Two ‘firsts’ for Christ Church, Epsom Common

2024 has started with a real flurry of excitement at Christ Church, Epsom. They have been privileged to host two unique events.

On Sunday 14^th January they launched Bubble Church. This is a Sunday church service especially for babies, toddlers, and young families. It’s a puppet-packed, Jesus-centred, coffee-and-cake-fuelled, 30-minute kids and families adventure.

Christ Church is the only church in the Guildford Diocese to offer this at the moment and we hope to see real fruit in growing discipleship, community, and diversity through it. It’s an authentic church service specifically tailored to the youngest children, and we saw 17 families with 29 children at our launch.

It takes place on every second Sunday of the month at 4pm and is a new initiative to come out of Covid begun initially by the Church of the Ascension in Balham. Desiring to see other churches flourishing in this area of ministry, churches were invited to apply to become partners and we were delighted to be chosen.

On Sunday 21^st January the Bishop of Guildford, Andrew Watson came to ordain our lovely Curate, Esther Holley Hunt. This was the first time Christ Church had ever hosted an ordination as they are usually held at the cathedral. The service was a special celebration of the twin vocations of priesthood and motherhood as Esther’s son was also dedicated within it. Bishop Andrew noted how it was because of Gabriel that Esther had missed out on ordination with her cohort in the summer whilst she was on maternity leave, so it was a real joy to be able to bring together both aspects of her calling in one service. Everyone present was also encouraged to reflect on their own vocation.

Esther says…. “It has already been such an exciting start to 2024 with our two special firsts. At Christ Church we are passionate about children’s ministry and exploring vocation. It’s a privilege to serve in this church which is so full of joy and bubbling with life. We’re all so excited to see what God’s going to do next!’

For more information regarding Christ Church, Epsom Common visit https://www.christchurchepsom.org.uk/