We are “The church in the High Street”  It is our vision to serve our community in any way we can. Our membership is small but positive.  In addition to the Sunday services we offer an open door to all our events. Should you wish to contact the Minister or one of the Elders please do so and we will be pleased to welcome you to our homes or come to you. 

Our group is made up of people of all shapes, sizes, ages, colours and opinions as well as from an amazing number of other Christian denominations. We value each other and try to offer something in return.  The “something” we try to offer is the love that Jesus has given us freely and with no strings attached.

Situated in Hampton Hill High Street, opposite an entrance to Bushy Park the church has been a prominent presence since 1863 so in 2012 we will be celebrating our 150th Anniversary as well as the Olympics. From its beginnings as a Sunday School the Church has always had children as a key focus of its mission.

The Foyer was refurbished in 1999 to enable us to offer a safe place for many groups and particularly those offering opportunities for children and their families.

‘What is that building and who are the people there?’ asked a passerby recently. ‘Nice to see a light inside!’

A modest group of local people meet on Sundays to worship the Lord Jesus Christ as simply as possible. These folk work in schools and hospitals, in the community and in business here, in Kingston, in the city and about the place.  We range from retired to pre-school.  There are married and single people strong and weak healthy and anxious folk.  In fact we are pretty ordinary.

We have a trust and belief in the promise of Jesus Christ that each of us is welcome and loved for who we are. We would love to find new ways to tell people of God’s love and interest in each of us whoever we are. To do this there is a building and it is a central part of Hampton Hill High Street.  That is where you will find God – in your everyday life.  We would love to walk with you.

The church building facing the large gates to Bushy Park has been there for over 160 years.  It was first set up to support families and children locally.  A Sunday School began around about 1850 in a hall.  This chapel soon followed and has therefore a long history of being part of the Hampton & Hampton Hill community.  Originally it was one of the independent Congregational churches. The basis of their worship was a simple selection of hymns and readings in a service centred on the life of Jesus in the New Testament of the Bible.  It is very much like this today but with more modern hymns and new translations of the Bible.

In the late sixties several churches wanted to come together – to unite. These included the Presbyterian Church in England and the Congregational Church in England & Wales.  In 1971 one church was formed, a United Church.   Both groups believed in the simple faith in the Risen Lord Jesus who welcomes all who wish to know about Him directly and personally. This approach was established in Europe by people like Martin Luther and was called a Reformed approach – different from the previous tradition handed down from the church in Rome.  When the uniting groups wanted a name these two ideas were central. A United and a Reformed Church was what we all had in common.  The United Reformed Church is a small, ordinary local group of Christians who have an open door to anyone who wants to learn more of the love of Jesus for each one of us.

This is warm invitation to you just to ‘Come & See!’ for yourself.

What of the next 100 years then? We believe that our church has a calling to help local people by offering all our accommodation for community use.

Here are some examples: 

It is a delight to have the Ivytree Nursery as partners with us.  Many congratulations to Ivytree for achieving the highest possible status that the education inspectors (Ofsted) can offer.  Ivytree was inspected recently and judged to be ‘Outstanding’ in all aspects. About 40 families are involved with the school. You can see the children playing in the garden each weekday as you walk past.

The Hampton Hill Theatre group offers dance, drama and singing to older children.  Each Saturday morning the whole place rings with their song and laughter.  

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12.30 through to about 3.00 the Hampton Hill Play Centre, parents and carers meet in the hall.  There is so much you can do; there’s paint to splash, tunnels and towers to climb.  The adults give friendship and support. With winter around the corner here is a place to meet, enjoy sharing stories and see the kids have a great time. JUST COME ALONG; it is for you! This is sponsored by the Borough for everyone to use.

On Monday evenings a Brownie Pack meets in the Church.  There is a waiting list – partly due to lack of leaders.

Would you have a few hours to give?  Did you know that the Guides and Brownies have waiting lists of girls but are short of leaders and helpers to run the groups? Would you be kind enough to see if this is a contribution you, a friend or neighbour might like to offer to families nearby? Should you wish to know more or be able to help please contact the local Guides District Commissioner, Sarah Reed, on 020 8241 0499 or tonyreed@blueyonder.co.uk.

There are several other groups who are able to find a place in The Foyer, from keep fit to weight watchers.  Hosts of people use the facilities just enjoying being together. Why not see if one of the groups might interest you too?

The Halls are also available for hire for individual events (such as children’s parties). 

Please contact Mike Grieveson (020 8979 7438) or michaelgrieveson@aol.com .

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