Dear Neighbours,

In March 2026, hundreds of churches up and
down the nation will be taking part in an event
called A Passion for Life. The aim of this event
is to give people the opportunity to explore
the historic Christian message about Jesus.

According to recent studies, there has been a resurgence
of interest in historic Christian teaching. People who had
previously shut the door on spiritual matters are now willing
to look again to discover what it’s all about.

The theme of A Passion for Life this year is a simple
question: “Ever feel like something’s missing?” Despite all
that our culture can offer us, many of us still have those nagging
questions: “Is this really it? Could there be more to life?”

We’re pleased to introduce to you this booklet containing
four stories written by members of local churches in Kingston
borough. Their cultural backgrounds and life experiences are
incredibly different, and yet they have all found lasting hope,
meaning and peace in Jesus Christ.

On the back page, there’s an invitation to a series of
free evenings which you’d be very welcome to attend. Each
evening will be held at the beautiful Christ Church Surbiton Hill,
and will include a soft drink, an opportunity to hear the Christian
message about Jesus, and a chance to ask any questions
you might have.

You don’t need to have any prior knowledge of Christianity,
and there will be no singing or prayer at the events. As a
group of local churches, we’re convinced that lasting hope,
purpose and peace can only be found in the Jesus of the
Bible. Why not take the opportunity to explore that message
for yourself? We hope that you enjoy these stories.

Come and explore how to find hope, peace and purpose
in life. Join us for three free evenings to hear a talk on what
Jesus Christ says about these topics, and ask your questions.

Thursday 5 March: Find Hope
Thursday 12 March: Find Purpose
Thursday 19 March: Find Peace

Join us from 7:30pm. Talk and discussion 8pm–9pm Christ Church Surbiton Hill, 8 Christ Church Road, KT5 8JJ

The post A Passion for Life appeared first on Cornerstone Church Kingston.

The team running the day and the seminars worked diligently and dutifully to deliver a wonderful environment for the whole church to enjoy. It’s thanks to them that we were able to witness a particularly indecisive Malaysian starfruit and an artistic rendition of Pete composed entirely of chunky geometry.

And it’s to Pete that we owe our most important memory of the day: as he hands the proverbial torch to Tom, we remember our brother’s many fantastic years of service to the Lord’s people. He has been nothing short of an inspiration: a good and faithful servant who has most certainly earned our respect – and we pray that this small reprieve from the stresses of pastoral work will do him a world of good.

Please keep our brother Tom in your prayers as he takes over as chief undershepherd, ministering to the Lord’s flock with compassion, zeal and faithfulness. The future of Cornerstone Church is looking bright!

Written by Sam Hughes.

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We’re delighted to invite you to our upcoming 2026 Easter events in Kingston whether you are a regular or a visitor.

Michael J. Tinker Concert

Saturday 28 March, 3.00pm, Cornerstone Hub

Celebrating 10 years making music for children, Michael J. Tinker is touring a special show that will bring together all his hit songs from the last decade.

Along with his barmy crew, you’ll discover wonderful truths about Jesus in this song-filled, laughter-packed extravaganza. Captain Archibald is hunting through the ship for the mysterious IGASAT… will he find it? What is it? Does anyone else even care? This hour-long, Bible-filled show is for all the family. £10 per child.

Tots Easter Trail

Monday 30 March, 9:30am-11:00am, Cornerstone Hub

Join us for some action packed fun and Easter festivities including ride-on tractors, crafts, our regular toys and play spaces for ages 0-5.

Easter Egg Gospel Party

Wednesday 1 April, 2:00-3:30pm, Cornerstone Hub

Come and join in with messy Easter egg mache making fun and celebrate as we hear the best Easter story ever told. Best suited to Primary School aged children.

Good Friday

Friday 3 April, 9:30am, Everyday Church

We are meeting for tea, coffee and a hot cross bun at Everyday Church at 9:30am before walking over to Clarence Street for our open air Good Friday service. This short outdoor service will be appropriate for all-ages, including singing and a short gospel explanation.

Sunrise Service

Sunday 5 April, 7:00am, Richmond Park

Come and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ at this reflective Sunrise Service. We will meet at Kingston Gate at 7:00am. You are able to park in the car park by Kingston Gate in Richmond Park. The service will be followed by sausage sandwiches at The Hub.

Easter Sunday Morning Service

Sunday 5 April, 10:30am–12.00pm, Tiffin School

Join us for a family-friendly service to celebrate Easter Sunday. Arrive at 10:00am for light refreshments – the service begins promptly at 10:30am. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our welcome team. There will be a time of singing (modern and traditional worship songs), prayer and a sermon. Our regular Sunday-morning groups for children and youth will also be running.

BBQ at the Willer’s House

Sunday 5 April, 1pm, The Willer’s House

If you haven’t already got plans for Easter Lunch then you are welcome to join us as we gather at the Willer’s House for a bring your own BBQ. Even better if it is a bit of Easter Lamb.

Easter Sunday Evening Service

Sunday 5 April, 6:30–8:00pm, Cornerstone Hub

Join us for a relaxed evening service to celebrate Easter Sunday. Grab a tea or coffee before sitting at a table with others. The service format will be similar to the morning service.

The post Easter 2026 Church Events in Kingston appeared first on Cornerstone Church Kingston.

These images of new life are certainly not at odds with the story of Easter, but really they don’t scratch the surface of the good news about Jesus’s death and resurrection. The true meaning of Easter is so much more than fleeting new life that springs up in April and fades away again as the seasons change. It’s about Jesus’s victory over death: not a temporary victory that wanes with the endless circle of life, but a permanent, eternal victory. 

Without Jesus, death is an inevitable destination for humanity, a symptom of the brokenness of our world and all the ways we hurt each other and hurt God. It’s frightening, final and inescapable. But when he died, Jesus paid the penalty for all of the wrong in our world that makes death unavoidable: the punishment each of us deserves for our wrongdoing. And gloriously, the Easter story didn’t end there: when he rose again,  Jesus showed us that he had defeated death, once and for all.

And that’s the one big reason why I love Easter. Jesus is alive! He’s victorious over death. And because I trust that he paid my penalty, I can share in that victory and look forward to eternal life with him. So as I crack open my Easter egg this year, I’ll celebrate new life, but not the cute, chick-hatching, “circle of life” kind: the eternal, victorious, death-defeating kind – won by Jesus, for me and anyone who trusts him.

Emma Maiden

https://cornerstonechurchkingston.org/내가-부활절을-사랑하는-단-하나의-큰-이유

https://cornerstonechurchkingston.org/我喜歡復活節的一大原因（您應該也会喜歡的原因

https://cornerstonechurchkingston.org/dlaczego-kocham-wielkanoc-moj-wielki-powodi-dlaczego-ty-tez-mozesz

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A group of members from Cornerstone, alongside a team from Emmanuel Church in Tolworth, are coming together to plant this new church in South West London, with a focus on spreading the gospel and making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Hope Church is a new addition to the Co-Mission network of London churches and is affiliated with the Fellowship of Independent Churches (FIEC).

The new church now meets at Knollmead Primary School, located on the Sunray Estate in Tolworth. This marks a significant milestone in the life of Cornerstone Church, which has long served the Kingston area and now sends out gospel people to another local community.

The commissioning service was a bittersweet occasion, filled with both thanksgiving and sorrow. While there was joy in seeing people step out in faith to serve the new church, it was also a time of heartfelt goodbyes to many friends and fellow workers who had been part of Cornerstone for years.

Around 40 valued members of different ages, backgrounds and diverse skills and gifts volunteered to go from Cornerstone to serve this new church plant. The hope and prayer of Cornerstone is that these individuals will continue to serve both each other and the wider Tolworth community, shining the light of the gospel and pointing many to Jesus Christ.

At the commissioning service, Tom Sweatman preached from Revelation 3:7-13, a letter from Jesus to the church in Philadelphia. In this passage, Jesus commends the church for remaining faithful despite their weakness, and Tom reminded the congregation that Jesus holds the royal key — sovereign over salvation and judgment. This was a timely and encouraging word for both Cornerstone and Hope Church, urging them to hold firm to Christ as they embark on this new chapter. The sermon is available to listen again online.

Following the service, Tom Sweatman, Pete Woodcock, and the elders at Cornerstone officially commissioned Bart Erlebach as the new pastor of Hope Church Tolworth. The service concluded with a time of sung worship, followed by a lunch for those transitioning to the new church. It was a moving time of goodbyes and prayer, as everyone looked forward to what God will accomplish through Hope Church in the coming years.

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The morning began bright and early with a refreshing Pilates session at 8am. Our instructor directed us through each movement with clarity and expertise, leaving us stretched out and stronger than before. It was a fantastic way to kick off the day and foster a sense of camaraderie with the women around us.

At 9am, the aroma of coffee filled the room, accompanied by a delicious spread of pastries. As we gathered, the lively conversations and joyful tone set the stage for the day ahead. 

After our pastries, coffee and tea, Cathryn stood up to welcome us all, and we transitioned into a period of praise and worship. This thoughtfully consisted of attendees’ favourite songs, submitted along with tickets in the weeks leading up to the event. It was a beautiful time to hear so many women’s voices raised to the roof in praise of our Sovereign Lord and Saviour, and reminded us of our unity in Christ despite different backgrounds, nationalities, and churches.

Karen Yeo was then welcomed to the stage, and broke down a Bible reading of James 1:19-24 alongside the history and meaning of the traditional and simplified Chinese characters for “listen”. Packing in symbolism, the traditional character for “listen” denoted standing upright, eyes completely focused, and placing the undivided attention of our hearts on the speaker, whilst the simplified character emphasised that to listen is to obey or heed what you are hearing. This perfectly complemented the accompanying passage from James and allowed us to better understand the passage, and reflect on our behaviour from a different culture’s perspective so we may change to better learn and support one another in the body of Christ.

More grateful praise and worship followed, and after a coffee, pastries and tea break, we had the chance to participate in various workshops. I was particularly excited about the Chinese calligraphy and Japanese pastel art workshops, as well as a book discussion of “The Secular Creed” that sparked lively debates and shared insights. Each workshop provided a unique opportunity to connect with one another and explore creatively.

As the morning drew to a close, there was a sense of rejuvenation and connection in the air that will stay with me long afterwards. I am grateful for the women I met and eager for the next Women’s gathering. 

If you ever have the opportunity to join a women’s event at Cornerstone, I highly encourage you to attend. It’s an experience rich with connection, learning and fellowship.

Here are some of the photos I captured throughout the day!

The post Women’s Morning 2024 appeared first on Cornerstone Church Kingston.

With around 160 people in attendance, it was an incredible opportunity to come together, share a delicious meal, and discuss exciting plans for the future of our church and the upcoming Hope Church plant in Tolworth.

The evening began with a warm welcome from pastors Tom Sweatman, Pete Woodcock and his wife Anne. Familiar faces, as well as new ones filled the room, and conversations, laughter and refreshment flowed easily.

Afterwards, we were directed into the dining hall, the main hall of Christ Church Surbiton. Above us, timber roofing decorated colourfully; before us the pulpit, a wooden cross and a stuffed Percy Pig toy. Everyone seated, the lively conversation continued before Pete stood up in prayer and gave thanks to the Lord for our meal. We were then called up to receive a plate of fresh hog roast, stuffing and pork scratchings, with various colourful side-salads. 

Plates finished, Pete stood up and addressed the gathered church, inspiring us to action by reminding us of the need to stick to the mandate Christ has given us – to go and tell people of the gospel – and reminding us of the unity of the Church and the amazing fellowship and deep relationships we can have with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. Prayer ensued for the upcoming Hope Church plant in Tolworth, for those leaving Cornerstone to join the new church, the holes they will leave behind and those who will fill those holes in service; and for a new building for Cornerstone, for the growing body of believers. 

The Vision Dinner was a beautiful reminder of the unity and calling of our church family.

There was much laughter and discussion and a call to action for each church member: to serve according to the gifts God has given them, and to go and tell the people of Kingston the incredible hope of the gospel and our Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Thank you to everyone who attended and those who worked hard to make the event possible and run smoothly. As we move forward, let’s continue to seek God’s direction, support one another, and step boldly into the future He has for us.

Here are some of the moments we captured from this memorable evening:

The post Vision Dinner: Looking Ahead To 2025 appeared first on Cornerstone Church Kingston.

Here’s a montage of their video diaries to give you an insight into what the week was like for them.

The Media Fast, Bible Feast is five-days of cutting out the noise of secular media to dedicate this spare time to grow in the Christian faith and understanding.

Find out more: https://cstone.uk/mediafast

Listen to our podcasts: https://cstone.uk/media

The post Media Fast 2024 video appeared first on Cornerstone Church Kingston.

She explains more about how she discovered Cornerstone and what her time here has been like…

“We initially discovered the church because of a song named ‘Cornerstone.’ We searched for churches around Kingston and this one caught our eye. The website indicated a service at Tiffin Boys School, which is near our home. But because we were busy finding our feet in Kingston, we didn’t immediately attend. However, the presence of a bar in town, also named ‘Cornerstone’, kept reminding us about the church. Eventually, we decided to attend a service.

“We discovered that Cornerstone is an international church, embracing diversity and welcoming people from all walks of life. Every season, the church hosts numerous activities for families and children. It’s amazing to see everyone contributing to support these programs. 

“We’ve participated in events such as International Lunch, Guess Who’s lunch (where guests and hosts are allocated to each other), Bible study, and the Away Day. We’ve had a great time meeting people from around the world; all the brothers and sisters are kind and helpful. Engaging in the church has been truly encouraging for us.

“Through the sermons, we have gained a deeper understanding of the Bible. Through our interactions with fellow brothers and sisters, we’ve witnessed the love of Jesus. Cornerstone Church has become a place where we build our faith and trust in God.

“Thank you for allowing us to share our experience with you. We look forward to seeing you in church.”

The post What’s it like joining Cornerstone Church as an international? appeared first on Cornerstone Church Kingston.

What are you doing, up in the dark?

Can’t you hear how the town dogs bark?
Something’s afoot out in the street…

Come back to bed and get some sleep!

There are sheep on the loose, down from the hill,
But I can’t see shepherds—

Are you peering still
Out of the window? I need to sleep!

Well, it looks like the shepherds have lost their sheep…

It’s not your problem. They must’ve got drunk.
They’re a pack of idiots—a brainless bunch!

Oh come on, you’re being too hard on them.
Sure, they’re not too bright, but they’re working men—

Hold on, though, now there’s something more,
A sort of light and a distant roar,
Not like a fire—more like the sun!
Over the roofs at the end of the lane.
Amazing! You just gotta come see this!

But it’s comfy in bed—can you come back, please?

That sound—is it shouting? But who can it be?
To be honest, it sounds like a whole army!

Yeah, right, the Romans are coming to town
‘Cos we’re just the place they’d wanna smash down!
It’s some folk having larks, for goodness sake,
And they just don’t care how they keep us awake!

If you’d only keep quiet, perhaps I could hear
What’s being said. That sounds like a cheer…
It sounds like shouts of praise to God…
“Glory to God”? Is that what’s being said?
Oh, and now the neighbours are going out;
They’ve been woken too by that massive shout.
Look, there’s the midwife; they’ve stopped to chat.
Perhaps she knows what the fuss is about.

Oh, great! So now the whole street is up!
Does no one in this town ever stop
To think that some people need to sleep?
It’s enough to make a grown-up weep!

Look, I know it’s dark and cold and late,
But we can’t just lie in bed and wait
Till it all goes quiet—we’re missing out!
I’m gonna go find what it’s all about.
Something’s going on that we can’t ignore…

Well, make sure you properly shut that door!

What time d’you call this? Where have you been?
I’ve not slept a wink while you were gone!

You’ll never guess what’s been going on?
This very night a baby’s been born
And—

What?! Is that all you’ve got to say?
A baby’s been born? Like on any old day?

Yeah, but this one is different. I think he’s the one
That Isaiah promised—remember that song?
“For to us a child is born,
To us a son is given…”
You know how the prophecy goes
About the King who’ll come down from heaven.

And why exactly d’you think he’s come down
Right here and now to this nowhere town?

Well, I found those shepherds, and I also found out
That the sound we heard was a mighty shout
From a host of angels who had visited them
Out in the pastures round Bethlehem,
Who told them the news that Messiah has come—
Our Saviour’s been born—and there was a sign
To show it was true: a child wrapped in cloths
And laid in an animal’s feeding trough.
And that’s what they’d come into town to see,
And I saw it myself, as plain as can be.
The couple had come to register here—
They’re from King David’s family, that’s quite clear—
But they had amazing stories too,
Ones you would hardly believe were true,
Like, the mother’s a virgin! The baby came
After an angel had been to her home
And told her God’s Spirit would cause her to bear
The baby that right now is lying there!
And the husband, of course, he didn’t believe
That that was the way that his wife had conceived,
But then an angel came in a dream
And told the husband exactly the same!
And—

Hold on a moment, let’s get this straight:
You’re telling me that this child born tonight
Is the greatest person who’s ever been,
The Prince of Peace, King David’s son,
Who will rule the nations for evermore,
And he’s been born here on some back-street floor?
To some woman and man we don’t even know
Who’ve been up to no good, and there’s nothing to show
That he might be a king, let alone the one
That’s been promised to us for so, so long?
It’s insane, that’s what it is, and you’re mad
To think it’s true. Yes, you’ve really been had!
Someone’s playing a trick or some fancy game
Or they’ve all got sloshed—it’s those shepherds I blame!

Why don’t you come with me? We could go see
That the angels were speaking accurately.
If you’d only come, I know you’d feel
That of anything, this is best and most real!
There’s nothing greater could happen here.
Why won’t you come see? What is it you fear?

Look, I can’t stay here. I’ve got to go out.
There are others to tell; there’s good news to shout.
I want to go out and look at the stars
And talk to the shepherds and spread the news,
And go back again to see him once more,
And speak to the couple and kneel on the floor,
And… yes, worship him—that’s the right word, I’m sure.
So I’m going to ask you now, once more:
Will you come with me? Will you come and see
The greatest King there can ever be?

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