The new Sunday afternoon service at Top Church was busy lastSunday as a visit from Bishop Graham brought worshippers together from both themorning service and afternoon gathering. In a time of worship, Bishop Grahamwas interviewed by Vicar James Treasure about what it was like to be a bishop andthe challenges currently facing the Church.Bishop Graham also took questions from the congregation.
Bishop Graham said: Top Church is one of the most iconicchurches in Dudley and as a congregation you have the chance to make a realdifference to peoples lives in the centre of the town. We want to equip allGods people to live out their vocation, each of you is called by God to beuniquely you. Across Dudley and Worcestershire, churches in our Diocese areinvolved in around 500 social action projects we want to make atransformational difference to our communities as well as move forward as amodern church.
While reflecting on the Baptism of Jesus (the scripture forthe day), Bishop Graham continued: The congregation of Top Church is called tocontinue the promises made at baptism to be a new creation and to experimentwith something new so that people can sense that new creation in your lives.Know that you have my prayers and those of many others throughout the diocese, asyou share the joy and delight of being a follower of Jesus with the people ofDudley. May that be an exciting journey for us all.
James Treasure said: It was fantastic to have Bishop Grahamwith us and for both congregations to come together to hear his story, hopesand prayers.
Top Church meets at both 11am and 4pm each Sunday. 11am is amore traditional communion service with the congregation meeting at 4pm beingfocussed on church planting, alternating an informal communion service withteam meetings looking at the values and vision of the new resourcing church.Around 70 90 people regularly attend the afternoon meetings with 122 peopleat the recent carol service.
During the 4pm gathering, the children and young peopleoften have their own activities this week they were also discussing baptismand making doves. Atticus, William and Chloe who are all in year 6, puttogether their own questions to ask Bishop Graham after the service. They said:Ive never been to a church like this before, I especially love the building.I came for the cakes first, but the childrens activities are good so I keptcoming back! Its great that the older children are treated differently, weget to help out and be more part of the church. Top Church will shortly bestarting a youth Alpha course for its young people.
After the 4pm service, the congregation gather together toenjoy coffee, cake and curry.
