How can I get involved at ACC?
‘Community is our middle name!’
Rather than just gathering in a large group on Sundays, we meet in smaller ‘Community Groups’ in Abingdon and the surrounding villages throughout the week. Community Groups provide a place where you belong, are known and are loved, and together we grow in God.
Groups come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. We’d love to help you find a group that works for you!
New Community Groups, September 2024
Robin and Lisa’s group Partnering with an Oxford Community Church group meeting in Abingdon, comprising people living in South Oxfordshire villages. Monthly rhythm includes discipleship evenings (Thursdays, Abingdon), meals and Sutton Courtenay pub quiz and community brunch.
Phil and Andy’s group (for men) Fortnightly in-person discipleship (Wednesdays, Abingdon), expecting to develop a monthly social event (open to other men).
Rach and Julie’s group (for women available daytime) Fortnightly in-person discipleship (Thursday mornings, Abingdon), expecting to develop a monthly social event (open to other women).
Duncan and Julie’s group From a fortnightly rhythm of fellowship and discipleship evenings (Thursdays, Abingdon) this group will explore local community engagement.
Please commit to one group, to build deeper relationships, rather than moving around. But if you’re not sure, why try a group for a bit, and then consider switching? And, we expect to create some new groups each autumn, to encourage innovation and freshness.
Training
As well as Community Groups, we partner with other churches in Advance to train people through participating in 3 annual courses, which can be completed alongside Community Group involvement:
School of the Spirit Going deeper in their knowledge and experience of the Holy Spirit
School of Leadership For those new to leadership, or new to our churches who are getting involved in leading
Upper Room (bookings closed for 2024-26) Growing leaders who lead with faith, think biblically and relate graciously
Investing the next generation!
At ACC, we love seeing our children and young people growing in their love for God.
In our Sunday services, we run a creche, as well as sessions for primary and senior school children. One Sunday a month is a family service for all ages.
ACC's youth also meet most Friday evenings for fun, games and snacks!
As part of Salt and Light Advance Youth we also encourage our youth to attend the annual youth camp Relentless, HUGE Christmas event Monster Turkey, and join with other ages at Thrive and Wildfires.
‘Everyone gets to play’
We love to get involved with helping each other, playing our part in teams and reaching out to people beyond the church community. Everyone gets to play their part in making ACC what it is!
Many roles are open to anyone who comes to ACC. Some require specific training or safeguarding (DBS) checks, which we will provide. For roles involving leading, teaching, worship, pastoral care or prayer ministry you will understand that we like to get to know you first, ensuring that we share key vision and values, and have a good mentoring (‘discipleship’) relationship in place. Usually, this means completing a brief church membership process.
Periodic Church Family Meetings enable us to pray and dream together, as we seek to play our part in God’s purposes in our area.