About Us
In brief: Celestial Church of Christ, City of the Living God Parish – known as The Zion Family – is a Bible-believing Celestial Church of Christ parish at 161A Rye Lane, Peckham, London. It was founded in November 2007 by Venerable Superior Evangelist Michael Oladega Awolesi, and belongs to the worldwide Celestial Church of Christ established in 1947 by Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa. It is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity Number 1137106).
FOUNDED NOVEMBER 2027
TRADITION CELESTIAL CHURCH OF CHRIST
LOCATION PECKHAM, LONDON SE15 4TL
CHARITY NO. 1137106
Our Church
Welcome to City of the Living God Parish
We are a vibrant and inclusive church dedicated to worshipping God, spreading the Gospel, serving our community, nurturing spiritual growth and following the teachings of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Our parish is a spiritual home for all who seek a deeper connection with God and a loving community of believers. We are proud to be part of one spiritual, worldwide, united, indivisible Holy Church, Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) which came into existence by divine order on the 29th of September 1947, in Porto-Novo, Dahomey (now Republic of Benin), through the Late Reverend Pastor, Prophet, Founder Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa.
OUR HISTORY
How was the parish founded?
Celestial Church of Christ, City of the Living God Parish was established in November 2007 by Ven/Sup/Evang. Michael Awolesi. This was part of the fulfilment of a prophecy and promise from God to use him as a vessel to honour and propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ all over the world. He first received this word in the 1980s at CCC Shagamu 1 Parish, Shagamu, Nigeria.
Called out of a family of idolatry into the marvellous light of Jesus, he passed through an ordeal of spiritual and physical attack on his health and life, almost unto death, until he was miraculously saved by the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in June 1981 at CCC Shagamu 1 Parish, Ajegunle, under the shepherdship of Most Sup. Evang. Taiwo Oshin, who remains a mentor and spiritual father to him to this day.
Come and worship with The Zion Family
You are warmly welcome at any of our services. Plan your first visit today.
What to expect on your first visit
We know visiting a new church can feel daunting. Here's what to expect, so you can arrive relaxed and simply be welcomed.
What to wear Members worship in white garments, but visitors are warmly welcome to come exactly as you are. There's no dress code for guests.
Children & family Families are very welcome. Our Sunday School nurtures children in the faith, so the whole family has a place to belong.
Finding us & parking We're at 161A Rye Lane, Peckham SE15 4TL, a short walk from Peckham Rye station. Free parking is available on Sundays at Choumert Grove Car Park
What happens in a service Expect heartfelt prayer, vibrant praise, scripture, and ministration. You're free to simply observe, with no pressure to participate.
Join us this week
Our main gatherings are below. Every service is open to you, whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth.
SUNDAY GLORIOUS DAY SERVICE 10:00am – 2:00pm
WEDNESDAY MERCY DAY SERVICE 7:00pm
FRIDAY POWER DAY SERVICE 7:00pm
OUR BELIEFS
What do we believe?
As a Celestial Church, we believe in the triune nature of God: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our faith is centred on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We cherish the Bible as the inspired Word of God and embrace its teachings as our guide. Our worship is characterised by fervent prayer, vibrant praises, and soul-stirring hymns.
""Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel." (Deuteronomy 26:15)
OUR VISION
To win souls for the Kingdom of God
To evangelise the world through the proclamation of the Word: the Good News of the Messiah Jesus Christ, and of the Kingdom of God. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we proclaim deliverance to those bound by the shackles of Satan, healing to the broken-hearted, the sick, and the infirmed, and restored hope to the hopeless.
We reinforce the faith of all, both feeble and strong, in the unfailing righteousness and faithfulness of God Almighty and Jesus Christ, the Lord and Saviour.
SEVEN COMMITMENTS THAT GUIDE OUR WORK
To worship God Almighty in holiness and reverence.
To preach the Good News of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and the imminent Kingdom of God through evangelism, Bible classes, lectures, organised spiritual forums, and print and electronic media.
To prepare believers for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
To work for the unity of all Christians.
To organise Bible symposium, seminaries, and church events.
To inculcate and restore Christian values into homes, families, neighbourhoods, and nations through prayers, counselling, and spiritual ministration.
To organise charities and relief operations.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Faith expressed through service
As a parish, we are actively engaged in serving our local community and beyond. We believe in demonstrating God's love through acts of compassion, kindness, and service.
Through various outreach initiatives, charity projects, and partnerships, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need, fostering a spirit of unity, love, and social responsibility.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Parish
What is Celestial Church of Christ, City of the Living God Parish?
It is a Bible-believing Celestial Church of Christ parish in Peckham, London, also known as The Zion Family. Founded in November 2007, it is part of the worldwide Celestial Church of Christ established by divine order on 29 September 1947 through founder Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa. It is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity Number 1137106).
When and by whom was the parish founded?
The parish was founded in November 2007 by Venerable Superior Evangelist Michael Oladega Awolesi, in fulfilment of a prophecy he received in the 1980s at CCC Shagamu 1 Parish, Nigeria.
What does the parish believe?
As a Celestial Church, the parish believes in the triune nature of God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), centred on the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and holds the Bible as the inspired Word of God. Worship is marked by fervent prayer, vibrant praise and soul-stirring hymns.
Where is the parish located?
The parish is located at 161A Rye Lane, Peckham, London SE15 4TL, United Kingdom, near Peckham Rye station. See our Contact page for a map and directions.
What can I expect on my first visit?
Come as you are, and note there's no dress code for visitors. You can expect heartfelt prayer, vibrant praise, scripture and ministration, and you're free to simply observe with no pressure to participate. Families and children are warmly welcome, and we're a short walk from Peckham Rye station with street parking nearby.
Can I watch services online if I can't attend in person?
Yes. Selected services, including our Hour of True Gospel and monthly Praise & Prophetic Sunday Worship, are streamed live on our Facebook and YouTube channels, linked in the footer of this page.
Is City of the Living God Parish a registered charity?
Yes. Celestial Church of Christ, City of the Living God Parish is a charity registered in England and Wales under Charity Number 1137106.
JOIN OUR PARISH
We warmly invite you to worship, fellowship, and serve with us
Whether you are seeking to hear from the Lord, desiring spiritual growth, or simply curious about City of the Living God Parish, we welcome you with open arms. Please explore our website to learn more about our worship services, ministries, and upcoming events.
