A presentation of the work of Bedford Street Angels Saturday 6 th March pm

Welcome and introduction Led by Mr Adam May, Project Director of Bedford Street Angels

Street Angels – the National picture Short Address by Mr Paul Blakey, MBE National Founder of Street Angels

Bedford Street Angels – the story begins Video story by Fred and Fran Gill Bedford Street Angels volunteers

Who are the Bedford Street Angels?

Who are Street Angels? Bedford Street Angels are a part of the national Christian initiative to offer a non- judgemental listening ear, and practical support to all the vulnerable in the town’s night time economy.

Bedford Street Angels in its first year has seen… A growing reduction of Anti-social behaviour and Violent Crime. A developing friendly atmosphere in the town. Some excellent forging of relationships with Bedford Borough Council and the local police. 21% reduction in Anti-social behaviour each Saturday evening.

Supported by local churches All Saints Church, Kempston Bedford Pentecostal Church Bromham Baptist Church Brickhill Baptist Church Bunyan Meeting Free Church Cotton End Baptist Church Cranfield Baptist Church Elstow Abbey Kempston East Methodist Church Kingdom Way Priory Methodist Church

Russell Park Baptist Church Rutland Road Church Salvation Army St Andrew’s Church St John’s with St Leonard’s Church St Joseph and the Holy Child Roman Catholic Church St Mary’s Church, Cardington St Michael and All Angel’s Church St Paul’s Church St Peter de Merton Turvey Abbey – Monastery of Christ our Saviour Supported by local churches

Working in Partnership with… Bedford Borough Council Bedfordshire Police Bedford Fire and Rescue Service Taxi Marshalls Night Club owners YMCA Bedfordshire All Bedford Churches Together HOPE Bedfordshire Individuals

How can I get involved? Becoming a Street Angel patrol volunteer Join our prayer team – at home or at the base Assist with the Administration Give financially to the project And finally, spread the word!

How can I find out more? Please speak to someone who is already involved this afternoon. Visit our Face Book Group – ‘Bedford Street Angels’ Contact Adam May, Project Director (telephone) ( ) (web) thebedfordstreetangel (skype)

Bedford Street Angels – a typical night out A Video presentation

Words of support The Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Cllr Will Hunt Bed:safe Coordinator, Frank Fender

So the story continues… Led by Mr Adam May, Project Director of Bedford Street Angels

Time to meet the Angels Please join us in the Secondary Hall for refreshments. There is an opportunity to view our display stand and meet with the Angels. Our Celebration Day service will begin at 5.15pm here with act of commission from the Bishop of Bedford. See you back there soon…

How can I find out more? Contact Adam May, Project Director (telephone) ( ) (web) thebedfordstreetangel (skype)

A service to mark the first year anniversary of Bedford Street Angels Saturday 6 th March pm

Welcome and introduction Led by Major Ian Loxley, Chair of Bedford Street Angels

Opening Hymn Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation! O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation! All ye who hear, brothers and sisters draw near; praise him in glad adoration. Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee; surely his goodness and mercy here daily attend thee. Ponder anew what the Almighty can do, who with his love doth befriend thee.

Opening Hymn Praise to the Lord, who, when tempests their warfare are waging, who, when the elements madly around thee are raging, biddeth them cease, turneth their fury to peace,whirlwinds and waters assuaging. Praise to the Lord, who, when darkness of sin is abounding, who, when the godless do triumph, all virtue confounding, sheddeth his light, chaseth the horrors of night, saints with his mercy surrounding.

Opening Hymn Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore him! All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him. Let the amen sound from his people again, gladly for all we adore him.

Encounters from the Street (1) Led by Bedford Street Angels volunteers

Bible Reading : Matthew 25 v Led by Gideon Theatre Group

Encounters from the Street (2) Led by Bedford Street Angels volunteers

A time of Prayer Led by members of Kingdom Way Church

Hymn From heaven you came, Helpless babe, Entered our world, Your glory veiled; Not to be served but to serve, And give your life that we might live. This is our God, The Servant King, He calls us now to follow Him, To bring our lives as a daily offering Of worship to The Servant King.

Hymn There in the garden of tears, My heavy load He chose to bear; His heart with sorrow was torn, ‘Yet not My will but yours,’ He said. This is our God, The Servant King, He calls us now to follow Him, To bring our lives as a daily offering Of worship to The Servant King.

Hymn Come see His hands and His feet, The scars that speak of sacrifice; Hands that flung stars into space To cruel nails surrendered. This is our God, The Servant King, He calls us now to follow Him, To bring our lives as a daily offering Of worship to The Servant King.

Hymn So let us learn how to serve, And in our lives enthrone Him; Each other’s needs to prefer, For it is Christ we’re serving. This is our God, The Servant King, He calls us now to follow Him, To bring our lives as a daily offering Of worship to The Servant King.

Act of Commission Led by the Right Reverend Richard Inwood, Bishop of Bedford and Mr David Gibson, Pastor of Russell Park Baptist Church

Commission We who follow Christ are given a share in the work he began and commissioned in his apostles. Through his grace we receive gifts and opportunities to point others towards God’s love for them and for all his creation. As a Bedford Street Angel volunteer, you have obeyed God’s call of compassion to the poor, will you share with all people your hopes, your joys and your faith, and celebrate together your awareness of living in God’s world? I will.

Commission Will you work alongside the other Street Angels with love, support, understanding and forgiveness, always pursuing all that makes for peace and develops unity? I will.

Prayers of Commission Led by the Right Reverend Richard Inwood, Bishop of Bedford and Mr David Gibson, Pastor of Russell Park Baptist Church

Closing Song God of Justice, Saviour to all Came to rescue the weak and the poor Chose to serve and not be served Jesus, You have called us Freely we've received Now freely we will give We must go live to feed the hungry Stand beside the broken. We must go.. Stepping forward keep us from just singing Move us into action. We must go…

Closing Song To act justly everyday Loving mercy in everyway Walking humbly before You God You have shown us, what You require Freely we've received Now freely we will give Fill us up and send us out Fill us up and send us out Fill us up and send us out Lord

Blessing Given by the Right Reverend Richard Inwood, Bishop of Bedford

Dismissal Led by Mr David Gibson, Pastor of Russell Park Baptist Church

A service to mark the first year anniversary of Bedford Street Angels Saturday 6 th March pm