Bereavement Support

As a church, we have a heart to help those who have suffered loss. Our lives can be touched by loss in all kinds of ways. While losing a loved one can be the most difficult kind of bereavement, other examples of loss could be: the loss of a job, an experience of relationship breakdown, disappointment at unrealised hopes or a deterioration in our health. At such times of loss, we can experience some very unique feelings. As a church we aim to offer care and support which help people take steps forwards in their journeys of loss.

Podcast Series: “Therefore I Have Hope”

Statue of a grieving person

In June and July 2023, we ran a teaching series on the biblical book of Lamentations. It’s one of the most remarkable books in the whole Bible. Combining searingly-honest expressions of grief with a tenacious hold on God, the book points the way to how we can find hope in the midst of our times of loss. The series of talks has been re-packaged to be made available publicly in the hope that it will be helpful for anyone journeying with grief of any kind.

Blue Christmas Service

We offer a service in early December which creates a reflective space for anyone who may be struggling as they approach the Christmas season. Christmas always seems to be accompanied by jolly songs, ringing bells, and the expectation that you will have a happy time. But that’s not how it feels for many people. Maybe your year has been hard – for whatever reason (bereavement, illness, estrangement, stress, worry) – and Christmas just seems to highlight the difficulties. Or maybe in an over busy life, you just want space to reflect, recall and regroup.

Whatever the reason, whatever your need, you would be so welcome at our Blue Christmas service. There will be songs and music, space for reflection, a message of hope from the Bible and the opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one or as a prayer or symbol of hope. We hope that through this special service, you will find space, and hope, which the Christmas story offers. This year’s Blue Christmas service will be on Wednesday 4th December 2024 at 7.30pm at the West End Rowing Club, 26 Saunders Place, Avondale (the community venue we use for our Sunday gatherings). If you would like to be contacted with full details of the 2024 Blue Christmas event, please click the button below.