What to expect

We're not following a blue print for "how to plant a church". We're pioneering... praying, exploring, and sharing together as we respond to what God's doing in this place. So our midweek events are emerging in response to the gifts each person brings, with deep roots into the various Christian traditions.  So come as you are, walk with us for a while... experience church - but perhaps not as you know it!


We don't have a "church building" here in Northstowe, so our midweek events take place in the everyday places we find ourselves. Some are in people's homes. Others are in hired community spaces, often the Primary School. Some things happen in the park!  Read more below.

Mondays

MONDAY PRAYER PROMPT: Start the day (from wherever you are) praying for Northsotwe schools, especially The Pathfinder C of E Primary School 

Find us in School (daytime)

On Mondays, Revd  Stephen is joined by the year 5/6 Worship Gang in The Pathfinder CofE Primary School as they lead Collective Worship, together. (They also meet up on Thursday lunchtimes as they work on more ways to help the whole school live out their vision of "the roots to grow, the path to follow, the wings to fly" - such as the brilliant Rooted Stations Stephen is then on hand all day in school offering chaplaincy and curriculum support.

At Lunchtime, up at Northstowe Secondary College, we've an emerging lunchtime club called "Mindful Mondays". Revd Beth takes mindful colouring and labyrinth balls into the library, where she joins in conversation with the students and staff using the library. Open to all Northstowe Secondary College students - just turn up!

Food and Faith (Fortnightly, 8pm)

A fortnightly group for young professionals in their 20s and 30s (ish!) navigating life, work, and faith together. Talk to Stephen for more... (contact@northstowe.church)

Tuesdays

TUESDAY PRAYER PROMPT: Pause at lunchtime to pray (from wherever you are) with a particular focus on the needs of those around us. Prayer During the Day (see Join us in a service of Daily Prayer or Time to Pray app) on Tuesday often concludes “May Christ our redeemer bring us healing and wholeness.”

Wednesdays

WEDNESDAY PRAYER PROMPT: Over your morning cuppa, why not pray (from wherever you are) for our Northstowe community. If you are in the Interim Community Space you might see Beth or Stephen – do exchange prayer requests with them if you do!

The Wednesday Group (Weekly, 8pm)

Are you looking for an opportunity to be still? To slow down and take a step back? To have space to ask some big questions or a space just to let those thoughts settle?

Starting 10th January, the Wednesday Group will be listening to Brene Brown's The Atlas of the Heart together, with space to discuss the book, and share our responses. No prep needed!

This is a good space for asking questions, for trying out something new and for the companionship of being with other people who are also journeying.
  • Gather: As people arrive, we offer a drink and space to relax.
  • Pause: We light a candle, and a simple prayer is read aloud, giving people a chance to be still.
  • Explore: We pick up on the week's theme and discuss people’s experiences and ponderings. Each person has their space to talk or hold silence, an opportunity simply to share how their week has been or to share their thoughts on the chapter  No one has to speak and stillness is fine. 
  • Practise: We try and be open to trying the ideas from the book, and then feeding back the following week how it felt.  Some suggestions will work for some. Other suggestions can simply left behind.  This is space for you to find your gems amongst many pebbles.
We meet at 8pm on Wednesday evenings during the school term. (Don't worry if you can't make every week. ) We gather in a private home in Over.  Rachel A is leading the Wednesday night group.  simply email contact@northstowe.church and we'll put you in touch with the right people.

Thursdays

THURSDAY PRAYER PROMPT: Why not dispense with words, and try listening for God in the Silence? You might like to join Compline too (see below)

Little Explorers (Weekly in Term, 9.15-10.45am)

"The calmest baby group I've ever been to"
"The highlight of my week"

Bringing together babies and pre-schoolers with their parents and carers,we offer time for you, your child and God.

During school term, we gather in the Pathfinder Primary School Training Room at 9.15 - 10.45 on Thursdays mornings.

Read all about it on the Little Explorers Page
Read more on our website
Find us on facebook

Compline [Night Prayer] (Fortnightly, 8-9pm)

Once a fortnight during Term we gather - often at Revd Beth or Revd Stephen's homes, sometimes around a campfire (weather permitting), to weave extended periods of silence (using the Northstowe Sandtimers) into the ancient poetic "service of Completion" - Compline, also known as Night Prayer. Message us to confirm the venue. or join the Compline Broadcast List on WhatsApp (not a group-chat - just GDPR secure updates)
  • Please arrive from 8pm (not before)
  • Prayer start at 8.15pm,
  • Concludes by 9pm, at which point we leave in silence - giving the option for the last words of the day being addressed to God.
Download the Church of England's Time to Pray app to get the words to Night Prayer back-lit on your phone, or visit the website: Join us in a service of Daily Prayer | The Church of England

[This has evolved from the previous "Chicken Soup for the Soul" gatherings]
 

Fridays

This is the normal Rest Day for our Ministers. 
FRIDAY PRAYER PROMPTS: As the school and (for some!) working week comes to an end, reflect on where you have noticed God this week. How might you record that - in a journal? Colouring? Conversation with a friend? 

Sundays (weekly, 3.30-5pm)

Head over to our Sundays page for more...

Occasional Pop Ups

We're also exploring how and when our Musicians can gather. Some of us love to join in with the Allotments. We've a keen team of cyclists
And we're about to update our regular prayer dates...

Sign up to the ENews and WATCH THIS SPACE for anything that becomes regular.

And if there is something you would like to help establish where we can be praying, exploring, and sharing... get in touch!

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