Prayer
We believe that the life of the church involves more than worship, although that is our principal focus.
Prayer is at the centre of all we do at Christchurch. As well as the sanctuary being open for private prayer from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 9am to noon on Saturdays, we have a Prayer Fellowship which meets weekly every Thursday, 9.30am - 10am. On behalf of the church and beyond, spoken and silent prayer is offered. There is a sense of sharing in something very precious, times of thanksgiving, times of joy and concern when sorrow is felt and gently offered to Almighty God for His healing love to do its work. These prayer times are well attended and are an integral part of the church life.
Christchurch also offers a confidential Prayer Chain service. The prayer chain immediately responds to urgent and particular prayer requests.
In addition, the Churches Together in Ilkley Ecumenical Prayer Group has been meeting for about 30 years; it takes place every Saturday from 10am - 10.30am in the Christchurch Sanctuary. All are welcome.
Housegroups
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There are ten Housegroups, each with 12 -16 members, meeting fortnightly between September and Easter. Most groups meet in homes, but others on the church premises, and one at Glen Rosa. The groups meet on different days of the week in afternoons and evenings, and all follow the same study programme. |
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The aim of the housegroups is to nurture the spiritual life of the Christian by Bible study, discussion, prayer and fellowship, and to explore how to live as Christians in today’s world. In a large church, it is easy to be ‘lost in the crowd’. Through meeting in these groups we get to know some people in depth and increase our sense of belonging.
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