Events
Basic Christian Communion Together (BCCT)
For approximately one hour per week, a very simple get-together can be made available for anyone who knows Jesus as their best friend, Saviour and Lord, in a personal faith and daily relationship/born again and has been through the waters of Baptism or who would like to explore the basic Christian Faith further. This, hopefully, with a view to coming to ‘know the Lord Jesus personally and seek and enjoy a daily relationship/walk with him in His Grace’ and for those without a regular place or people to meet for fellowship/worship/other Christians for mutual support, consisting of:
- Greetings and basic introductions
- Opening prayer
- Breaking of Bread around the Lord’s Table (which will include a suitable reading from The Bible) as we focus on what Jesus, as Lord has done for us and the hope of the cross and resurrection and newness of life and eternal hope in Jesus as God.
- Sharings, Testimonies, Cares, Concerns, Hearts, Requests for Prayer and Encouragements.
- Closing prayers for one another, what has been brought to the meeting and wider issues, people and places we care about, specifically and generally.
The meeting will at this point be formally closed but options of:
- A mini Bible Study, Sharing & Reflection for 30 minutes
- Possible informal/social interaction or activity done, considered or planned together.
If you would like to apply to join this meeting/activity all you need to do is to fill in one of the ‘Expression of Interest Forms’ downloadable on this website and send by e-mail or snail mail to Richard Pill, Leader of BOCFC and he will then loop you in/arrange by mutual consent to meet for an informal explorative meeting to ascertain suitability/need and this is always done in a public place like a coffee shop, pub or similar venue. There are no strings attached, no fees, it is entirely voluntary. The rules as laid out on the form, apply to Under 18s on all occasions and all matters of access and participation. Thank you.
BOCFC Social Hour
Richard will be available to chat, listen and enjoy be-friending
(two-way), as
appropriate; from 12.15-1.15pm (one hour) every Tuesday* (see below) at the
following venue:
The Gate Pub, Old Harrowden Road, (off A600), Harrowden, Bedford,
MK40 0TB. Tel: 01234 740 308.
This reasonably quiet friendly venue offers good beers, other drinks and bar
food, good parking, accessible by road from A600, almost adjacent to the A421
Bedford Southern Bypass 'Eastcotts' Junction and head southwards, first on your
right (has a pub sign at the Old Harrowden Road Junction with A600, before you
climb the hill towards Shortstown). Good parking. Also the every 12 minute
frequency No. 6 Stagecoach Bus, departs from Bedford Greyfriars Bus Station has
a stop at that same Old Harrowden Road/A600 Junction and same stop also served
by the regular Stagecoach Mars M1 & M2 Buses between Bedford, Shefford &
Hitchin (where links with ECML/Cambridge & London by rail can be made),
ditto Greyfriars Bus Station, Bedford is a 10 minute walk from Bedford Midland
Railway Station, served by regular trains during day time hours from Gatwick
Airport, London itself, London St Pancras and Luton Airport, so very user
friendly & accessible. Use the TransportDirect planner to plan your
journey by public transport or by car.
Disclaimer:
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Please email or telephone at least 24 hours prior to the Tuesday lunchtime you wish to come along and let Richard know, so he can look out for you.
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All are responsible to pay for their own transport costs, food and drink and agree to absolve Richard & BOCFC of all liabilities, however caused.
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Richard reserves the right to leave after the first half hour if no one turns up.
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Richard reserves the right to cancel but if you give him notice of attendence, he will seek to notify and/or ensure there is a notice placed on this website.
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The social hour is informal, for mutual friendship, support and encouragement, interest, listening, sharing and getting to know each other/seeking to find common ground where possible. Any obligation starts and finishes with the social hour at The Gate, all outside contact entirely discretionary and open to decline or acceptance on case by case/ at attendees own risk. Thus do not offer a lift, it will be declined generally.
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This is an informal social occasion, to help others and Richard make more social contacts, enjoy, share, have fun, and build community. It is not a business function or sales pitch. Although as people come along, networking and common interests can emerge and spin off benefits are quite possible. But it is Richard's hope this BOCFC initiative will be inclusive and seek to help people who find relationships in a social setting less easy, come out of themselves and find new confidences, positive vibes, non aggression and companionship potentially.
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Richard is open to listen to any problems, issues or concerns and say a prayer at the end if you wish. Let him know before hand. 121 and the 'Listening Ear' is always another option at another time if you wish to book an appointment. Thanks.
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You do not have to fill in the form on this site, but it does help give Richard a little idea of clientele and this can be helpful for planning future activity to give people and Richard and BOCFC suitable 'lift' as to its relevance and usefulness in serving humanity and injecting faith, freedom but also common caring and healthy interest relationships also. Thank you.
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Richard reserves the right not to attend, if 24 hours prior to the next Tuesday Social Hour, no one had phoned, emailed or sent a filled in form and indicating a wish to attend/expression of intention to attend/want to meet him on that occasion.
Summary: In short, this facility, this opportunity, is there for people to work constructively with. If they choose not to, that is their choice and they must accept our choices to respond to that also. This, by an open door attitude, but also using time set aside, expediently also. Please do make the effort, contact Richard, fill in a form and support him and let him be your friend also within appropriate boundaries of respect, dignity and constructively, x2 ways! Thank you.
Do you wish to discuss a matter of concern to you?
Need someone to talk to? Want a listening ear? Want an alternative opinion/feedback?
A free ‘listening ear’ Christian Surgery and a regular Bible Talks, Discussion and Prayer Sessions, are offered – especially for those without a regular Church!
Why not consider making an appointment or inviting Richard along to provide a group study, lead a discussion or prayer personal/1-2-1 or in a group on any matter of concern or interest or other issue of any kind?
You can discuss any issue 1-2-1 - outside Bedford locations require a minimum of 7 days notice and all travel costs with any other expenditures must be paid in full in advance or by mutual convenient arrangement and must be in a public place.
It's a chance to meet and discuss any matter: personal, care, concerns, problems, moral, ethical, spiritual, sexual or relational issues or other subjects in confidence. A chance for a prayer at the end is offered if wanted, no strings attached. Don't let things fester until it is too late!
Regular Venues for Bedford Monday Night Bible Studies and other Christian-focused interfaces exist, subject to demand. Please enquire with Richard (details below) and fill in an 'Expression of Interest Form' to put you on his loop for future such meetings and other opportunities as they unfold.
Remember: Bedfordshire Oasis Christian Fellowship Church (BOCFC) is primarily (but not necessarily exclusively) for those without a regular Church for whatever reason and regardless of their personal circumstances, faith or none, or sexual orientation - God and all people matter here, and that includes all of us too!
All formal appointments require 7 days notice to
Leader, Pastor & Convenor: Richard Pill, B.A. (Hons.)
c/o: 4, Rowlandson Way, Manton Heights, Bedford, MK41 7LT
E-mail: leader@bedfordoasis.co.uk - Telephone: 01234 290 426
Please fill in an 'Expression of Interest Form' to introduce yourself and contact details. Alternatively, bring the form with you or notify Richard Pill your wish to attend/any special needs/your requirements. In Public places, clients are expected to pay their own way and make their own transport arrangements to and from the agreed meeting place. Richard will be absolved of any liabilities or obligations beyond the interface sessions.
Disclaimer: All attendees must undertake their own transport arrangements there and home. The Leader shall be absolved of all responsibility thereof and you will be expected to accept the set framework and respect the authority of the Leader for the flow and conduct of the meetings and agree all attendance is at people's free will and obligation starts and stops with these advertised meetings and appointments. They are not formal advice sessions. The Leader reserves the right to refer clients to other agencies/professional bodies where appropriate and shall not be held responsible or liable for any negative results of any view expressed or given in confidence, however caused.
There is an irregular news-sheet loop service provided with news, views, updates and details of future developments, which is sent by post or e-mail. There is a small £2 yearly charge for this service. Voluntary donations welcome, but not compulsory.
If you wish to have a 1-2-1 meeting, please contact the Leader & Pastor.