We are thrilled to announce that the Christ Church Community Centre Team will be participating in a very special edition of the Wiltshire Ride + Stride on Saturday, 14th September 2024. This year marks the 40th anniversary of this incredible event, which has been a cherished tradition since 1984, raising over £1.6 million to preserve the historic churches that are such an integral part of our county’s heritage.Looking Back at 2023:Last year’s Ride & Stride was an incredible success, and we owe a huge THANK YOU to our dedicated Christ Church Riders and Striders—Caroline and Daniel, Chris, Carol, and Steve—as well as to everyone who supported them.Here are some highlights:Caroline caught 7 buses and visited 15 churches.Carol walked over 18 miles in the blistering heat, visiting 23 churches.Daniel cycled solo and visited 11 churches.Steve and Chris mostly cycled together; Chris rode over 42 miles and visited 38 churches, while Steve cycled an impressive 51 miles and visited 41 churches.Although Janet French still holds the Christ Church record with 42 churches visited in one day, our 2023 team raised over £500 for the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust, with nearly half of that amount coming back to Christ Church.You can watch a brief slideshow of their adventure hereWhy Are We Participating in 2024?As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Ride + Stride, we reflect on the importance of our churches, which are more than just places of worship—they are the heart of our communities, connecting us to our history and each other. By participating in this milestone event, we are helping to ensure these historic buildings remain standing for future generations.Half of the funds we raise this year will go directly to Christ Church, with the other half supporting the ongoing work of the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust in preserving and restoring churches across the county.How Can You Support Us?We invite you to sponsor our team this year as we embark on this 40th-anniversary ride! Whether you choose to donate per church we visit or contribute a lump sum, your support will make a meaningful difference. Every donation helps us maintain the historic churches that are such a vital part of our heritage.To contribute, please visit our JustGiving page: Christ Church Community Centre Ride and Stride Team 2024. For more information about the event and the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust, you can also visit their website here. If you want to join our team and Ride or Stride on the day, please contact Arline Stovell (Parish Organiser) and Chris Smith (details below).Help is also needed during the day to welcome people to Christ Church and St Mary’s.For more information please contact Arline Stovell, royandarline@gmail.com 07716394754or Chris Smith, chris@christchurchswindon.co.uk 07582 305760Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. We’re excited to take on this challenge again on 14th September 2024 and share our journey with you!With heartfelt thanks,The Christ Church Community Centre Team
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
