People standing chatting while enjoying refreshments

Church is about more than a Sunday service. At CHCC, we want to build genuine community — sharing life together, supporting one another, serving our local area and helping people encounter the hope of Jesus.

Community at CHCC

We are based in North West Stowmarket and have a particular heart for Chilton Hall, Chilton Leys and the surrounding area.

Our desire is to be a warm, caring and active presence in the area, building relationships with local people, families, schools and community groups.

Rooted in our community

We want to be more than a church that meets on a Sunday. We want to be a local, active presence that people know, trust, and turn to.

People serving themselves to a bring and share lunch table full of various foods

Life Together

Community is formed in ordinary moments: conversations over coffee, meals shared together, praying for one another, supporting people through difficult seasons, celebrating good news, serving alongside each other and growing together as followers of Jesus.

Whether you are new to church, new to the area, or have been part of CHCC for years, we want this to be a place where people are known, valued and encouraged.

Ways to Connect

Coffee & Chat

A relaxed opportunity to meet others, enjoy conversation and build friendships in an informal setting.

Home Groups

Smaller gatherings where we study, pray together, encourage one another and grow in faith as we go through the Bible.

Community Events

Throughout the year we run different events and activities that help people connect, have fun and spend time together.

Exploring Faith

If you are curious about Christianity, have questions, or are not sure what you believe, we'd love to help you.

Community in action

Cogwheel Quiz & BBQ

CHCC was delighted to host a Summer Quiz and BBQ at Grace Cook Primary School to raise funds for The Cogwheel Trust for Children. The evening brought people together for food, fun and a general knowledge quiz, with teams enjoying a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The BBQ began in the playground before everyone gathered in the hall for the quiz. It was a great opportunity to welcome people from the church family and wider community, while supporting a charity with strong links to Suffolk churches and important work among children in Uganda and India.

We are grateful to everyone who came, gave, helped organise, cooked, served and joined in. Events like this are a simple but meaningful way to build community and support good work beyond our local area.

Playground weeding at Chilton Fields

A couple of years ago, CHCC offered to help the Public Realm department at Mid Suffolk District Council by tidying the playground near the Rugby Club on Chilton Fields.

The playground had received some negative comments locally, and we knew there were simple ways we could make a difference while it awaited future investment. Members of CHCC organised work parties to clear weeds and tidy the area, helping improve the space for local families.

Following this, the council also replaced the surrounding fencing and renewed the bark chippings, giving the playground a much-needed refresh.

It was a small but practical way for CHCC to serve the local community and help care for a well-used public space.

Painting play equipment at Chilton Fields Playground

Following on from our earlier work at the Chilton Fields playground, CHCC was pleased to assist Mid Suffolk District Council again by painting the swings and slide during the autumn.

Although one session was rained off, the team was able to complete the painting before the clocks changed and the colder weather arrived.

It was another simple, practical way to help care for a local space used by families in the community.

Litter Picking at StowFest

Each year, CHCC is glad to support Stowmarket Town Council by helping clear litter from Chilton Fields at the end of both days of StowFest.

We are usually contacted early in the year to see whether we are available, and our litter-picking team seems to grow each time. Many hands really do make light work, and it is a simple, practical way to serve the local community after a busy weekend of events.

We also like to add a bit of fun along the way by holding a “most unusual find” competition among the team.

Street parties in Turner Road

During 2022 and 2023, members of CHCC helped organise community street parties in Turner Road to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation of King Charles III.

Both occasions brought neighbours together, with almost every household getting involved. CHCC was glad to support the celebrations by providing meat from a local butcher.

Between these two events, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, several households in Turner Road also gathered to observe a time of silence and pray together.

Serving our community

We want to love and serve our local community in practical ways. This includes supporting local families, building links with schools and community groups, offering pastoral care where appropriate, and partnering with others who are working for the good of the area.

We also support Stowmarket Foodbank and encourage practical generosity towards those facing difficult circumstances.

Crates of food at the Foodbank warehouse

Need support?

If you are going through a difficult time, feeling isolated, or would value someone to talk or pray with, please do get in touch. We cannot promise to fix every situation, but we would be glad to listen, pray and help where we can.

Get involved

There are lots of ways to become part of community life at CHCC. You could come along on a Sunday, join a Home Group, visit Coffee & Chat, help at an event, support a practical project, or simply start by getting to know a few people.

However you begin, you would be very welcome.

Get Involved

Safeguarding

We take safeguarding seriously. If you have a safeguarding concern or would like to speak to someone about safeguarding at CHCC, please contact our safeguarding team.

Safeguarding information

Help support the work of CHCC

CHCC is supported by generous giving. If you would like to give towards the life and mission of the church, including our Sunday gatherings, children and family ministry, community work and local outreach, you can do so securely through Stewardship.