Goldings Church has a growing deaf community within our church. Our deaf people join us for an integrated morning service EVERY SUNDAY. The service is interpreted into BSL (British Sign language) by interpreters Kim Sandy and Sheba Sutharsan. Kim and Sheba are CODA's (born in deaf families). Our Pastor is also a fluent sign language communicator.

 

We have previously run several deaf awareness courses, which were fun and informative. Goldings Church is a place where people from all backgrounds and abilities are welcomed among us.

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The picture above shows our Heavenly Hands Choir, where mainly deaf people (and a few hearing people whose lives are touched by deafness) worship God together in sign language. The choir is a powerful expression of worship and loved by the congregation at Goldings. They are a great team, who share in common the desire to exalt Christ through their expressions of worship. 

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Deaf People and Hearing People worshipping side by side. 

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My passion for the church is that we become a truly inclusive body of believers. This means embracing one another—young and old, black and white, deaf and hearing—finding ways to break down the barriers that divide us. Only then can we truly reflect God’s heart. As Scripture says:

 

“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” – Ephesians 2:14

 

At Goldings Church, we are committed to this vision. Deaf believers are not just welcomed—they actively lead and serve. We have had deaf people leading services, praying, and sharing testimonies in sign language with voice-over interpretation. They serve on the welcome team, administer Holy Communion, and even baptise others. In church meetings, they share their thoughts, express their needs, and contribute to decisions. It is a beautiful testimony of God’s work among us.

 

I truly believe that what is happening at Goldings Church is just the beginning. As more churches witness how God is moving, attitudes toward deaf inclusion will be transformed. The body of Christ is richer when every member is valued and empowered. I’m excited for what’s ahead!

 © Jeremy Sandy 2025. Pastor of Goldings Church, Loughton

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