Since 2024, St Andrew’s, Boreham, has shared its services, on the second Sunday of each month, with the Word Alive Chapel – a Pentecostal congregation within the Redeemed Christian Church of God that normally meets at Boreham Village Hall.
Most of the joint services take place at St Andrew’s, with one memorable open-air “Songs of Praise” held outside.
In January, members of the Word Alive Leadership Team and the St Andrew’s wardens met with Boreham’s interim minister, the Rev Canon Andy Griffiths, for an evening of conversation and hopeful planning. Andy explains:
“Much of the discussion focused on appreciating each church’s distinctive character. Word Alive brings vibrant energy shaped by its many young people and its strong sense of community identity. The congregation’s Nigerian heritage deeply influences the community’s warmth and faith expression. Their commitment is evident in the long distances many travel each week to attend. The group also believe it is important not to hold communion in morning services, a practice they see as rooted in Scripture.
“St Andrew’s, by contrast, offers a historic and contemplative setting, with its altar, stained glass, and written liturgy giving a sense of sacred continuity. Its different service styles – Communion and the Service of the Word – offer varied expressions of worship. Deep links with Boreham village, and international connections such as a partnership with Kenya, give St Andrew’s a strong sense of rootedness in place and story.
“Yet the group also recognised how much the churches hold in common. Both value warm relationships, outreach, evangelism, music that blends hymns with contemporary songs, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of Boreham. Both also enjoy a degree of denominational flexibility and are eager to grow in friendship.
“A major idea emerging from the meeting was a potential summer concert – designed not as a fundraiser but as a relational, invitational event for the village. Hosting and invitations would be shared by the two congregations, with a joint planning group to take the idea forward.
“Other possibilities included a family evening for all ages, a monthly prayer gathering called Transforming Boreham, and even an ‘intermission’ during joint services to encourage new friendships. The evening offered more than plans – it was a glimpse of what God can do when God’s people come together with humility, curiosity, and hope.”
The members of the Word Alive Chapel have also really valued the opportunity to build a growing relationship with St Andrew’s, and to celebrate a shared faith in Christ. Pastor, David Adenekan, said: “Our joint services with St Andrew’s, Boreham have been a powerful expression of Christian unity in action, with the aim of lifting Jesus Christ high in the village and surrounding communities. We have seen a renewed hunger for God’s Word, which has led to the start of a monthly Bible study group, as well as a growing desire to reach others together.
“Under a shared vision to ‘Light Up Boreham’, we are prayerfully developing further initiatives to engage young people, deepen discipleship, and create meaningful opportunities for worship and community connection.”
This story first appeared in the Diocese of Chelmsford We Pray publication.
Photo: courtesy Word Alive Chapel, Boreham