about the Eco Group’s initiatives and discover ways to get involved.

One key action we’re encouraging is for everyone to take the Personal Lifestyle Survey via CreationCare.org at

https://creationcare.org.uk/

When you sign up, you can link your results to Christ Church Swindon, helping us track our progress as a community. Your results will be categorised as either: Registered, Bronze, Silver, or Gold, and no personal information will be shared. It’s also not a competition and no one will be judged; this is a tool we are using to help individual members and households care for creation.

We also encourage members to use the Carbon Footprint Calculator to better understand the environmental impact of everyday activities, such as driving, shopping, and investments; at Climate Stewards.org
https://www.climatestewards.org/offset/

Again, this is for personal use only to help you understand how these things affect the environment, and no results from this will be shared with anyone.

These initiatives are part of our journey towards achieving the A Rocha Eco Church Gold Award which we have undertaken to give us a framework for improving our commitment to look after creation. You can learn more about the awards programme and other resources on the Eco Hub. Let’s continue working together for a greener, more sustainable future.

Many thanks from Christ Church Eco Group

Explore the Eco Hub here:
https://linktr.ee/christchurchswindonecohub

Ride + Stride 2024 – Final Results!

We are delighted to share the fantastic results from this year’s Wiltshire Ride + Stride.

Christ Church with St Mary’s raised an incredible £1,450.69! Half of this amount will go to the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust, while the other half comes back to support Christ Church and St Mary’s.

We are thrilled to receive:

£825.35 in total, including a £100 bonus for coming 3rd in The Brooke Cup, awarded to the churches that raised the most funds.
Special congratulations go to:

Jacob Smith, who earned a 2024 Ride + Stride Medal for outstanding individual achievement in the 16-and-under age group.
Carol, who receives a cheque for £25 for raising the most funds as a walker in the 17–65 age group.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part, sponsored, or supported us. Your efforts have made a real difference, and we couldn’t be prouder of our team!

We also received a special commemorative plaque for taking part in the WHCT’s 40th Anniversary Ride and Stride as shown below. This will be placed on display in the church.

Save the Date: Next year’s Ride + Stride will take place on Saturday, 13th September 2025. We hope you’ll join us again for more adventures, more miles, and more churches to explore.

Thank you for helping to support and preserve our treasured heritage.

For more information about the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust, visit:
www.wiltshirehistoricchurchestrust.org.uk/ride-stride

Join Us In Spreading Christmas Cheer!

This Christmas, Christ Church Community Centre Swindon is opening its doors to host a festive dinner for those who might otherwise spend the day alone.

We are expecting around 100 guests for a day filled with joy, laughter, and community. The event will include a delicious 3-course Christmas meal, festive carols, and a chance to watch the King’s Speech together.

Event Details:

Date: Christmas Day

Time: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Location: Community Centre at Christ Church, Swindon

Cost: Suggested donation of £10 per person (or £15 per head to cover the full cost).

How You Can Help
To make this special day possible, we’re reaching out to our community for support:

Monetary Donations: Each meal costs £15 per person, and every contribution will help cover the cost of food and drinks for our guests.

Gift Donations: We’re also collecting small gifts, such as toiletries, chocolates, or books, to share with our elderly attendees and bring a little extra joy to their day.

Volunteers Needed: If you can help drive guests to and from the event or assist in the kitchen, we would love to hear from you.

Reserve a Spot or Get Involved

Also, if you, or someone you know, would love to attend but are housebound and alone, please let us know—we’d be delighted to deliver a meal to your home on Christmas Day.

To donate, volunteer, or reserve a place for yourself or someone you know, please contact Chris Smith at:

☎ Call: 01793 267500

✉ Email: chris@christchurchswindon.co.uk

This Christmas, let’s come together to show that no one in our community is truly alone. Thank you for your generosity and support in making this event a success. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

#NotAlone #ChristmasAtChristChurch #SwindonCommunity

You’re invited to church this Christmas!

You are very welcome at our Advent and Christmas services and events – bring your family and friends or come along on your own. Whether it will be your first time at church or you have been before, we look forward to welcoming you at Christ Church and St Mary’s this Advent and Christmas season!

To find out all about our special Advent and Christmas services, scroll down through this post.

For services happening at Christ Church this week and to download an order of service to join in, visit our Weekly Service page HERE.

If you cannot make it in person or you want to catch up, you can also watch many of our services online on our YouTube channel HERE. Livestream links will be added to this post for the relevant services, over the next few weeks when they become available.

Old Town Partnership Advent Sunday Service

1st Dec 2024, 10:30 a.m. for 1 hour @ Immanuel United Reformed Church

The three churches of the Old Town Partnership coming together to celebrate Advent Sunday and close its year-long Partnership Project which has raised monies for Swindon Street Pastors and Swindon Youth for Christ. All welcome. There will be refreshments after the service.

This Partnership service will also be streamed on the Bath Road Methodist Church’s YouTube channel HERE.

Note: there will be NO 10am service at Christ Church on this day.

Advent Carol Service

1st Dec 2024, 6:30 p.m. for 1 hour @ Christ Church

A service of readings and advent carols led by the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette and Christ Church Choir. The Address will be given by David Cain. All are welcome to come along and enjoy a reflective start to the Season of Hope.

This Service will also be streamed on the Christ Church YouTube channel HERE.

Note: there will be NO 4 pm service at Christ Church on this day.

Christingle Service

8th Dec 2024, 4 p.m. for 1 hour @ Christ Church

An atmospheric service in the beautiful setting of Christ Church, with the lighting of Christingle oranges.

Children will have the opportunity to build their own Christingle!

St Mary’s Carol Service

15th Dec 2024, 4 p.m. for 1 hour @ St Mary’s Church, Commonweal Road, Swindon, SN1 4LB

A beautiful start to the Christmas season in the intimate setting of St Mary’s Church.

The service will be led by the Revd. David Day and the Address will be given by the Revd. Moira Slack.

All welcome to join us.

Note: there will be NO 9am service in St Mary’s on this day.

Service of Lessons & Carols

22nd Dec 2024, 6:30 p.m. for 1 hour, 30 mins @ Christ Church.

The traditional service of Readings and Carols by Candlelight as we move closer to Christmas.

Featuring the Christ Church Choir and friends. Organist: Tim Eyles, Conductor: Katrine Reimers.

The service will be led by the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette and the Address will be given by the Right Revd. Neil Warwick, Bishop of Swindon.

All welcome to the service and there will be mulled wine, soft drinks, and minced pies available afterwards.

If you cannot make it in person or you want to catch up, you can also watch this service online on our YouTube channel HERE. 

Swindon Town Football Club Christmas Carol Service

23rd Dec 2024, 6:30 p.m. for 1 hour @ Christ Church

The annual Swindon Town Football Cub Carol Service led by the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette.

All welcome, including non-football fans, to come along and join the players for a good singalong!

Christmas Eve Crib Service

24th Dec 2024, 4 p.m. for 1 hour @ Christ Church

A retelling of the birth of Jesus from the point of view of someone who was there.

Dress up as a character from the Nativity story (including animals!) or come in your party clothes.

Children will be invited to take part in the story.

Midnight Mass

24th Dec 2024, 11 p.m. for 1 hour @Christ Church

The traditional Service of Holy Communion with Carols on this most Holy Night to see in Christmas Day.

Service led by The Revd. Norma McKemey with Sermon by the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette.

All Welcome!

If you cannot make it in person or you want to catch up, you can also watch this service online on our YouTube channel HERE. 

Christmas Morning Worship with Holy Communion

25th Dec 2024, 10 a.m. for 1 hour, 30 mins @ Christ Church

An informal service with Holy Communion for all the family as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

The service will be led by the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette and the address will be given by the Revd. Norma McKemey.

Why not wear your Christmas jumper and bring one of the gifts you received to show us?

All welcome!

If you cannot make it in person or you want to catch up, you can also watch this service online on our YouTube channel HERE. 

Watchnight Service

31st Dec 2024, 11 p.m. for 1 hour @ Christ Church

Welcome in the New Year with us as we celebrate Holy Communion together, then hear the bells ring in 2025.

Service led by the Revd. Norma McKemey with an address from the Revd. Canon Simon Stevenette.

If you cannot make it in person or you want to catch up, you can also watch this service online on our YouTube channel HERE. 

All Age Epiphany Service

5th Jan 2025, 10 a.m. for 1 hour @ Christ Church

An All Age Worship Service where we will be Celebrating the arrival of the three wise men.

If you cannot make it in person or you want to catch up, you can also watch this service online on our YouTube channel HERE. 

***

For services happening at Christ Church this week and to download an order of service to join in, visit our Weekly Service page HERE.

If you cannot make it in person or you want to catch up, you can also watch many of our services online on our YouTube channel HERE. Livestream links will be added to this post for the relevant services, over the next few weeks when they become available.

Upcoming Events at Christ Church and the Community Centre this Autumn

We have just published our autumn newsletter for all the upcoming concerts and events happening at Christ Church and the Community Centre in the next few months.

You can download the newsletter HERE

Wiltshire Ride & Stride 2024 Christ Church Team Recap

Our incredible Christ Church Community Centre Team visited a total of 148 churches and covered a massive 165 miles yesterday during the 40th Anniversary of Wiltshire Ride & Stride!

Here’s how everyone did:

– Carol visited 27 churches and walked 22.5 miles.

– Caroline made it to 16 churches using a combination of buses and walking.

– Daniel cycled to 10 churches.

– Elizabeth and Cat started late at 2:26pm and cycled to 24 Churches in 3 hours and 31 minutes, covering 19.75 miles, and finishing at their last church with just 3 minutes until the 6pm deadline – phew!

– Chris and Jacob (age 11!) set a new Christ Church record, visiting an impressive 46 churches and riding 58.5 miles! 🏆 They’ve officially surpassed Janet French, who held the record for many years at 42 churches!

– Ian, Paul, and Steve visited 25 churches in the Highworth and Cricklade areas, traveling a total of 64 miles.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported the team!

There’s still time to donate and help us preserve Wiltshire’s historic churches and Christ Church for future generations. Half of the money will go to the trust and half to Christ Church🙏

👉 Please Donate Here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/christ-church-community-centre-ride-and-stride-team-2024