What's the Bible? 

reading the bible 2The Bible is the most influential book ever written. More importantly, Christians believe it is God's Word to the world.

Written by many human authors over hundreds of years, the Bible tells one unified story: God's plan to rescue and renew his people through Jesus Christ. Through its pages we discover who God is, why our world is broken, and how we can know forgiveness, hope and eternal life through faith in Jesus.

At TDI Churches, we believe that the Bible is trustworthy, life-giving and authoritative. It is how God reveals himself to us today, and it remains the foundation for our faith, worship and daily lives. As we read the Bible, we hear God's voice speaking to us and pointing us to his Son, Jesus Christ.

Whether you are exploring Christianity for the first time, returning to church after many years, or have been following Jesus for a long time, the Bible has something to say to you. We are a family of believers from different backgrounds, generations and experiences, united by our faith in Jesus Christ and our desire to live under the loving authority of God's Word.

Watch: What is the Bible?

If you're new to the Bible, this short video from BibleProject is an excellent place to start. It explains what the Bible is, how it came together, and why Christians continue to read it today.


You may also find this helpful explanation from Got Questions:
 


The Bible's Big Story

Although the Bible contains 66 books, it tells one great story. From creation to new creation, we see God's faithfulness, humanity's need, and God's promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

This short video provides a helpful overview of that story:

Want to Explore Further?

BibleProject offers a range of excellent resources to help you understand the Bible more deeply:

How to Read the Bible – a series of short videos introducing the different types of writing found in Scripture and how to read them well.

Bible Book Overviews – introductions to every book of the Bible, showing how each contributes to the overall story of God's salvation.

Study Guides and Reading Plans – practical resources to help you engage with Scripture for yourself.
 
Got More Questions - visit GotQuestions.org for lots of answers to the many questions we all have.

The Bible on your Phone - the YouVersion App offers the whole Bible in multiple translations, it also has lots of reading plans to help you get into reading the Bible daily
 

Read the Bible With Us


The Christian faith was never intended to be lived alone. God calls us into his family, where we learn, worship and grow together.

If you would like to find out more about the Bible, ask questions about the Christian faith, or join others in exploring God's Word, we would love to welcome you. Whether you're convinced, curious or somewhere in between, there is a place for you among us as we seek to follow Jesus together. 

read with us

12/06/2026
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Hello
and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello 

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and When

We meet weekly at 9.30 a.m in St James, Thrapston and at 11.15 a.m. in Holy Trinity, Denford, also fortnightly at St Nicholas, Islip. For your first visit, we recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to ensure you get a parking space and find somewhere to sit before the service begins. When you arrive, you should be greeted by someone on our Welcome Team.

We serve tea, coffee and biscuits after the service in St James and at 11.00 a.m. before the service begins in Holy Trinity Denford. It is a great way to meet people, or simply take time to find your bearings. All refreshments are free.

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access, and a sound loop for anyone who needs it in St James. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up. There are disabled toilets available.

Our Service

The main service begins with a warm welcome from one of our team members. Then follows a time of sung worship intertwined with liturgy and prayer.  Each week our sung worship is slightly different at St James to reflect the diversity of our church family. Denford and Islip are more traditional in style.  We also share news and notices, usually about what’s going on in the life of the church. One of our leaders will give a sermon that is bible based and that we can apply to our everyday life. We then finish with a final worship song. Sometimes there is an opportunity to receive prayer at the end of the service.

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What about my kids?

We have a great programme lined up for kids of all ages:

  • James Club (3-7 years)
  • James Club Plus (7-11 years)
  • St James Youth (11-17 years)
  • Young people (15+ years) are welcome to remain in the service.

Children stay with their parent or grown-up at the start of the service for the welcome, songs and notices. We really value worshipping God all together as a family. At the end of the notices someone will announce that it’s time for the younger members to go to their various groups. 

The kids group activities vary depending on the age, but usually there is a friendly welcome, bible stories, testimonies, praying, craft, and fun games. The group leaders will bring your children back into the service towards the end.

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Getting Connected


Small Groups

While Sundays are a great way to meet new people, it is often in smaller gatherings that you can really get to know someone. Being part of one of our small groups allows you to make new friends, share together and support each other. We have a variety of groups that meet throughout the week, some afternoons and some evenings. Check out Small Groups and see if there’s one that you could join, or we can put you in touch with a small group leader who will be more than happy to invite you along to their group.

Other Ministries

We also run the following ministries:

  • Men's Ministries
  • Women's Ministries
Get in touch with us to plan your visit
If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.
 
Name:
Telephone:
Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.
 

We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at our church.


Best Wishes

The St James church family.