NEW TO THE AREA

A HISTORIC TOWN / A DIVERSE TOWN / A GROWING TOWN / SETTLING IN

A HISTORIC TOWN

Grace is based in the heart of Bedfordshire, in the market town of Kempston, just outside Bedford – an area often known as Bunyan country.

It’s a great place to live, with a mix of history, green spaces and a strong sense of community. The River Great Ouse runs through the town, and there are plenty of places to explore, relax and enjoy.

A young man is selling fresh vegetables, including onions, carrots, and potatoes, at a market stall. He is engaging with a customer, a woman with long dark hair, while standing behind the produce. Bright natural light illuminates the vibrant display of colorful vegetables.
Two men are standing and talking on a city sidewalk under a tree. One man has dark hair and is wearing a black polo shirt, while the other has a shaved head, a tattoo on his neck, and is dressed in a denim jacket and orange shirt. A small dog on a leash is in front of them. Behind them, there is a white car parked, and store signs in the background.
Statue of a historical man standing with one foot slightly forward, holding a book in one hand and a shield or similar object in the other, with an inscription reading 'Joan Bunyan' on the base, set against a partly cloudy sky.
People paddleboarding on a calm river, surrounded by green trees on a sunny day.

Bedford sits at the heart of the Oxford – Cambridge – London triangle: a well-connected town with its own character, creativity and sense of community.

A DIVERSE TOWN

Bedford is one of the most diverse towns in the UK, with people from around 60 different ethnic backgrounds living in the borough.

That diversity brings a real energy to the area – something you’ll notice in everything from the food to the local community life.

That same diversity is reflected at Grace. Our church family includes people from over 30 different nationalities, across all ages and stages of life – so wherever you’re from, you’re unlikely to feel out of place.

A church member reads from the Bible during a Sunday Service at Grace Community Church. #Grace #SundayService #church
Four women and one man are standing together in conversation after a Sunday Service at church. #Grace #SundayService #church

A GROWING TOWN

Bedford is a town that’s continuing to grow, with strong connections to London, Oxford and Cambridge. Recent developments – including the planned Universal theme park – mean it’s an exciting time to be here.

Grace itself has grown over the years too, from a small group of 12 people to a church of over 500 today.

We now run four Sunday services and continue to look for ways to serve the town well, including plans for a future permanent home.

Mid service at a Grace Sunday Service - a diverse congregation sing and worship together as the band lead. #Grace #SundayService #church
Close-up of two modern trains on parallel tracks, one white with yellow accents in the foreground, and a purple and yellow train in the background, with green leafy trees and a billboard in the distance.
A lakeside scene viewed through tree branches and leaves. In the background, a sailboat is on the water near a wooded shore under a blue sky. Beautiful Bedford!
Grace is less than 3 miles away from the exciting new Universal Resort - coming soon to Bedford.

Photograph:
Universal Destinations & Experiences

Coming to Bedford for Universal and looking for a church?

The arrival of the Universal United Kingdom Resort in Bedford marks an exciting new chapter for the area. With the resort just three miles from Grace, we hope to be a welcoming church for new employees, families settling locally and visitors spending time in the region.

Whether you are new to Bedford or simply here for the weekend, we would love you to join us.

SETTLING IN

If you’re new to the area, moving can feel like a big change.

We’d love to help you get to know people, feel at home, and find your place here – whether that’s through a Sunday service, a group, or simply chatting over a coffee.

Next Steps

Find out about our Sunday Services

SAY HELLO

Hi, my name’s Simon, and I’m part of the leadership team here. I especially enjoy helping people get connected and feel at home in our church family.

Do drop me an email - I’d love to connect and help you feel at home here at Grace.

One of the Grace staff team.