We are a Church of England church in the Diocese of Durham, which was originally started as a multi-denominational Ecumenical Centre back in the 1970s. Eventually the Church became Oxclose Church, run solely under the Church of England banner, and serving Ayton, Blackfell, Lambton, and Oxclose in Washington.
However, we more recently became a Resource Church and have begun to plant worshipping communities in other areas of the North-East. We felt that the name no longer represented who we were as a Church, leading to a change of identity, becoming Hope Family Church.
We are very different to more traditional Church of England churches in that you’ll find a modern style of Church, with a strong emphasis on welcome and being family (including all the noise and chaos that family brings). On Sundays our services are relaxed and friendly, and we absolutely love seeing children and young people, even if they went to spend our Church services on our legendary soft play!
At Hope Family Church, being family is a massive part of who we are! We believe that we are all children of God and part of His big family. God’s desire is for everyone to trust, love, and know Him, as a Father. It is how we are designed to be. Jesus showed us what a life with God is like and it is through faith in Him that we get to enjoy this relationship with the Father who loves us so much.
We want to be a Church family who loves and supports each other through all the ups and downs of everyday life. Regardless, of your background, your views, or your current stage of faith, we would love for you to come and join the family!
Warm Space:
As part of Sunderland City Council’s “Warm Spaces” initiative, our Ark Play Cafe will be giving out free soup, tea, and filter coffee whilst our Cafe is open. Just ask for a “Warm Space Soup/Tea/Coffee” when you order.
- Monday 1pm to 4pm – we will also be showing classic movies
- Tuesday to Thursday 11am to 4pm
- Friday 9.30am to 4pm
