Students

We are an inclusive international community of students, seeking to share our faith and journey life together. Whether you are a committed Christian or simply exploring the Christian faith, you are very welcome!

Kirsty Smith is our new student outreach worker - she was appointed in September, as ‘Student Outreach Worker’, in a collaboration between New Road Baptist, Wesley Memorial Methodist, and St Columbas United Reformed Churches. The three churches have a common vision and purpose in seeking to love and serve the students of Oxford, and are fully affirming and inclusive churches, to all people, regardless of age, sex, race, faith, gender, or sexuality. Kirsty works part time across the 3 churches to provide pastoral support for students along with helping to create a welcoming environment.

Kirsty graduated from Oxford in 2023 with a BA in Geography so understands some of the struggles with balancing academic pressures with the rest of student life. Kirsty is very passionate about creating opportunities for students in Oxford to find Christian community in safe and inclusive spaces. In her spare time she enjoys singing, often performing in the Wesley Memorial Choir, and is a proud supporter of Sunderland AFC.

Contact her at studentoutreach@saintcolumbas.org.uk

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You can read more about Kirsty's story here

Events:

Over the last couple of years we've held student lunches, movie nights and bible studies. Check back here soon!

We are a fully inclusive and affirming church, with a number of our students identifying as LGBTQ+. We hold a Pride blessing service among other LGBTQ+ focussed services. We are also an SCM affiliated church https://www.movement.org.uk/scm-connect-directory/11089 and work with SCM Oxford to host exciting student events.

If you're new to Oxford and want to find out about New Road then do get in touch. You can contact us at students@newroad.org.uk.

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here.

Planning your Visit

This church welcomes you!

Who are we?

All ages, different backgrounds
A mix; visitors, new church members, some with lifetime experience
An informal church, accepting people as they are

Coming to a 10.30am Sunday service

For directions please see the directions page
Aim to turn up around 10.25 a.m. (but sometimes we’re late too!)
You’ll be met at the door by a friendly face
We are a friendly bunch, if you’re unsure of something, please ask!
Feel free to be who you are, not someone you aren’t!

What to expect

Our aim: whether you’re looking at Christianity for the first time or have been a Christian for many years,
we want you to be encouraged and inspired by a morning with us.
We hope we will all draw closer to God as a result.

Here’s a quick summary:

We start at 10.30am with a few notices of coming events, followed by silent reflection
The service lasts until about 11.30am
Our worship blends Bible reading and prayer with traditional hymns and modern songs
Everyone can participate in the worship
The average size of our congregation on a Sunday morning is around 30 people
At 11am young people go to their own group. The church implements a strong Safeguarding policy
We have a talk from the bible that is relevant and meaningful to our lives
We share in communion together as part of the service (first and third Sundays); all are welcome to participate
After our service tea and coffee are served; some services are followed by a lunch

What we believe

We are a Christian church and believe all can have relationship with God.
We believe this can happen because of Jesus, who invites us to follow him.

Is it just Sundays?

Absolutely not! God is with us all week long and we aim to lead lives that show it. We’re not perfect and we do make mistakes, but we want to make a positive difference in everything we do.

For those with disabilities

We aim to be an all-inclusive church and to meet the needs of all who use our building.
Our premises are accessible for those with disabilities. We have a loop for the hearing impaired.
For disabled parking or for other specific needs please contact the church office

Celebrating Marriage

If you would like to be wedded through a Christian marriage service, please contact our minister for a conversation. The church is registered both for the marriage of a man and a woman, and for same-sex marriage.