Faith directory - University of Bedfordshire

Spirituality and Faith in the Bedford Community Community 2011/12

community and faith

Spirituality and Faith in the Bedford Community A directory of faith and spiritual centres, sacred spaces and faith communities in and around Bedford This directory will introduce you to some of the many and diverse faith communities in Bedford. It may help you to find a place of worship or in making contact with a particular faith community. In Bedford, people of many different faiths and beliefs, live, work and study side by side. We all need to find ways to live our lives of faith with integrity and to build our community on a strong foundation of respect, openness and trust.

Please use the weblinks to browse websites of the faith communities, use the email addresses and phone numbers if you want to contact a member of the faith community to find out more. Not all faith communities meet at the same place and the same time, nor do they all meet weekly, so its wise to check before turning up.

Our Community and Faith team can help you find the faith community to attend which suits you.

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Spirituality and Faith in the Bedford Community

Bahá’í

www.bahai.org.uk The Bahá’í Faith began in Iran in 1844.

Growing to be a world wide faith, there have been Bahá’í’s in the UK since 1896. The forerunner of the Bahá’í Faith, the Bab (Siyyid `Ali Muhammad), was a descendant of the prophet Muhammad.

He declared that his mission was to herald the arrival of one greater than himself. Baha’u’llah (Mirza Husayn `Ali) declared that he was ‘the bringer of divine revelation’, the fulfilment of the promise of the Bab and of the prophets of other religions.

Bahá’í teachings include: • that there is one God, the oneness of humanity, • the common foundation of all religions, • the equality of women and men, • the need to abolish the extremes of wealth and poverty, • the harmony of science and religion, • sustainable development and the establishment of universal peace.

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www.bahai.org.uk Bedford Baha’i Community There is no Bahá’í meeting place in Bedford. t. 01767 e.

627626 Dr Wendi Momen MBE wendi@momen.org

Luton Baha’i Community www.bahaisofluton.org

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Spirituality and Faith in the Bedford Community

Buddhism Buddhism originated in Northern India over 2500 years ago. From there it spread to China, Japan and Tibet. Today it is practised throughout the world and is one of Britain’s fastest growing religions.

Like other religions it has its own teachings and practises; centred around the Buddha, the Dharma - the Buddha’s teaching and the Sangha – the spiritual community.

Buddhists show reverence to an ‘extraordinary man’Siddartha Gautama. The concept of a creator God does not feature in Buddhism. Central to its teaching however, as in other religions, is the concept of transcendence, of ‘going beyond’ ordinary consciousness. Buddhists believe that true happiness is a state of mind which can be attained through meditation.

•

Bahá’í teachings include: that there is one God, the oneness of humanity, • the common foundation of all religions,

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Kelmarsh Nagarjuna Kadampa Meditation Centre New Kadampa/Mahayana tradition based at the Old Rectory, Kelmarsh, Northampton NN6 9LZ t. 01604 686778 info@meditationinnorthants.com www.meditatationinnorthants.com Mindfulness Meditation (Tuesdays and Thursdays) BedfordQuakerMeetingHouse:5LansdowneRoad,BedfordMK40

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Spirituality and Faith in the Bedford Community

Christianity Christianity is the largest and longest established of the world religious traditions observed in the UK. Christians believe that there is one God who has been revealed as the Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer of all and they believe that God’s nature is revealed in the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.

Christians believe in the incarnation (the birth of Jesus), that God fully identified with humanity.

Christians believe that God’s healing and saving activity is fully demonstrated in the life and teaching of Jesus.

In its various forms Christianity has shaped the past and present life of the British Isles including its legal structures and public institutions.

This section includes both trinitarian Christian churches and churches that relate to or derive from Christianity.

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Apostolic Apostolic Church Meets at the Tavistock Centre, Princes Street, Bedford, MK40 2SX t.

01234 355785 Centre Office

Ebenezer Fellowship Ministries Post Box, 610 Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8YS t. 01234

853144

Harvest Chapel Bedford Meets upstairs at Mount Zion Church, 145 -151 Midland Road, MK40 1DW t. 07853292493 e. btitilartey@yahoo.co.uk w. www.bedford@harvestinternationalministries.org

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Spirituality and Faith in the Bedford Community

Mount Zion Apostolic Pentecostal Church – Bedford Diocese 145 - 151 Midland Road, Bedford MK40 1DW t.

01234 343609 Church

w. www.mount-zion.org.uk/bedford

Word of Faith Centre Meets inThe Gateway at the University of Bedfordshire, Bedford campus, Polhill Avenue, Bedford MK41 9EA t. 01582 520444 w. .

www.wofc.org.uk 01234 856886

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Assemblies of God Bedford Pentecostal Church Roise Street, Bedford, MK40 1JE

01234 210550 Church Office w. www.bedfordpentecostal.org t.

Emmanuel Pentecostal Italian Church 4 Ashburnham, Road, Bedford, MK40 1DS t.

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01234 341285

Spirituality and Faith in the Bedford Community

Baptist For churches who are part of the Baptist Union see www. baptist.org.uk and www.centralba.org.uk All Nations Church North site: Brickhill Drive, Bedford MK41 7QF South Site: All Nations Church Centre, Bedford Academy, Mile Road MK42 9TR t. 01234 e.

273773 office@allnationsbedford.org

Bromham Baptist Church Village Road, Bromham, Bedfordshire, MK43 8LJ

01234 822681 Church Office office@bromham.org w. www.bromham.org t.

e.

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Bunyan Meeting Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU

01234 213722 Church Office e. bunyanmeeting@googlemail.com w. www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk t.

Cotton End Baptist Church (CEBC) High Road, Cotton End, Bedford, MK45 3AA

01234 743858 Church Office e. information@cottonendbaptistchurch.co.uk w. www.cottonendbaptistchurch.co.uk t.

Harrold and Carlton Grace Baptist Church 78 High Street, Harrold.MK43 7BH t.

01234 721406 Church/Pastor Robert Cordle

w. www.harroldbaptistchurch.org

and Faith in 11 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Keysoe Row & Thurleigh Baptist Church 21 Kestrel Road, Bedford, MK41 7HR t.

01234 346088

Cranfield Baptist Church Bedford Road, Cranfield MK43 0EU

01234 751495 Steve Lloyd - Pastor elder@cranfieldbaptist.org w. www.cranfieldbaptist.org t.

e.

Providence Baptist Chapel Rothsay Road, Bedford, MK40 3PT

01234 340681 Church e. info@providencechapel.org.uk w. www.providencechapel.org.uk t.

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Three Rivers Church in two locations Three Rivers East meets at 90 Denmark Street, Bedford, MK40 3TJThree RiversWest meets at Rutland Road , Bedford MK40 ID9. Also has a Polish fellowship t.

01234 213039 Church Office Three Rivers West

t. 01234 217519 Church OfficeThree Rivers East

e. admin@threeriversbedford.uk w.www.threeriv-

and Faith in 13 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Church of England www.stalbans.anglican.org All Saints, Cople Grange Lane, Cople, Bedford, MK44 3TT t.

01234 838145 Churchwarden

e. cmwvicar@gmail.com w. www.cople.org.uk

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All Saints, Great Barford High Street, Great Barford , Bedfordshire, MK44 3LQ

01234 870363 Revd Margaret Marshall e. riversmeetvicar@btinternet.com t.

All Saints, Kempston Church End, Kempston, MK43 8RH

01234 852241Revd. Enchomax www.allsaintskempston.com e. vicarjohnlomaxb4@aol.com t.

w.

and Faith in 15 Spirituality the Bedford Community

All Saints, Milton Earnest Thurleigh Road, Milton Earnest, Bedford MK44 1RF t.

01234 827252 Parish Office

e.

parishbeneficeoffice@gmail.com www.allsaintsmiltonearnest.org.uk

w.

All Saints, Odell High Street, Odell Bedfordshire MK43 7AX

01234 721004 Jon Hudson t. 01234 720262 Administrator e. teamofficecta@gmail.com t.

All Saints Queen’s Park Westbourne Road, Queens Park, Bedford, MK40 4LD

01234 306420 Church w. www.allsaintsbedford.co.uk t.

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All Saints, Renhold Church End, Renhold, Bedfordshire, MK41 0LU 01234 351162 Alan Bloomfield abloomfield79896@aol.com w.

www.all-saints-church-renhold.org

Christchurch 117 Denmark Street, Bedford, MK40 3TJ t. 01234 327150 Church Office e. office@ccbedford.org w. www.ccbedford.org

and Faith in 17 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Church of the Transfiguration Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8BQ t. 01234 300816 Church Warden t. 01234 357960 Church Warden e. victoria@btinternet.com

Elstow Abbey Church End, Elstow, Bedford, MK42 9XT t. 01234 261477 Revd. Paul Messaum paul@mahoose.co.uk w. www.elstow-abbey.org.uk

Putnoe Heights Putnoe Heights, Bedford, MK41 8EB t. 01234 342613 Church Office e. office@thisischurch.com w. www.thisischurch.com/putnoe-churchcentre

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St Andrew Kimbolton Road, Bedford, MK40 2PF t. 01234 216881 Church Office e. info@standrewsbedford.org w. www.standrewsbedford.org

St James Biddenham, Bedford, MK40 4AS t. 01234 852241Revd. Eric Lomax e. vicarjohnlomaxb4@aol.com w. www.stjamesbiddenham.com

St John’s and St Leonard’s Church Centre 38 St John’s Street, Bedford, MK42 0DL t. 01234 320045 Parish Office e. stjohnschurchbedford9btinternet.com w. wwwstjohnsandstleonards.org.uk

and Faith in 19 Spirituality the Bedford Community

St Leonard, Stagsden High Street, Stagsden, MK43 8SH t. 01234 825454 Benefice Office e. administrator@bromhambenefice.org w.

www.brohambenefice.org

St Martin (Services in English and PorRev. Valmor Pimenta Clapham Road. Bedford, MK41 7LG t.01234 357862 Vicarage w. www.stmartinschurchbedford.org.uk

St Mark Calder Rise, Bedford, MK41 7UY t. 01234 342613 Church Office e. office@thisischurch.com w. www.thisischurch.com/stmarks

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St Mary Cardington Church Lane, Cardington, MK44 3SR t. 01234 261477 Parish Office

St Mary Magdalene School Lane, Roxton, Bedfordshire MK44 3EB t. 07907922823 Revd Margaret Marshall e. riversmeetvicar@btinternet.com w. www.voxtonchurch.co.uk

St Mary, Oakley Church Lane, Oakley, MK43 7RV t. 01234 825454 Benefice Office w. www.bromhambenefice.org e.

administrator@bromhambenefice.org (Suzi

and Faith in 21 Spirituality the Bedford Community

St Mary the Virgin, Goldington Church Lane, Goldington, Bedford MK41 0AP t. 01234 328823 Church Office e. office@stmarygoldington.org.uk w. www.stmarygoldington.org.uk

St Mary the Virgin, Wootton Church Road, Wootton MK44 9HF t. 01234 765375 Office Church e. office@stmaryswootton.org.uk w. www.stmaryswootton.org.uk

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St Michael and All Angels Barford Avenue, Bedford, MK42 OED e. peterlittleford@btinternet.com t. 01234356645 w. www.elstow-abbey.org.uk/welcome/ st_michaels.html

St Owen Village road, Bromham, Bedford, MK43 8LL e. parishadministrative@ntlworld.com t. 01234 825454 Benefice Office w. www.bromhambenefice.org

St Paul St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SQ t. 01234 340163 Church Office e. admin@stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk w. www.stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk

and Faith in 23 Spirituality the Bedford Community

St Peter and St Paul Court Road, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0DR t. 01234 750214 Revd Hughes Symes-Thompson e. revhugh@symesthom.freeserve.co.uk w. www.cranfieldchurches.co.uk

St Peter, Harrold Church Walk, Harrold, MK43 7DG t. 01234 720262 Administrator e. churchestogether@btinternet.com w. www.harrold.info/churches/stpeters026.html

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St Peter de Merton with St Cuthbert De Parys Ave, Bedford, MK40 2TX t. 01234 354543 Rector: Revd Kelvin Woolmer w. w. www.stpeter.org.uk e. stpetersbedford@googlemail.

St Peter, Thurleigh High Street, Thurleigh, MK44 2DB t. 01234 827252 Sarah Croft - Churches

Together Administrator e. parishbeneficeoffice@gmail.com

and Faith in 25 Spirituality the Bedford Community

St Peter, Pavenham Church Lane, Pavenham, MK43 7PU t. 01234 827252 Sarah Croft Churches Together Administrator e. parishbeneficeoffice@gmail.com

St Swithun, Sandy Parish Church High Street, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 1AQ t. 01767 682499 Revd PH Davies e. office@sandyparishchurch.org w.

www.sandyparish.org

St Thomas a Beckett Clapham Parish Church Green Lane, Clapham, Bedford, MK41 6ER t. 01234 352814 Revd Stephen Liley e. thelileys@ukgateway.net w.

www.claphamparish church.org Spirituality and Faith in the Bedford Community

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Christadelphian Bedford Ecclesia 17 Alexandra Place, Bedford, MK40 1HT www.bedford-ecclesia.org.uk

Christian Science www.christianscience.org.uk

First Church of Christ, Scientist 84 Kimbolton Road, Bedford, MK40 2PD

01234 352914 Church and Bookroom e. mailbox@christian-science-bedford.org w. www.christian-science-bedford.org.uk t.

and Faith in 27 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Church of God of Prophecy Bedford 30 Bunyan Road, Kempston. Bedford, MK42 8HL t. 01234860824 w. www.brcf.org.uk

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints www.lds.org.uk LDS Chapel, Northampton Stake, Bedford 187a Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8D9 t.

01234 855691

Congregational Federation Bunyan Meeting Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU

01234 213722 Church Office e. bunyanmeeting@googlemail.com w. www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk t.

and Faith in 29 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Elstow Bunyan Christian Fellowship High Street, Elstow, Bedford, MK42 9XP t. 01234 406969 Secretary Jocelyn Harper e. bunyanelstow@gmail.com

GLORY AND FIRE MINISTRIES INTERGloryandFireChurch.Units1&2AmpthillRoad,Kempston,Hardwick, Bedford. MK45 3JE. t. 01234 343155 e.gloryand fireministries@gmail.com w. www.gloryandfireministries.co.uk

Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) Hope Church, Goldington Meets at Goldington Academy, Haylands Way, Bedford MK41 9BX t. 01234 402526 Martyn Hallett e. info@hopegoldington.org.uk w. www.hopegoldington.org.uk Spirituality and Faith in the Bedford Community

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Living Faith Foursquare Church Foursquare Gospel Church St Cuthberts Hall, Newnham Street, Bedford , MK40 3JR t. 07894 260365 www.foursquaregb.org e. foursquarebedford@hotmail.com

and Faith in 31 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Grace Community Church Grace Community Church Meets at The Addison Centre, Addison Howard Park, Kempston MK42 8PN

01234 851508 Church Office info@gracein the community.com w. www.graceinthecommunity.com t. 07853292493 e. btitilartey@yahoo.co.uk t. e.

International House of Prayer International House of Prayer 64a St Loyes Street, Bedford, MK40 1EZ

01234 400085 t. 07763 964754 Pastor Frances Garande e. int.houseofprayer@yahoo.com t.

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Jehovah’s Witness www.watchtower.org

Bedford, Kempston Congregation Of Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall, Goodmayes Close, Bedford MK42 0LX t.

01234 360422

Kingdom Way Kingdom Way church Meets at Tavistock Community Centre, Princes Street, Bedford MK40 2SX t. 01234 309160, Ken Cherry, Pastor e. kingdom.harvest@ntlworld.com

Kingsway International Christian Centre, (KICC) Balliol Lower School, Balliol Road, Kempston, MK42 7ER w. kicc.org.uk t. 07796 363848 Church e. kiccbedford@gmail.com

and Faith in 33 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Methodist

www.methodist.org.uk www.behdistrict.org.uk

Clapham Methodist Church 27 High Street,Clapham,Bedford,MK41 6EQ t. 01234 930025, Revd Gill Baalham - Minister e. gill.baalham@methodist.org.uk w. www.claphammethodistchurchbedford.org.uk

Clophill Methodist Church High Street, opp The Causeway, Clophill, Bedford MK45 4BE t. 01525 713468 Rev Graham Claydon-Knights - Minister e. graham.claydon-knights@methodist.org.uk w. www.northbedsmethodist.org.uk

Cranfield Methodist Church High Street, Cranfield, MK43 0DP t. 01234

767865 Revd. Caroline Weaver

e. carolineweaver@live.co.uk w. www.cranfieldchurches.org.uk/methodist

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Howard Memorial Church , Cardington

Cople Road, Cardington MK 44 3SH t. 01234 340167 e. northbedssuper@gmail.com

Kempston East Methodist Church 227 Bedford Road, Kempston. MK42 8DA t. 01234 851987 Revd. Charlie Connor e. secretary@kempstoneastmethodist.org.uk w. www.kempstoneastmethodist.org.uk

Kempston West Methodist Church High Street, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7AL t. 01234 851987 Revd. Charlie Connor w. www.northbedsmethodist.org.uk London Road Methodist Church London Road MK42 0NT t.

01234 851987

e. lrmcsecretary@gmail.com

w.

www.londonroadmethodistchurch.com

and Faith in 35 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Oakley Methodist Church High Street,corner Chapel Pound, Oakley, MK43 7RQ t. 01234 930025 Revd Gill Baalham w. www.northbedsmethodist.org.uk

Park Road Methodist Church Park Road West, corner Beaconsfield Street, Bedford MK41 t. 01234 930025 Revd Gill Baalham w. www.northbedsmethodist.org.uk

Priory Methodist Church Spirituality and Faith in the Bedford Community Newnham Avenue, Bedford, MK41 9QJ t. 01234 353523 Church Office e. office@priorychurch.org.uk w. www.priorychurch.org.uk

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Putnoe Heights Church Putnoe Heights, Bedford, MK41 8EB t.

01234 365630, Church Office

e. putnoeheights@gmail.com w. www.putnoechurch.org

Sharnbrook Methodist Church Park Lane , Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1LS t.

01234 930025 Revd Gill Baalham

w. www.northbedsmethodist.org.uk

Wixams Church Munson Room, Lakeview Village Hall,Brooklands Avenue, Wixams, Bedford MK42 6AB w. www.thisischurch.com

and Faith in 37 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Miracle Church of God in Christ Miracle Church of God in Christ 36/38 Alexandra Road, Bedford, MK40 1JB

01234 215081 Church Office bedford@miraclecogic.org.uk w. www.miraclecogic.org t. e.

Moravian Church, British Province Bedford Moravian Church Howard Avenue, Queen’s Park, Bedford, MK40 4ED w. www.moravian.org.uk/index.php/uk-congregations-list-forthe-moravian-church/eastern-district/bedford-moravian-church

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New Frontiers

www.newfrontierstogether.org All Nations Church North Site Brickhill Drive, Bedford, MK41 7QF

01234 273773 Church Office office@allnationsbedford.org w. www.allnationsbedford.org t. e.

All Nations Church South Site Meets at Bedford Academy, Mile Road, Bedford, MK42 9TR

01234 273773 Church Office office@allnationsbedford.org w. www.allnationsbedford.org t. e.

Kings Arms Kings House, 245 Amphill Road, Bedford , MK42 9AZ

01234 306500 Kings Arms Offices info@kingsarms.org w. www.kingsarms.org t. e.

and Faith in 39 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Southside Family Church Meets at Harrowden Middle School, Oak Road, Bedford MK42 0HH

01234 345458 Church Office office@southside-church.co.uk w. www.southsidechurch.org.uk t. e.

Woodside Church Woodside Christian Centre, Dover Crescent, Bedford, MK41 8QH t. 01234 272022 Church Office e. getintouch@woodsidechurch.com w.

www.woodsidechurch.com

Orthodox www.thyateira.org.uk The Greek Orthodox Church of St Mamas Meets at the Church of the Tranfiguration Bedford Road, Kempston, and Bedford, MK42 8DW

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Potters House, Christian Fellowship Meets at Faraday Community Centre, Kelvin Avenue, Bedford MK42 9ND t. 07954522273 e. phbedford@btinternet.com. www.pottershouse.co.uk

Redeemed Christian Church Newgate Church JubilationCommunityCentre,JubileePark,MoultonAvenue,Bedford MK42 0JD t. 07707 542 353 Church Office w. www.rccgnewgate.co.uk

and Faith in 41 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Redeemed Christian Church of God Victory Centre Church 2 Dane Street, Bedford, MK40 1AB t. 01234 343155 e. victorycentre@bedfordchurch.co.uk w. www.bedfordchurch.co.uk/default.aspx

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) www.quaker.org.uk Friends Meeting House 5 Lansdowne Road, Bedford, MK40 2BY t. 07949972159 Clerk e. clerk@bedfordquakers.org.uk w. www.bedfordquakers.org.uk

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Restoration Revival Fellowship Bedford Pentecost Church 51 York Street, Bedford, MK40 3RI t. 01234 261403 Pastor Chandler t. 07508503559 Pastor Chandler w.

www.rufbedford.com

Revival Centre Glorious Freedom Bedford Meets atTavistock Community Centre, Princes Street, Bedford, MK40 2SX t. 07849 470133 Pastor Ruth

and Faith in 43 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Roman Catholic

www.northamptondiocese.org Christ the King Harrowden Rd, Bedford MK42 0SP t. 01234 267714 Father Patrick Hutton, BA e. ctkchurchbed@yahoo.co.uk w. www.christthekingchurchbedford.com

Holy Cross 355 Goldington Rd, Bedford MK41ODP t. 01234 353116 Church Office e. holycross896@btconnect.com w. www.holycrossbedford.co.uk

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Sacred Heart of Jesus and St Cuthbert (Polish Church) Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU t. 01234 266901 Revd Grzegorz Aleksandrowicz e. alexsandrowicz@gmail.com w. www.ppb.org.uk

St Frances Cabrini (Italian Church) 10 Woburn Road Bedford MK40 1EG t. 01234 359515 Revd. Guiseppe Bortolaggo e. gbortolaggo@libevo.it

St Joseph and the Holy Child 2 Bereton Road, Bedford, MK40 1HU t. 01234 352569 Revd Canon Seamus Keenan w. www.stjospehsbedford.org e. stjosephsbedford@yahoo.co.uk

and Faith in 45 Spirituality the Bedford Community

St Philip and St James 2 Severn Way, Bedford, MK41 7BX t. 01234 352607 Rev Jonathan Hill e. frjonhill@frjonhill.orangehome.co.uk w. wwwsspandibedford.co.uk

Turvey Abbey Priory of Our Lady Of Peace,High Street, Turvey, Bedfordshire, MK43 8DE t. 01234 881432 Office e. info@turveyabbey.org.uk w. www.turveyabbey.org.uk

Monastery of Christ Our Saviour Jack’s Lane, Turvey, Bedfordshire, MK43 8DH t. 01234 881211 Office e. turveymonks@yahoo.co.uk w. www.turveymonks.org.uk

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Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org Bedford Congress Hall

Commercial Road, Bedford MK40 1QS 01234 329 200 Major Graham Bailey and Major Angela Bailey e. graham.bailey@salvation.org.uk w. www.bedfordsalvationarmy.org.uk t.

Seventh Day Adventist www.adventist.org.uk

Bedford Central Seventh Day Adventist Church 73 Bromham Road, Bedford, MK40 2AQ Pastor Terry Messenger t. TMessenger@sevadventist.org.uk w. bedfordcentral.adventistchurch.org.uk

Bedford Asian Seventh Day Adventist Church Meets at the Church of the Transfiguration Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 7EZ t. 01234 852086 Pastor Amalendu Bairagee

and Faith in 47 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Spiritualist Bedford Spiritualist Church and Healing Sanctuary 21 Ashburnham Road, Bedford MK40 1DX t. 01234 210381 Joan Dancer e. infochurch@bedfordspiritulistchurch.org w. www.bedfordspiritualistchurch.org

United Reformed Church www.urc.org.uk The Chapel High Street, Harrold t. 01234 720262 Administrator e. churchestogether@btinternet.com w. www.harrold.info/churches/chapel02b.html

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Howard Memorial Church , Cardington Cople Road, Cardington MK 44 3SH t. 01462 646326 Revd. John Handaker e. minister@ch w. www.howardmemorialchurch.co.uk

Urban Mission Meets at the Tavistock Community Centre, Princes Street, Bedford MK40 2SX t. 07557301201 e. bally@urbanmission.com w. www.urbanmission.me.uk

Vineyard

www.vineyard.org Pattern Vineyard Church Meets at Pattern MIddle School. Mill Lane Pottern, SG19 2PG t. 01767 261724 e. office@patternvineyard.co.uk w. www.pottonvineyard.org.uk

and Faith in 49 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Wesleyan Holiness Bedford Christian Centre Offa Road, Bedford MK42 9HZ t. 07811525265 Pastor Sardar Thapar e. secretarybedford w. www.wesleyanchurch.co.uk

Word of Faith Church BedfordAssembly meets at Bedford Campus, PolhillAvenue, Bedford, MK41 9EA. The Service is from 11.45-13.15 t. 079326780178 Niyi Obembe niyi.obembe@wofc.org.uk

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Humanism Humanism is not a faith, in that it recognises no divinity and no revelation. “It is an approach to life based on reason and our common humanity” Robert Ashby.

Humanism is a positive attitude to the world, centred on human experience, thought, and hopes

www.bbc.co.uk/religions www.humanism.org.uk British Humanist Society www.ahsstudents.org.uk National Federation of Atheist, Humanist and Secular Students’ Societies

Bedford Monthly meetings 01234 306638 Chair – Charles Baily admin@bedshumanists.org.uk w. www.bedshumanists.org.uk t. e.

and Faith in 51 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Hinduism The term Hinduism describes the major continuing and connected religions of India, now present throughout the world. Hinduism embraces a very wide range of beliefs and practices.

Being a Hindu is to find one’s place within the eternal dharma - the proper ordering of life, personal, social, cosmic. Hindus reverence One Supreme Being believing in different manifestations of the divine deity itself or its powers. A strong sense of the sacred impinging upon every aspect of everyday life, and the principle of karma the relationship between actions and their consequences are key features of the tradition.

Hindus hold a number of texts to be sacred; one of the most important scriptures is the Bhagavad Gita.

•

Bahá’í teachings include: that there is one God, the oneness of humanity,

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Gujarati Mitra Mandal of Bedford (festivals various venues) 11 Ullswater Road, kempston, MK42 8JX t. 01234 855696 e. gmmbedford.uk@googlemail.com

Sanatan Mandir Hindu Society Bedford. w. www.hindusocietybedford.btck.co.uk e. hindusocietybedford@gmail.com

and Faith in 53 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Sai Baba

www.srisathyasai.org.uk The Sai Baba Centre of Bedford 71 Foster Hill Road, Bedford MK40 2EX t.

01234 262826

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Valmiki

www.valmikisabhas.org.uk Bhagwan Valmik Sabha 6 – 8 Muswell Road, Bedford, MK42 9PH w. www.bvsbedford.org.uk

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Islam Muslims, found now in all parts of the world, worship one God and believe Muhammad is the last Messenger to humankind. For a Muslim, living is an act of worship, as is the pursuit of knowledge.

The word Islam in Arabic is derived from the word ‘salam’ meaning peace, purity, acceptance and commitment. Islam stands for complete submission and obedience to God (Allah) and Muslims believe that through this one can attain peace in this life and the eternal life of the hereafter.

The specific acts of worship, termed the Five Pillars of Islam, provide the framework of spiritual life and translate as: declaration of faith, praying five times a day, fasting in the month of Ramadan, compulsory almsgiving, and pilgrimage to Makkah. Muslims believe that the revealed message of submitting wholeheartedly to the will of God was the same message that was revealed to all the prophets and that the Qur’an, and the teachings of the prophet Muhammad provide guidance in all walks of human life.

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Bangladesh Islamic Mission 65 Commercial Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1QS t. 01234 325207 Chairman 07988 847508 Secretary

Bedford Al Falah Islamic Centre and Da’awah centre 1b Brereton Road, Bedford, MK40 1HU t. 01234 219427 e. info@bedfordislamiccentre.co.uk w. www.bedfordislamiccentre.co.uk

Jamia Masjid Hanfia Ghousia 75a Ford End Road, Queens Park, Bedford, MK40 4JG t.

01234 351770

Jamia Masjid Gulshan -E-Bagdad 1-7 Westbourne Road, Queen’s Park, Bedford, MK40 4LB t. 07916351666 Imam Hafiz Abdul Qadeer e. info@bedfordmuslims.co.uk w. www.bedfordmuslims.co.uk and Faith in 57 Spirituality the Bedford Community

Bedford Central Masjid 34 Brereton Road, Bedford, MK40 1HU t. 01234 360346

Salaam Society of Bedfordshire ( Somali) 44-46 Bunyan Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8HL t. 01234 360346 34 Brereton Road, Bedford, MK40 1HU t. 01234 360346

Salaam Society of South Bedford Islamic Cutural Centre and Masjid 5 Elstow Road, Bedford MK42 9NU t. 07899928028 e. shohel786@hotmail.co.uk w. http://southbedfordmasjid.org.uk

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Jainism Jainism is an ancient religion from India.

Jains have a deep concern for the welfare of every living being and for the health of the universe.

All living souls including animals and plants are considered of equal value and all living souls are treated with respect and compassion. The Supreme principle of Jain living is non violence – Ahimsa, the three guiding principles are right belief, right knowledge and right conduct. Jains seek to attain ultimate liberation by eliminating all karma from the soul and believe in reincarnation. Mahavivra is regarded as the man responsible for Jainism in its present day form and the teachings of Mahiavira are gathered together in the Agamas. There are around 25,000 Jains in Britain.

There is a small Jain community in Bedford.

Local contact Bipinchandra Shah e.

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Judaism The Jews are a diverse people who share ethnic, cultural and religious values. Not all Jews define themselves through their faith but those who do hold the oneness of God as a central principle. Learning plays a pivotal role in Judaism starting with religious education for the young.

Study of traditional texts and their commentaries is seen as a lifelong commitment. The most important day in the week is Shabbat, which begins every Friday evening and lasts until Saturday evening. It is a day of rest, peace and prayer.

There is also a variety of festivals spread throughout the year, several of which mark both important historical events as well as key points in the agricultural year.

Jews are commanded to love God, through the practice of deeds of loving kindness and ethical behaviour to their fellow human beings. A synagogue is not only for worship but is also a community and study centre. However, much Jewish religious observance takes place in the home, for family life is of central importance in Jewish culture.

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Jews in Bedford There were Jews in Bedford before the expulsion from England in 1290 and they returned in 1656, mainly from Spain (Sephardi Jews). The Jewish population increased enormously during WWII as a result of East End evacuations during the Blitz. After the war most Jews returned to London; those who stayed were mainly shopkeepers. w.

www.ujc.org.uk www.theus.org.uk www.liberaljudaism.org www.reformjudaism.org.uk www.masorti.org.uk

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Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue Rodef Shalom e. info@bedsps.org.uk t. 0845 8697105 w. www.bedford-ps.org.uk

Luton United Synagogue The Luton Hebrew Congregation represents the Orthodox Jewish community in Luton and around the Beds, Bucks and Herts area.

PO BOX 215, Luton, LU1 9 e. info@lutonhebrew.co.uk w. www.lutonhebrew.co.uk

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Sikhism Sikhism originated in the Punjab over 500 years ago, the first teacher being Guru Nanak.

Today there are approximately 500.000 Sikhs in the UK. Sikhs believe in one God, the teachings of the ten human gurus and the Sikh Holy Scriptures. Important beliefs are the equality of humanity and the practice of service to God and humanity .The Sikh place of worship is called a Gurdwara. It is open to everyone regardless of age, sex, caste, or creed. Here all men, women and children are treated as equal. The Gurdwara offers shelter and food to any one in need.

Bahá’í teachings include: • that there is one God, the oneness of humanity, • the common foundation of all religions, • the equality of women and men, • the need to abolish the extremes of wealth and poverty, • the harmony of science and religion, sustainable development and the establishment of universal peace.

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Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara 152-156 Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8EL

Guru Nanak Gurdwara 84, Ford End Road, Queens Park, Bedford,MK40 4JX t. 01234 266531 e. gng@bedfordgurdwara.org.uk

Ramgarhia Sikh Society Gurdwara 35-39 Ampthill Street, Bedford, MK42 9BT t.

01234 304455

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Ravidass

www.gururavidas.org Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Shri Ravidass Lane, off Ashburnham Road, Bedford, MK40 1ED t. 01234 359681 Sat Paul e. info@gururavidassabhabedford.com w. www.gururavidassabhabedford.com

Sant Nirankari Mission www.nirankari.com Nirankari Bhawan 94 London Road, Bedford, Mk40 0NT

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Spiritual Practices Subud (Susila Budhi Dharma) Bedford Subud Group Meets at 65 Ashburnham Road, Bedford, MK40 1EA

01234 212468 Dorothea and Rashid Rogers subudbedford@gmail.com w. www.subudbedford.org.uk t. e.

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Ecumenical Organisations

Bedford Street Angels 01234 262505 chair@bedfordstreetangels.org.uk w. www.bedfordstreetangels.org.uk t. e.

Hope in Bedfordshire 01234 344544 hope@hopebeds.org w. www.hopebeds.org t. e.

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Interfaith Group

Bedford Council of Faiths (BCoF) c/o The Quaker Meeting House, 5 Lansdowne Road, Bedford , MK40 2BY e. bcof@bcof.org.uk w.

www.bcof.org.uk

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University of Bedfordshire Community and Faith - SeedBeds Centre S0.02 Bedford campus, Polhill Avenue, Bedford MK41 9EA Coordinating Chaplain: Revd Cass Howes t. 01234 793177 e.

07920 849742 seedbeds@beds.ac.uk

SeedBeds Assistant: Forrest Dunbar t. 012347934135 e. forrest.dunbar@beds.ac.uk

Multi Faith Prayer and quiet room Community and Faith : SeedBeds Centre S0.02 Washing Facilities , Gym corridor, male and female changing rooms and Umpires Changing room

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Student Faith Groups (Christian Union) www.bedssu.co.uk t. 07936697664 Main meeting: Tuesdays in G1.18 e. Natalie.Nikolaov@study.beds.ac.uk Isoc - Islamic Society Information from Beds SU or SeedBeds

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ThisdirectoryhasbeenproducedbyCommunityandFaith_SeedBedsonBedfordcampus,partofStudentSupportattheUniversity of Bedfordshire. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate. If details of any faith community are not correct please do get in touch with us.We would also be pleased to know if a faith community has been omitted please send us details and next time we do an update we can add that faith community.

We would value your comments on any aspect of the directory. Get in touch with us at: SeedBeds S0.02 Bedford campus, Polhill Avenue, Bedford MK41 9EA t. 01234 793177 m. 07920 849742 e.

seedbeds@beds.ac.uk

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Sources used in the preparation of this directory are; Religions in the UK – a Multi Faith directory, Ed. Paul Weller, University of Derby in association with the Inter Faith Network of the UK 2007-10 The Oxford Dictionary of World Religions, Ed. John Bowker, OUP 1997 Paths of Faith, Ed. Elisabeth Harris, Christians Aware 2002 Online directory of Black Majority Churches

www.wwwbmcdirectory.co.uk BBC religions online

www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions Members of Bedford Council of Faiths

For more information visit:

www.beds.ac.uk/faith