Who are we?

Those forming Pathfinder Church come from all traditions and from none: together we are pilgrims on a journey, asking questions and exploring the connections we find between everyday life and our spirituality and faith. At the heart of this new church community in Northstowe is a recognition that we are seeking to follow The Pathfinder, Jesus Christ.

We are part of the Church of England, living out a commitment to be “a visible Christian presence in every community" 

We have an inclusive ecumenical welcome, working closely with the other Christian traditions involved in the Cambridgeshire Ecumenical Council. What unites us is much stronger than our denominational backgrounds: it is a rooted, growing, and transforming faith based on an encounter with the ancient God who still changes lives today. Our vision is to be people who are praying, exploring and sharing

Praying

- Everything we do is grounded in prayer -- recognising that the God who made us and loves us is intimately concerned with the practical realities of our day to day life. Prayer looks different for many people -- why not come and try out a few ways and see what works for you?

Exploring

- We're not following a 'blue print' for how to "start a church". We're exploring together -- listening to and working with people as they move into Northstowe, as well as listening to and responding to the wisdom of the Christian tradition.

Sharing

 - And we know that we can't do any of this alone. We're here to work together, to bless each other, to learn from each other, sharing this adventure. Why not join us!

Safeguarding Matters:

Pathfinder Church is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Safeguarding Officer.  If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.... [continue reading]

Join in the adventure.....

Sign up to our mailing list to stay up to date on all that's happening

Want to know more?

Talk to our Pioneer Minister
Revd Dr Beth Cope
Church House, 6 Woodpecker Close
Northstowe
CB24 1AW
01954 261181

 

Join in...

Encountering God together in Northstowe

Experience rooted faith, shaped for this time and this place. Church, but not as you know it.
 

Sundays Afternoons during School Term: Pathfinder Primary School (Hall or Field) 3.30-5pm

  • Most Sundays in School Term - Join us for interactive all-age conversation, prayer, exploration, and worship.
  • 4th Sunday of the Month – WILD CHURCH in the field. A great place to slip in and meet us in a relaxed outdoor setting. (Dress for the weather; bring a camping chair) northstowe.church/wild-church
  • 5th Sundays - watch this space! We love to join together with our sister churches in the 5folds villages. We're hosting them all in January!

Weekly events

  • Little Explorers - Time for you, your baby, and God - Thursday mornings
  • No-Prep Book Discussion Groups – Wednesday evenings
    northstowe.church/explore

Fortnightly events

  • Food and Faith (with those in their 20s and 30s-ish)  - alternating dinner gatherings with "bible and board" - in depth discussions over a cheese board/fruit board, etc...

Monthly/Half Termly events

  • Sunday Afternoon Tea (with activities and optional side chapel for communion)
  • “Chicken Soup for the Soul” Stop; Breathe; Pray. Weaving ancient and contemporary wisdom with ten mins of shared silence
    northstowe.church/pray

Pop Up Prayers

  • We love to pray together. Right now, we're running a series of pop ups, with the hope that most people will be able to come along to something - not expecting anyone at everything! Read more northstowe.church/pray
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: check social media as we’re often off-site

Community Partnerships

 
Our commitment to exploring and sharing has found us partnering to help build community amongst those of all faiths and none. You’ll find us working with groups including the new Town council, Sustainable Northstowe, Northstowe Social, the Foodbank or partnering for events at Christmas or Remembrance.
 

Fancy a half-termly afternoon tea with a little bit extra? 

Bring the whole family to eat together and have fun, with the option to join in with various activities including a short act of worship in a ‘chapel space’. Something for everyone, no matter your faith. Check social media for more

Join community Litter Picks

(in partnership with Sustainable Northstowe and Northstowe Town Council) WATCH THIS SPACE - plans afoot for the Great Big Green Week

Supporting young people of all faiths, cultures, genders and backgrounds: The Northstowe Youth Hive.

Working with local volunteers, we have helped set up, and are now a member organization, of the Northstowe Youth Hive.
After the huge success of the new afternoon Drop In at Pioneer Café , The Hive have now worked to bring in the Connections Bus Project on Thursdays 4-6.40 starting 30th June. youth@northstowe.info @northstowe_youth
 

Northstowe as a Growing Faith Learning Hub

Growing Faith is the movement that exists to change the culture of the Church of England so that everyone instinctively puts children, young people and families at the heart of all the mission and ministry of the Church. It comes from the vision set by the House of Bishops and endorsed by General Synod in 2019. It involves churches, schools and households working together to help children, young people and families have life in all its fullness.
 
The Growing Faith Foundation seeks to benefit children and young people, helping them create the world they want to live in, specifically through the lens of the Christian faith. In the short term, this will mean focusing on 0-16 year olds but in the medium to long term it will include 17-21 year olds.
 
The Growing Faith Foundation has chosen us to be one of 12 Learning Hubs across the country to further its impact in these areas. Together, we aim to become strong developmental communities of practice from which other school and church leaders (both regionally and nationally) can learn.
"In partnership with Northstowe’s young people, families, and schools, we are exploring a possible Outdoor Eco Worship and Learning Environment embodying “the roots to grow, the path to follow, the wings to fly”, through a “service-first” approach. Four years of collaborations seeded ecumenical prayers, Little Explorers (“time for you, your baby, and God”), schools work, transitions work, a youth charity, sustainability projects, and fresh expression of church with half under 16. All without a physical home. Through discipling emerging leaders, we plan to develop these, creating unique spaces where rooted faith contextually blesses our new town: praying, exploring, and sharing."

Christmas Highlights

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As part of the #NorthstoweWinterFestival, we've spent the weekend celebrating with those of all religious and non religious beliefs, each bringing something special to our new town. See what happened at the Lantern Parade, Switch On, Community Carols, and Advent Compline. And remember, #ThereIsRoom for you, this Christmas. find out more www.northstowe.church/Christmas
How are we governed? Pathfinder Church operates under a Bishops Mission order. Rev Dr Beth Cope is the lead minister supported by a church council... [continue reading]
Want to support our work? We are  registered with the Parish Giving Scheme and as such a regular Direct Debit can be set up online.. [continue reading]
(C) Pathfinder Church, Northstowe 2022