‘Bubble Church’ is a 30-minute babies, toddlers and young families service, which includes action songs, a Bible story and puppet show that helps explain a little about Christian faith. Described as a ’puppet packed, Jesus-centred, coffee-and-croissant adventure,’ Christ Church, Epsom Common are the first parish in the Diocese to embrace doing Church differently in this way.
Launched at Christ Church in January 2024, it will happen on the 2nd Sunday of every month at 4pm.
Led by Revd Esther Holley Hunt, curate at Christ Church, Epsom Common, she explains how Bubble Church has helped revitalise their work with young families: ‘At Christ Church we already had a monthly service for young families, but after the impacts of Covid, the service required a new lease of life. When we saw the promotion for Bubble Church, we were really excited by the opportunity. To our delight we were chosen to partner with them, a first for the Diocese of Guildford.
At our launch service in January, we had so many families attend that we had never seen before and again in February even more new families showed up! The service is crafted for those under seven years old and appeals to everyone, especially those who haven’t had the chance yet to know the Bible and Jesus. It is joy filled service with a focus on warm welcome and sharing the gospel.
It’s so important to encourage families in faith and make church an exciting place to be. I think what makes Bubble Church special is its repeated structure and liturgy in each service, in and amongst the fun, we're instilling truths of Jesus’ love which the families will carry home with them.”
So far, 21 families have taken part with up to 30 children attending.
Speaking on the initiative, Emma Coy, Mission Enabler for Children & Families said: ‘‘Bubble Church is a fantastic way to enable young families to worship and discover more about Jesus. I am thrilled that Christ Church are the first to launch this in our diocese. ‘
You can find out more about Bubble Church and how you could run it here.