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The Church is set in a culturally mixed residential area one mile from the centre of Luton. As a church community we are from mixed backgrounds, traditions and cultures and this is reflected in a diversity of styles. We are constantly seeking to develop spiritually and explore different ways of worship and being church.
We have found that living with our differences and working together is both exciting and is what God calls us to do. This call is confirmed in our present Mission Statement as we believe only through the Love of God working through His people can we be the church God wants us to be and relevant in our community.
Our Fellowship meets for worship at 10.30am each Sunday and two reflective services are held each month in the evening at 6.00pm. (First and Third Sundays). Communion is celebrated every third Sunday during the Sunday Morning Service
Our Minister The Revd Frank Sherburn leads the services and worship in Song & Praise is led by one of two Worship leaders, Martin Owen or Revd Frank Sherburn. Each leader will reflect their personality on the worship style.
Meetings and Organisations
Three Home Fellowship Groups exist, meeting at various times during the week on a fortnightly basis. The groups meet for fellowship and mutual support, Bible Study and prayer, which continue to prove most beneficial to all who take part.
The Worship Group meet weekly to prepare and practice Sunday’s programme and introduce new songs
The Deacons meet on the second Tuesday of each month and the Church Members meeting is held on the fourth Tuesday.
The Fellowship Club is a Tuesday morning meeting held fortnightly, catering mainly for the older, retired members of the church and community and offers a varied programme of events and speakers
A Luncheon Club meets weekly, in conjunction with Age Concern, it provides a meal and a time of fellowship for Senior Citizens in the area.
The church's Youth Work includes a small but growing Junior Church and a creche for the very young. The junior Church meets on a Sunday during morning worship when teaching is based on Scripture Union material
The church supports both male and female Uniformed Youth Organisations in the Scout and Guide movements. They offer resources for all ages. The boys meetings are Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Scouts, and for the girls, Brownie Guides and Rainbows. Total membership of these groups is about 100. There is a monthly church Parade held in term time.
The Parent and Toddler Group meets twice weekly, on Monday and Thursday mornings. A large number of local families are represented here and share fellowship with church members and each other. During the morning, the Parents talk and the Toddlers play with a wide selection of toys provided. We have been pleased to welcome some of these parents in our Sunday Worship.
Ecumenism
We sincerely believe in the ecumenical church and have, over many years, developed closer ties with our neighbouring churches.
The Biscot Mill Churches Council was formed in 1973, consisting of Blenheim, St. Andrews (Anglican) and St. Margarets (Methodist) to consolidate and develop joint activities already in progress.
The three churches have for many years shared worship at festival times and social activities and found this stimulating. The Council, consisting of the ministers and delegates from each church, continually reviews new ways of working and worshipping together.
The Area Around Us
Blenheim Crescent is to the north of the town centre of Luton and the church is set in a culturally mixed residential area, one mile from the centre. Much of the housing was erected in pre-war years, though there have been some recent developments. There are local shops in the vicinity and a number of large supermarkets have been built within easy reach. The town centre is also convenient with a varied array of shops and stores.
The Galaxy Leisure Centre, in the town centre, includes a multi-screen cinema complex, bowling alley, restaurants and bars. There are also beautiful public parks, sports centres and swimming pools within easy reach.
The area is well served by schools for all children from nursery to Sixth Form. The relatively new University of Bedfordshire and other Further Education colleges cater for the more mature student.
The population of the area has changed over the last decade and, though the church has not conducted a detailed study of the fact, it is evident that there is a growing Asian community.
The church has had very limited contact with the Asian Community, though we are conscious of our need to be more aware of the culture and need of these people. The minister and some members are involved in developing cross-cultural understanding through Grass Roots, and the Luton Council of Faiths.
We have in membership a former B.M.S. missionary, Revd Barbara Bond, who has established some contact with a number of Asian families.
Outreach
We acknowledge that we have not been as effective in outreach as we should have been but recently we have made some progress.
Carol Singing in 2008 was well received by the community and a leaflet drop with a message for Easter and details of Services was widely distributed. The church has also been involved in Back to Church Sunday activities and the Hope initiative.
Many members of the fellowship are actively involved in a variety of organisations including Amnesty International, Luton Churches Education Trust, Luton Community Housing, Save the Children, WRVS, World Development Movement, Traidcraft, Christian Aid. Blenheim members have a tradition of working in the community and regard this as one way of sharing God’s love.
During a previous ministry, the church embarked on a partnership with a Baptist Church in Dezna, Romania, who are currently building an orphanage for blind children. We have supported them financially and practically, as some members have been to visit and help in some of the work.
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