Radical welcome is what Leytonstone United Free Church offers to all. This church stands as a beacon of community spirit. It embodies inclusivity in the heart of Leytonstone.
Leytonstone United Free Church is not just a place of worship. It is a hub for social action. The church actively works for the common good. It seeks to be an agent of change in the local community.
The church’s mission is the growth of Christ’s Kingdom in Leytonstone. A key aspect is finding creative and innovative ways to be a church with a servant heart. Motivated by the love of Christ, the church’s vision is to grow in faith together.
Leytonstone United Free Church is a Baptist/United Reformed Local Ecumenical Partnership. It seeks to offer an inclusive radical welcome to all. The church is progressive with a broad spectrum of theology. Working with other churches and faiths in the community is important.
In recent years, Leytonstone United Free Church has had a stable succession of long-term ministers. Since September 2014, the church is registering to offer services of same-sex marriage.
The modern building of Leytonstone United Free Church aids its vision to serve the community’s needs. Church activities include youth fellowship, social afternoons, and coffee mornings. Baby Yoga is also held here. Numerous outside charitable and social lettings occur here. These include Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups. The church helped launch a Credit Union and a Night Shelter within the borough.
Leytonstone United Free Church has been recognized for its environmental credentials. It has received an Eco-Congregation Award over many years.
Radical Welcome combines Christian ministry with a commitment to eliminate systemic barriers. These barriers limit the embrace of marginalized groups. Young adults, the poor, LGBT people, people of color, and people with disabilities are welcomed here.
Leytonstone United Free Church was one of the original churches in London to be awarded an Eco Congregation Award. The church has twenty solar PV panels on the roof. These panels reduce electricity consumption. They also provide income from Feed-In Tariff receipts. The panels demonstrate a commitment to care for the environment. Members are encouraged to cycle or use public transport. The church provides bike racks.
Prayers and intercessions about the environment are regularly included in worship. The church takes its role as stewards of creation seriously. It commits to recycling and monitoring energy use.
Leytonstone United Free Church believes in operating as a church with open doors. Its congregation is rooted in the local community. The church is proud of its involvement in the borough’s homeless Night Shelter scheme during winter months. It seeks to continue developing as a church that cares for its neighbors near and far. This is faith in action showing love and lifting up God’s people.
The church building has a flexible open-plan layout. It can be used as a place of worship. It also provides separate meeting rooms for various community uses. These include meetings, physical activity, and celebrations. There is also an upstairs hall.
The church is fully accessible to those who are disabled. A sound loop covers much of the building. A portable sound loop can be used separately. It can also be used in areas not covered by the main loop.
Meeting rooms accommodate up to 15 people. There is a large hall upstairs, a concourse area, a chapel, and a children’s creche. A kitchen and car park are also available.
The Leytonstone United Free Church stands as a testament to faith, community, and inclusivity. It is a place where all are welcome. It is a beacon of hope in Leytonstone.