Dear Church FamilyWe are thrilled to announce an upcoming event that combines the joy of music with the spirit of community support. On September 21, 2024, Christ Church will host an extraordinary concert featuring R.E.M. by Stipe: The World’s Number One R.E.M tribute band. This event not only promises an evening of unforgettable music but also serves as a crucial fundraiser for the Swindon Old Town Partnership of Churches annual project.R.E.M. by Stipe faithfully captures the essence and energy of R.E.M., one of the most influential bands in alternative rock history. Formed in 1980 in Athens, Georgia, R.E.M. revolutionized the music scene with their distinctive sound and poetic (and political) lead vocals. Though the band disbanded in 2011, their legacy lives on, and R.E.M. by Stipe brings that magic to life with care, conviction, and affection.Here’s what fans have to say about R.E.M. by Stipe:“Love, love, love this band; absolutely brilliant! For live R.E.M. music, then this is a must-see.” (Keri)“The next best thing to experiencing the real band live again.” (Cara)“If you love R.E.M., then Stipe are a must-see. Always deliver a great and diverse set list.” (Richard)“The first time I saw you play I was genuinely blown away, that’s how good you sound. Looking forward to the next show in Dublin.” (John)But this concert is about more than just great music. It’s about coming together as a community to support those in need. The Swindon Old Town Partnership of Churches aims to raise £2,000 each over the year to support Street Pastors and Swindon Youth for Christ.Street Pastors are volunteers who engage with people on the streets, providing a reassuring presence and practical support during the late-night hours. Their work is invaluable in ensuring the safety and well-being of the young and vulnerable coming out of the local pubs after a night out.Swindon Youth for Christ is dedicated to supporting young people in our community, offering them opportunities to explore faith, develop life skills, and build meaningful relationships. By attending this concert, you’ll be helping to fund programs that positively impact the lives of our youth.Event Details:Date & Time: September 21, 2024, from 20:00 to 23:00Venue: Christ Church, Cricklade Street, Swindon, SN1 3HBTickets: Adults (16+): £12.00 + £0.50 | Children (U16): £12.00 + £0.50We invite you to join us for this special event. Not only will you experience the timeless music of R.E.M. performed live, but you’ll also be contributing to projects that make a real difference in our community.For more information or to purchase tickets, visit our event web page HERELet’s come together for an evening of music, fellowship, and support for our community. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Archdeacon’s Visitation will take place this evening, Tuesday, July 9th, at 7 PM in Malmesbury Abbey.Churchwardens will be gathering at two in-person Visitation services across the Diocese this year. These services celebrate and affirm their ministry as they formally assume their offices for the first time or another year.Becky Waring, Acting Archdeacon of Bristol, and Adam Beaumont, Associate Archdeacon of Bristol and Malmesbury, will lead the services. They will include the legal swearing-in and commissioning of the churchwardens as elected Bishops Officers and senior lay leaders in mission within their parishes. The visitations provide an opportunity to express our gratitude for the vocation and contributions of churchwardens, as well as a valuable chance to meet in person.Please pray for Simon Giles and Sheila Wright, who will be inducted as our new Churchwardens during this service.We also honor and give thanks for our outgoing Churchwardens, Jim D'Avila and Nitin Shinde, reflecting on their achievements and dedicated service.
It’s the General Election next week as you will undoubtedly know, and Pattern Church have put together some amazing resources for helping us all to pray and consider how we will vote.Check out their general election resources page at: https://www.patternchurch.org/ge2024You can also listen to the BBC Wiltshire’s Swindon Wide General Election Debate recorded on 27th June with the following representatives at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0j4p3ppLabour, Swindon South, Heidi AlexanderGreen, Swindon North, Andy BentleyLiberal Democrat, Swindon South, Matt McCabeConservative, Swindon North, Justin TomlinsonReform, Swindon North, Les Willis
We have just published our summer and early 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 or on the link at the side of this post.