We are a bold, truly inclusive new church in Peterborough that is relevant to real-world questions and real-life decisions. Join us now to help it grow.
Who we are
Jesus Christ showed us that God’s love has no limits, and so we believe that the Church’s embrace should be wide and generous.
All people are welcome here and encouraged to play their part fully, regardless of gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, disability, mental or physical health, or social background.
We welcome people of all faiths, and none, and hope that you may find here a place of rest, prayer and reflection, of challenge and celebration.
Inclusive Church Peterborough meets on Sunday Evenings
7pm to 9pm
We meet at St Mary’s Church Community Hall, New Rd, Peterborough PE1 1TT
(near Wellington St car park)
What we believe
We believe that all people are created in the image of God, and that all are called by God into a loving, dynamic relationship with him, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, his Son and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We believe that human sexuality, sexual orientation and gender identity in all their richness are gifts of God gladly to be accepted, enjoyed and honoured as a way of both expressing and growing in love, in accordance with the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is our conviction that it is entirely compatible with the Christian faith not only to love another person regardless of sex, gender or orientation, but also to express that love fully in a personal sexual relationship;
We believe that expressing our gender and sexuality with integrity is important as a way to grow in love and discipleship; we long for the day when Christians fully accept, welcome, affirm and offer equality to everyone in their diversity.
We agree with the beautiful Christians United Statement on LGBT Inclusion.
http://www.christiansunitedstatement.org
Bible Readings
The bible version we use most often is the New Revised Standard Version which has the widest acclaim and broadest support from academics and church leaders. It is “as literal as possible” in adhering to the texts and “as free as necessary” to make the meaning clear. It draws on newly available sources that increase our understanding, these sources include the Dead Sea Scrolls, and other archaeological finds that help us understand Greek and Hebrew grammar. The NRSV also makes it clear where the original texts intend to include all humans, and where they intend to refer to only one gender. Previous translations used the word ‘man’ to refer to both mankind and the male gender which made the text feel exclusive. We also use the Good News Translation 1992 which is a clear modern translation without too much jargon. We display the text on the projector but feel free to bring your favourite version for comparison.
What we do
ICP invites you to come as you are – you don’t have to pretend to be more, or less than yourself here.
We aim to encourage and provide opportunities for all people to deepen and grow their personal relationship with God on their individual journey.
We are each unique and we all belong.
On Sundays evening’s we come together to be challenged and encouraged by God’s word and to receive strength and support from God and from one another. We don’t all believe exactly the same things. And yet in the midst of our diversity, we build community, grounded in God’s radically inclusive love for all people. We can’t have all the answers ourselves, but ICP is a good place to share the questioning together, to search for deeper insights, and to celebrate our common journey.
Finances/Tithing/Offerings
We do not take a collection but there is a bowl available near the coffee if you want to make an offering to help pay some of the Churches expenses. We have no paid staff so expenses are just insurance, zoom subscription and refreshments of approximately £10 a week. If you want to drop some change to help us buy more coffee and biscuits, or bring along a packet of biscuits/tea bags when we are getting low please do – if you make cakes or biscuits nom nom. When we get to the point where our expenses are met we look for projects we can work together to support or have a church day out.
