Serving
God has shaped and gifted each of us to serve him and other people.
Across Grace, teams bring together people with different gifts, skills and experience to support our church family and share the love of Jesus with our community.
Whether you enjoy listening, praying, making coffee, stacking chairs, keeping people safe or running children’s activities, there’s a place for you to get involved. You don’t need to have it all figured out – a willingness to help is a great place to start.
Hi, I’m Chris, and I help coordinate and support the teams here at Grace.
We’d love you to join a team and use your gifts to serve God and others – within our church family, in the local community and around the world. If you’re unsure where to start, I’d be happy to chat and help you find a team that’s right for you.
Chris Atkinson
Teams and Operations Lead at Grace
Below is an overview of the various teams that run at Grace
Serving the
Community
Teams offering practical support, friendship and opportunities to explore faith, sharing the love of Jesus with people across our local community.
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Our CAP team helps people facing debt find hope and a way forward. Based at Project 229 in Kempston, we work with Christians Against Poverty to offer free debt support to anyone in our community, whatever their background or beliefs.
As a CAP befriender, you could accompany a Debt Coach on home visits and offer friendship, a listening ear and practical support. Meeting for coffee or inviting someone to a community event can help them feel less alone. You don’t need financial expertise – debt advice is handled by trained coaches.
Contact: Karen Jones
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Our Foodbank provides emergency food and support to local people referred to us in crisis. Part of the Trussell Trust network, our distribution centre runs on Fridays from 1–3pm at Project 229, helping people in our community who are facing hunger and hardship.
As a team member, you could help prepare and distribute food parcels, welcome visitors and offer a listening ear. It’s an opportunity to provide practical help and a friendly, reassuring welcome at a difficult time.
Contact: Nicky Gillies
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Explore gives people space to ask questions about Christianity and consider some of life’s bigger questions in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Courses run throughout the year and are open to anyone curious about the Christian faith.
As a team member, you could help welcome guests, provide refreshments or support group discussions. Listening well and helping people feel comfortable asking honest questions are key parts of the team’s role.
Contact: Graham Albans
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Explore More gives people an opportunity to continue asking questions after the Explore course. Through short videos and informal discussion over food, we consider topics such as science and faith, other religions, suffering and what it means to live as a Christian.
As a team member, you could help prepare and serve food, welcome guests or support discussions. Listening thoughtfully and encouraging honest questions helps create a relaxed setting where people can explore faith further.
Contact: Graham Albans
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The Net offers friendship and support to women experiencing isolation, whether they are new to the area or finding life difficult. Meeting two mornings a week during term time, it provides a welcoming place to connect with others.
As a team member, you could help welcome women along, prepare refreshments and spend time chatting and listening. A friendly face and regular conversation can help people feel valued and build friendships.
Contact: Julia Bailey-Paul / Naomi Frossell
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PrimeTimes offers free lunches and friendship for over 60s in our local community. Held at Centenary Hall in Kempston, the lunches bring people together to enjoy good food, conversation and real stories of faith in a welcoming setting.
As a team member, you could help prepare and serve meals, set up tables, welcome guests or clear away afterwards. Spending time chatting with guests is also a valuable way to help everyone feel included.
Contact: Graham Albans
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The Shed is a free café-style drop-in for men in our community, offering friendship, support and social connection. Meeting on Fridays from 10am–12pm at Project 229, it’s a relaxed space with no set agenda – just conversation, good coffee and doughnuts.
As a team member, you could help set up, serve refreshments and welcome those who come along. Spending time chatting and listening helps men feel at ease, build friendships and find support.
Contact: Graham Albans
For more information about these groups, visit our community page.
If you'd like to talk to someone about any of these teams, please message: graham.albans@graceinthecommunity.com
Serving the
Church
Teams working together to make church life welcoming, safe and well organised, helping us worship God, care for one another and grow together as a church family.
If you'd like to talk to someone about any of these teams, please message:
Support & Governance
chris.atkinson@graceinthecommunity.com
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The Admin team helps church life run smoothly and keeps our church family informed about what’s happening. Staff and volunteers work together to support day-to-day administration, including producing the weekly mailer and Sunday notices.
As a team member, you could help prepare notices, gather information about upcoming events and assist with general admin tasks. An eye for detail and a willingness to help behind the scenes can make a valuable contribution.
Contact: Ailie Redman
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The Comms team helps our church communicate clearly and creatively, both within the church family and with the wider community. Through print and digital channels, we help people discover what’s happening at Grace and support our mission to make Jesus known.
As a team member, you could contribute to design, writing, photography, video, social media or website updates. There are opportunities to use your creative and practical skills across a variety of outputs.
Contact: Chris and Anna Evans
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The GDPR team helps Grace look after personal information responsibly and meet its data protection obligations. This supports trust across our church family and helps staff and volunteers handle information with care.
As a team member, you could help review how information is collected, stored and shared, keep guidance up to date and support others with data protection questions. Attention to detail and an interest in handling information responsibly would be useful.
Contact: Mark Anderson
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Finance
The team is tasked with ensuring that the Grace finances are managed in a way that honours God. In particular, that the recording processes are efficient, effective and full of integrity and that the finances of Grace are sufficiently transparent. That the income is sufficient to meet Grace’s objectives and that expenditures are properly authorised and controlled.
Contact: Neil Gillies
neil.gillies@graceinthecommunity.com -
The Health and Safety team helps make Grace a safe place for staff, volunteers and everyone attending our activities. It supports safe working practices and helps teams understand and fulfil their responsibilities.
As a team member, you could help review risk assessments, check spaces and equipment, identify potential hazards and explain safety guidance. Practical thinking and an eye for detail can help keep people safe.
Contact: Tim Eaves
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The IT Support team keeps church computer systems working well and helps staff and volunteers use them confidently. Its practical support enables the everyday work and wider mission of the church.
As a team member, you could help troubleshoot problems, set up and maintain equipment, or show people how to use church systems. Technical skills, patience and a willingness to explain things clearly are valuable.
Contact: Mark Anderson
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The Safeguarding team helps protect children and adults at risk of abuse, supporting a safe and caring church environment. Working with local and national organisations, it helps Grace fulfil its safeguarding responsibilities and respond appropriately to concerns.
As a team member, depending on your role and experience, you could help support safeguarding processes, promote good practice and keep guidance up to date. Careful listening, discretion and a willingness to undertake relevant training are essential.
Contact: Hugh Minty / Hazel Davis
Item description
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Item descriptionThe Bible Reading team helps us hear and understand God’s word by reading Scripture clearly and thoughtfully in our Sunday services. Training and support help readers communicate the meaning of each passage with accuracy and interest.
As a team member, you would spend time reading and practising your allocated passage before the service. You would then read it aloud, helping everyone follow and engage with what God is saying.
Contact: Simon Rowell
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Bitesize talks introduce the main point of the sermon in a way that helps children engage with the service. These short talks help children and adults remember what they hear and give families something to discuss at home.
As a team member, you could help prepare and deliver short, engaging talks linked to the sermon. This might involve using a visual aid, an illustration or a simple activity to explain a Bible truth clearly.
Contact: Martin Salter
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Connect team members proactively look out for new /‘newish’ people on a Sunday and ensure they are given a warm welcome and signposted to more connection points, and keep a record of who they spoke to.
‘Welcomers’ are a more prominent role; they wear a pink t-shirt so that new-comers can find someone quickly should they want to know more. To ensure there is always a Welcomer available, we have a Sunday rota.
You don’t need to know everything about what’s going on at church; the welcome table is there as a toolkit!
Contact: Simon Rowell
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The Music team helps our church family worship God together in song. By using and developing their musical gifts, team members help us reflect on the words we sing and respond to God with our hearts and minds.
As a team member, you could sing or play an instrument, practise with others and help lead music during services. Preparing well and working together are key parts of serving the church through music.
Contact: Simon Rowell
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The Sunday Prayer Team is available after each service to listen and pray with anyone who would like support. Whether someone is responding to the service or facing something in everyday life, the team offers a caring opportunity to pray together.
As a team member, you would listen sensitively and pray with people after services. You could also help follow up requests received by email, treating what people share with care and discretion.
Contact: Bunmi Alade
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The Sunday Refreshments team provides tea, coffee and biscuits at our services, creating space for conversation and friendship. This simple act of hospitality helps newcomers and regulars feel welcome and connect with one another.
As a team member, you could help prepare drinks, serve refreshments and wash up afterwards. A friendly welcome and a willingness to lend a hand help make Sundays an inviting place to be.
Contact: Sian Eaves and Richard Perry
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The Set-up and Welcome team prepares our meeting spaces and gives everyone a warm greeting on Sundays. From arranging the hall to helping people find their way, the team helps services run smoothly and visitors feel comfortable.
As a team member, you could arrange chairs and tables, put out resources and car park signs, or welcome people as they arrive. You could also help people find seats, answer practical questions and pack away after services – loads of different opportunities to serve!
Contact: Richard Perry / Chris Atkinson
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The Signing Support team helps people who are hearing impaired or use British Sign Language engage with our services. Through friendship, notes, the Breeze translation app and signing where possible, the team supports participation in songs, sermons and the wider service.
As a team member, you could sit alongside someone, help them follow the service using notes or the app, and offer signing support where you have the skills. Patience and a willingness to understand individual needs are valuable.
Contact: Becky White
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The Sound team helps everyone hear our services clearly, both in the building and through the livestream. Working closely with Music and Vision, it also records and shares sermons for people listening at home.
As a team member, you could help set up microphones and audio equipment, manage sound levels during services, or record and edit sermons. You could also help upload recordings and prepare CDs or DVDs for those who need them.
Contact: Henry Atkinson / Amit Paul
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The Vision team helps people follow and engage with our services through song lyrics, visual material and livestreams. It sets up and operates screens, cameras and other visual equipment so people can join in at church or from home.
As a team member, you could help set up equipment, display lyrics and slides, operate livestream cameras or prepare service recordings and DVDs. Careful attention and an interest in technology are useful ways to contribute.
Contact: Johnson Romain
Sundays
Support & Governance
Serving the
Church
Teams working together to make church life welcoming, safe and well organised, helping us worship God, care for one another and grow together as a church family.
If you'd like to talk to someone about any of these teams, please message: chris.atkinson@graceinthecommunity.com
-
The Admin team helps church life run smoothly and keeps our church family informed about what’s happening. Staff and volunteers work together to support day-to-day administration, including producing the weekly mailer and Sunday notices.
As a team member, you could help prepare notices, gather information about upcoming events and assist with general admin tasks. An eye for detail and a willingness to help behind the scenes can make a valuable contribution.
Contact: Ailie Redman
-
The Bible Reading team helps us hear and understand God’s word by reading Scripture clearly and thoughtfully in our Sunday services. Training and support help readers communicate the meaning of each passage with accuracy and interest.
As a team member, you would spend time reading and practising your allocated passage before the service. You would then read it aloud, helping everyone follow and engage with what God is saying.
Contact: Simon Rowell
-
Bitesize talks introduce the main point of the sermon in a way that helps children engage with the service. These short talks help children and adults remember what they hear and give families something to discuss at home.
As a team member, you could help prepare and deliver short, engaging talks linked to the sermon. This might involve using a visual aid, an illustration or a simple activity to explain a Bible truth clearly.
Contact: Martin Salter
-
Connect team members proactively look out for new /‘newish’ people on a Sunday and ensure they are given a warm welcome and signposted to more connection points, and keep a record of who they spoke to.
‘Welcomers’ are a more prominent role; they wear a pink t-shirt so that new-comers can find someone quickly should they want to know more. To ensure there is always a Welcomer available, we have a Sunday rota.
You don’t need to know everything about what’s going on at church; the welcome table is there as a toolkit!
Contact: Simon Rowell
-
The Comms team helps our church communicate clearly and creatively, both within the church family and with the wider community. Through print and digital channels, we help people discover what’s happening at Grace and support our mission to make Jesus known.
As a team member, you could contribute to design, writing, photography, video, social media or website updates. There are opportunities to use your creative and practical skills across a variety of outputs.
Contact: Chris and Anna Evans
-
Finance
The team is tasked with ensuring that the Grace finances are managed in a way that honours God. In particular, that the recording processes are efficient, effective and full of integrity and that the finances of Grace are sufficiently transparent. That the income is sufficient to meet Grace’s objectives and that expenditures are properly authorised and controlled.
Contact: Neil Gillies
neil.gillies@graceinthecommunity.com -
The GDPR team helps Grace look after personal information responsibly and meet its data protection obligations. This supports trust across our church family and helps staff and volunteers handle information with care.
As a team member, you could help review how information is collected, stored and shared, keep guidance up to date and support others with data protection questions. Attention to detail and an interest in handling information responsibly would be useful.
Contact: Mark Anderson
-
The Health and Safety team helps make Grace a safe place for staff, volunteers and everyone attending our activities. It supports safe working practices and helps teams understand and fulfil their responsibilities.
As a team member, you could help review risk assessments, check spaces and equipment, identify potential hazards and explain safety guidance. Practical thinking and an eye for detail can help keep people safe.
Contact: Tim Eaves
-
The IT Support team keeps church computer systems working well and helps staff and volunteers use them confidently. Its practical support enables the everyday work and wider mission of the church.
As a team member, you could help troubleshoot problems, set up and maintain equipment, or show people how to use church systems. Technical skills, patience and a willingness to explain things clearly are valuable.
Contact: Mark Anderson
-
The Music team helps our church family worship God together in song. By using and developing their musical gifts, team members help us reflect on the words we sing and respond to God with our hearts and minds.
As a team member, you could sing or play an instrument, practise with others and help lead music during services. Preparing well and working together are key parts of serving the church through music.
Contact: Simon Rowell
-
The Sunday Prayer Team is available after each service to listen and pray with anyone who would like support. Whether someone is responding to the service or facing something in everyday life, the team offers a caring opportunity to pray together.
As a team member, you would listen sensitively and pray with people after services. You could also help follow up requests received by email, treating what people share with care and discretion.
Contact: Bunmi Alade
-
The Sunday Refreshments team provides tea, coffee and biscuits at our services, creating space for conversation and friendship. This simple act of hospitality helps newcomers and regulars feel welcome and connect with one another.
As a team member, you could help prepare drinks, serve refreshments and wash up afterwards. A friendly welcome and a willingness to lend a hand help make Sundays an inviting place to be.
Contact: Sian Eaves and Richard Perry
-
The Safeguarding team helps protect children and adults at risk of abuse, supporting a safe and caring church environment. Working with local and national organisations, it helps Grace fulfil its safeguarding responsibilities and respond appropriately to concerns.
As a team member, depending on your role and experience, you could help support safeguarding processes, promote good practice and keep guidance up to date. Careful listening, discretion and a willingness to undertake relevant training are essential.
Contact: Hugh Minty / Hazel Davis
-
The Set-up and Welcome team prepares our meeting spaces and gives everyone a warm greeting on Sundays. From arranging the hall to helping people find their way, the team helps services run smoothly and visitors feel comfortable.
As a team member, you could arrange chairs and tables, put out resources and car park signs, or welcome people as they arrive. You could also help people find seats, answer practical questions and pack away after services – loads of different opportunities to serve!
Contact: Richard Perry / Chris Atkinson
-
The Signing Support team helps people who are hearing impaired or use British Sign Language engage with our services. Through friendship, notes, the Breeze translation app and signing where possible, the team supports participation in songs, sermons and the wider service.
As a team member, you could sit alongside someone, help them follow the service using notes or the app, and offer signing support where you have the skills. Patience and a willingness to understand individual needs are valuable.
Contact: Becky White
-
The Sound team helps everyone hear our services clearly, both in the building and through the livestream. Working closely with Music and Vision, it also records and shares sermons for people listening at home.
As a team member, you could help set up microphones and audio equipment, manage sound levels during services, or record and edit sermons. You could also help upload recordings and prepare CDs or DVDs for those who need them.
Contact: Henry Atkinson / Amit Paul
-
The Vision team helps people follow and engage with our services through song lyrics, visual material and livestreams. It sets up and operates screens, cameras and other visual equipment so people can join in at church or from home.
As a team member, you could help set up equipment, display lyrics and slides, operate livestream cameras or prepare service recordings and DVDs. Careful attention and an interest in technology are useful ways to contribute.
Contact: Johnson Romain
Serving the
Family
Teams offering friendship, encouragement and practical support, helping us care for one another through life’s joys and challenges so that everyone feels known, valued and supported.
If you'd like to talk to someone about any of these teams, please message: jon.putt@graceinthecommunity.com
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The Bereavement team offers comfort and support to people in our church family and wider community who have lost a loved one. Through pastoral care and practical help, the team comes alongside people as they grieve, recognising that support may be needed over time.
As a team member, you could offer a listening ear, keep in touch through calls or visits, and help with practical needs. A compassionate, patient presence can help people feel supported without pressure to move on.
Contact: Louise Pestell
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The Care Team supports people in our church family when life is difficult, including through bereavement, relationship challenges, ill-health or family struggles. Working alongside homegroups and other care teams, it connects people with additional pastoral and practical support.
As a team member, you could come alongside someone facing challenges you have experience of, offering a listening ear, prayer and encouragement. Working with the team leaders, you would help people feel understood and supported, treating their circumstances with care and discretion.
Contact: Jon Putt / Julia Bailey-Paul / Liz (Biddy) Bartlett
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KITES helps elderly and unwell members of our church family stay connected, particularly when they cannot attend services or other meetings. Working alongside the Care Team, it offers friendship, practical help and pastoral support.
As a team member, you could phone or visit people, spend time chatting and praying with them, and help identify practical needs. Regular contact helps people feel remembered and included in church life.
Contact: Neil Redman
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Oasis brings together people who come to Grace on their own or may be the only Christian in their family. Meeting every six to eight weeks for a meal, it offers friendship and opportunities to pray, encourage and support one another.
As a team member, you could help organise gatherings, prepare food and welcome those who come along. Spending time listening, sharing conversation and praying together helps build a supportive group where people fe
Serving Families, Children and Youth (FCY)
Teams helping children and young people get to know Jesus and grow in faith, supporting families and creating welcoming spaces to learn, build friendships and invite others along.
If you'd like to talk to someone about any of these teams, please message: fcy@graceinthecommunity.com
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Bible Tots provides a caring crèche for children aged 0–3 during Sunday morning sermons at the Addison Centre. Children enjoy play, simple crafts, a short Bible story and songs, allowing parents to return to the service.
As a team member, you could help settle children, play alongside them, share stories and songs, or prepare simple activities. A calm, caring welcome helps children feel secure and parents feel confident leaving them.
Contact: Hannah Atkinson
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Bible Explorers helps children aged three to Year 1 learn about Jesus through Bible stories, crafts, songs and play. Meeting in the Scout Hut behind the Addison Centre during Sunday morning sermons, it allows parents to return to the service.
As a team member, you could help welcome children, share a Bible story, support craft activities and join in with songs and play. Encouragement and enthusiasm help children enjoy learning and feel part of the church family.
Contact: Helen Atkinson
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Playtime welcomes children aged 0–4 and their families on Thursdays, 10–11.30am at the Addison Centre. With toys, crafts, Bible stories, songs and bubbles, it offers a fun morning for little ones and a friendly space for parents and carers to connect.
As a team member, you could help set out toys, prepare crafts, serve refreshments or support story and song time. Chatting with parents, grandparents and carers and helping new families feel welcome are also valuable parts of the role.
Contact: Anna Evans
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DadTime brings dads and grandads together with their children for soft play, snacks, Bible stories and friendship. It meets monthly on Saturdays, 9.30–11am at John Bunyan Sports & Fitness, offering a relaxed morning to have fun and connect.
As a team member, you could help welcome families, serve coffee and snacks, support activities or share a story. Spending time chatting with dads and grandads helps build friendships and makes newcomers feel at home.
Contact: Graham Albans
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Uproar is a fun-filled kids’ club for Reception to Year 2, meeting on Wednesdays, 6–7pm at the Addison Centre. Games, songs, crafts and interactive Bible stories help children learn about Jesus and make friends, while parents can stay for refreshments.
As a team member, you could help run games, prepare crafts, join in with songs or support Bible story time. Welcoming children and helping them take part creates an enjoyable space where everyone feels included.
Contact: Caroline & Andy Paxon / Jacob Atkinson
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Chaos is a lively kids’ club for Years 3–6, meeting on Wednesdays, 6–7pm at the Addison Centre. Games, crafts, quizzes and challenges sit alongside an engaging Bible slot and small-group discussions, with refreshments available for parents who stay.
As a team member, you could help organise activities, lead games or support small-group conversations about the Bible. Building friendships with children and encouraging their questions helps them explore faith and enjoy being part of the group.
Contact: Caroline & Andy Paxon / Jacob Atkinson
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Mayhem gives young people in Years 7–9 a place to have fun, build friendships and explore life and faith. Meeting on Fridays, 7–8.15pm at Project 229, it combines games, creative activities, café hangouts and a short Bible thought.
As a team member, you could help run activities, support creative projects and spend time chatting with young people. Taking an interest in their lives and encouraging discussion helps create a welcoming place to belong and ask questions.
Contact: Gavin Jones / Debbie Kanayah
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Havoc Hangouts brings young people in Years 10–13 together through a year-round mix of social events, from bowling and rounders to fire pits and weekends away.
Weekly small groups also offer opportunities to explore the Bible and grow in faith.
As a team member, you could help organise events, support activities and build relationships with young people. You could also help with Bible discussions, encouraging them to ask questions and think about how faith shapes everyday life.
Contact: Hazel Davies