Life at Christ Church: 1991 to 2006
Tricky years
The 1990s were tricky years for evangelical Christianity as significant divisions opened up within the Church of England over the ministry of women following decision in 1992 to ordain them as priests. A more subtle division also emerged between those who believed the gospel should be proclaimed in a similar manner to previous generations and those who believed a changing culture necessitated a different approach. These differences also affected Christ Church, but the continuing drive, energy and commitment of clergy and congregations meant that Christ Church continued to thrive.
Susie Morris
A much loved member of Christ Church during these years was Susie Morris. Sadly, Susie died of cancer in 1998 at the age of just 35.
It was in her memory that the striking window in the south wall called 'Gateway to Heaven' was given by her family. Designed by Jane Campbell, the window made use of Susie's favourite colour, lilac, and the statement in the Book of Revelation declaring God to be the one 'Who was, and is, and is to come' (Revelation 4.8).
Korean ministry
A significant social change in New Malden which accelerated during the 1990s was the growth of its Korean population. Many Korean language services developed in New Malden but Stewart Downey’s vision for a more integrated approach led to the appointment of Seok Hee Lee as Korean minister at Christ Church from 2002-2007. The photo below shows Stewart and Seok Hee on the Good Friday Walk of Witness in 2003.
Curates
There were four curates who served at Christ Church during this period. First was Graham Wintle (1989-92). He was succeeded by Nigel Genders (1992-1995), who later went on to become the Church of England's Chief Education Officer, and was awarded a CBE in 2023. The picture shows Nigel in the garden of 12 Rosebery Avenue - the property purchased to house Christ Church curates from 1973 onwards.
Nigel was followed by Steve Benoy (1996-2002) - seen in the wedding photo of Iain and Jo Gutteridge below. Steve came to Christ Church as curate with his wife Alex and their son Cameron in 1996. Two further sons, Lawrence and Owen, were born during their time in the parish. Steve Benoy was heavily involved in the CYFA youth group and used his musical skills to help its band to produce an accomplished CD. Steve was also instrumental in the establishment of the New Start service and the Oxygen Youth Project and the importance of his role in the latter led to the extension of his curacy for an unusual six years. In 2002, Steve moved from Christ Church to become Vicar of Christ the King in Peterborough diocese - with another former curate of Christ Church, Ian Cundy, as his bishop.
Steve was followed by Stephen Kuhrt (2003-7), seen in typical guise below.
Also serving as curate during this time was Glenn McWatt (1999-2003).
Oxygen
A key development spearheaded by Christ Church, and particularly its curate Steve Benoy around 1998-2000, was Oxygen – a youth project based at St Peter’s Norbiton.
Oxygen is supported by most of the churches in the Kingston area and seeks to share the love of God with young people outside the church. Under the direction of Richard James and later John Trend, Oxygen has used many pioneering approaches to do this.
New Start Service
Another major development was the introduction of the New Start service in January 2000 (the forerunner of the current 9.30 service). The aim of New Start was to remove all the cultural obstacles stopping people coming to church and then faith in Jesus Christ. Within a relatively short amount of time it led to exciting growth and vast amounts of young families, in particular, coming to Christ Church. The legacy of New Start is still very much with us today.
Churchwardens
A significant development during this period was the election of Carolyn Lucas in 2003 to be the first woman Churchwarden at Christ Church. The picture below shows Carolyn with fellow Churchwarden Trevor Webster.
Since that point there has always been a man and woman occupying these key roles.
Services in the Lounge
During the re-ordering of the church in the interregnum (see Building Christ Church: 1991 to 2006), our services were held in the Lounge, as shown in the photo below.
FUN Committee
A surprise 65th birthday party for Stewart Downey in November 2003 ignited a desire for more social events at Christ Church.
This led to the formation of FUNC (the Friendship Unlimited Now Committee) from 2004 to plan such events and bring the church closer together. The photos below are from a Church Picnic organised by FUNC in 2004 - being actually held in the upstairs of the Parish Halls because of poor weather!
A Church Picnic in Richmond Park in 2006 enjoyed better weather.
John Henson
John Henson became Churchwarden in 1985 and stayed in this post until 2001, making him the fourth longest serving warden at Christ Church after David Burton (1940-70), Reg Ellis (1942-69) and Atkinson Bachhoffner (1908-33). John also made an outstanding contribution to Southwark Diocese through his work for many years on the Diocesan Board of Finance.This was recognised in 2004 when he was awarded an MBE for his services to Southwark Diocese.
Weddings at Christ Church
Weddings at Christ Church during this time included that of Jon and Helen Cook in 1994, pictured below.
1996 saw the wedding of Mike and Esther Ferguson, pictured below.
Another wedding was that of Iain and Jo Gutteridge in 1999, shown below with Stewart Downey and Steve Benoy, who was curate at the time.
Snow at CCNM
Also dating from this era is the festive scene below.
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Life at CCNM 1976-90 | Building CCNM 1991-2006 | Life at CCNM 2007-present |  |