Christ Church

Christ Church was founded in 1955 as a Congregational Church, joining with the Presbyterian Church of England and the Churches of Christ as a United Reformed Church in 1972. From the beginning, we have welcomed members from other denominations, and continue to seek closer ties with other Christian churches in our neighbourhood and town.

HOW WE WORK TOGETHER 

Our MINISTER leads our worship and gives direction to the development of the church. She enriches our pastoral care with visits to church members in need and, with the Elders, provides leadership to the congregation.

Our ELDERS are elected annually and serve for a term of three years. They may stand for a second term and must then stand down for a year. Unlike other denominations, they are ordained for life and they have the responsibility of selecting and proposing a new minister when a vacancy arises. They meet regularly with the Minister, assist in church services, and oversee the general work of the church.

The members of the congregation are divided into PASTORAL GROUPS who meet with their designated Elder from time to time. The Pastoral Elder coordinates the pastoral groups assisted by the Church Friends for each group.  They distribute the church magazine, minutes of meetings, etc, and help to keep in touch with members.  They liaise with their Elder and the Minister as necessary.

Volunteers from the congregation work in various SMALL GROUPS, as their interests and abilities lead them.

The SINGING GROUP, led by our organist, prepares for special services. We are fortunate to have members who are able and willing to enrich our services with the violin, cello, bassoon, or piano from time to time.

The MISSION TEAM members consider ways of enabling God’s kingdom through support of organisations, projects and events at home and abroad. They make recommendations to the Church Meeting for the charitable giving programme, supporting and promoting ecumenical and interfaith activities, and taking part in special church services such as Aids Sunday.

The PROPERTY TEAM members look after the church buildings and grounds, organising work parties from time to time to help with general maintenance.

PUBLICITY TEAM members foster and promote the work of Christ Church through the Website, the monthly church magazine, external and internal displays, posters and the media. They aid other teams and individuals in the promotion of specific events.

The SOCIAL TEAM members devise and carry out the annual programme of social events. They also help in practical ways by organising the serving, cooking and baking for events such as the Christian Aid Lunch, Harvest Suppers, etc.

The WORSHIP TEAM members prepare and lead special services such as Carols by Candlelight at Christmas, and regular services at other URC churches in our area. They lead the Prayer Meeting, Lent Study Groups, and special series of Bible Study meetings, in association with the Minister.

The monthly CHURCH MEETING considers reports and recommendations from the Elders’ Meeting, the Pastoral Groups, the Teams and matters raised by individual members. These are debated and a vote taken if required in order to reach a conclusion.

As you see, Christ Church members are actively engaged in all areas of church life.  We are a warm and friendly congregation, and all are free and welcome to help in the growth and spread of church and Kingdom.

Currently we are in detailed discussions regarding the merging of Christ Church with Trinity URC of Ifield.