Christchurch Abbeydale 2.69

The Church is designated an LEP - Local Ecumenical Partnership and is itself part of a wider LEP which encompasses other churches in the area.

The Building
The church stands on a prominent site in the centre of the communities of Abbeydale and Abbeymead and can comfortably seat 180. It has a baptistry and a modern sound system. In addition to the the worship area there is a lounge, a quiet room and a well equipped kitchen. Although the building was only opened in 1995, a worshipping congregation had begun in the area as far back as 1973.

Ministry
The congregation has its own minister who is appointed from each of the four denominations in turn. Worship is led mainly by that minister, but visiting ministers/preachers from the other three denominations are invited on a regulatr basis.

Church Life
In addition to services of worship held on Sundays, baptisms of adults and infants, weddings and funerals all take place at Christchurch. Holy Communion is celebrated twice a month on Sundays and once a week on Wednesdays.

The Congregation
All are welcome to worship at Christchurch and to join in any of the activities which take place. Membership is open to Christians who either have moved from another church where they were members or to those accepted into membership by the church. We are always glad to welcome new people into membership.

Running the Church
As with any organisation, there need to be those who will deal with the planning and implimentation of agreed procedures. Christchurch has Church Officers, and a Church Council which are elected at Annual General Meetings according to the Christchurch Constitution and Standing Orders. Those who are members are eligible to vote at all Church Meetings and at the Annual General Meeting.

Accountability
Because of the nature of Christchurch, comprising as it does four denominations in an LEP, the normal denominational oversight which a single denomination would come under is not practical. It is therefore regulated by Gloucestershire Churches Together as its Sponsoring Body.