(Reflections on the First Decade 2014–2024)
Since it opened its doors in September 2014, Cedar Church Birmingham has journeyed from a small congregation with a big vision to a thriving, Christ-centred community devoted to serving the Kingstanding and New Oscott neighbourhoods within the United Kingdom’s second city. As Cedar marked its 10th anniversary, the church reflected on God’s incredible faithfulness and looked ahead with renewed purpose—to create a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations.
2014: Establishment
Cedar Church began with a heartfelt mission: to build a welcoming, inclusive space where all could encounter God’s love. Pioneered by Andrew and Sarah Kisumba, Cedar’s first Sunday service launched with the encouraging reminder, “God Always Has a Plan A (GAHAPA)!” From the outset, Cedar Church was dedicated to connecting with local families and creating a place of belonging. Within weeks, the congregation celebrated its first baptism, a testimony to the hope Cedar brought to the community.
2015-2018: Growth and Community Engagement
In the years that followed, Cedar Church deepened its connection with the neighbourhood. Programmes for children and youth became central, including “Babies into Books,” “Dream Young Dream Big,” and “Get Involved.” Annual events, such as Easter gatherings and Christmas celebrations, drew people from all walks of life. Supported by partnerships with local churches, Cedar Church established a strong foundation of ministry and fellowship.
2019: Expanding with Purpose
As the congregation grew, so did the need for more space to accommodate the church’s expanding family. In 2019, Cedar embarked on a plan to enhance its facilities, creating an inviting environment where worship, learning, and relationships could flourish. These developments marked a significant step forward, as Cedar looked to the future with the goal of building a church for all generations.
2020: Rising Through the Pandemic
When COVID-19 disrupted daily life, Cedar Church adapted quickly to the new reality, moving services online and creating virtual gatherings to keep the community connected. Cedar launched the Cedar Food and Essentials Bank, providing support to NHS workers and local families in need, which became a lifeline for many. The church also became a COVID Champion, offering essential resources and guidance to families during the pandemic. Despite the challenges, Cedar Church stood firm in its mission, providing comfort, connection, and hope.
2021-Present: Rebuilding, Celebrating, and Embracing New Initiatives
Cedar Church is dedicated to making a positive impact at all levels—locally, nationally, and internationally. Its projects include the Cedar Church App, launched in October 2020, which connects church members and the broader community to various resources and events. Recognising the importance of mental health and social connection, the church introduced initiatives like a community anthem and digital carol services to uplift spirits during challenging times. Through partnerships with local organisations, Cedar has also provided essential supplies to vulnerable residents, hosted community events, and created a welcoming space for social engagement.
As restrictions eased, Cedar Church Birmingham prioritised rebuilding and reuniting in-person connections. Events like the Cedar Impact Series, featuring candlelight concerts, community ceilidhs, and live music, offered joy and connection. One of the church’s most inspiring projects, “Your Love Lifts Me Up,” a British Sign Language (BSL) performance involving over 150 national and international participants in a historic cultural festival, culminated in a breathtaking performance at the Royal Albert Hall. This led to the launch of the Good News! Singstanding Community Choir, with its own original song, “Singstanding,” that has featured on local radio.
Celebrating 10 Years and Looking to the Future
September 2024 was a milestone month as Cedar Church Birmingham celebrated its 10th anniversary with special events: an Ordination Sunday, a Hot Topic Special, the Cedar Impact Series Concert, a Vision Offering, and a Baptism Service. The coinciding release of Cedar’s new anthem, “Christ Is King! (Song Of Our Salvation),” captures the spirit of worship, faith and gratitude as we reflect on God’s faithfulness and His divine mandate.
While celebrating its past, the church is also preparing for an exciting new chapter: the opportunity to purchase its premises and develop them as a beacon of hope for generations to come. Plans include creating an eatery/cafe, a resource centre, and a larger meeting room, all while retaining the existing chapel. This vision honours the legacy of the “giants on whose shoulders we stand” and reflects Cedar’s belief in revitalising the neighbourhood. Cedar Church hopes to be a place where people could find both spiritual and practical support, uplifting the area’s reputation, morale, and infrastructure.
Conclusion: A Community United in Faith
Looking back over the last decade, Cedar Church Birmingham saw a story of faith, resilience, and God’s provision. With more than 100 individuals choosing to follow Christ and many of those decisions leading to baptisms, Cedar has become more than a building; it is a community, rooted in Christ and inspired to serve.
As Cedar embarks on this next chapter, it warmly invites everyone to join the journey. Whether you’re looking for a church home, wanting to connect, or seeking ways to serve, Cedar Church offers a place of welcome and purpose. Together, let’s continue to build His church, honouring the past and looking forward to a future filled with hope and God’s glory in Kingstanding, Birmingham and beyond.
Reverend Andrew and Mrs Sarah Kisumba: A Family with a Heart for Christ and Community
Known affectionately as “Family Kisumba,” Andrew and Sarah Kisumba have brought a vibrant spirit of faith and service to Cedar Church Birmingham. As Pioneering Pastor, Rev. Andrew leads alongside his wife, Sarah, and a trusted core of support, creating a Christ-centred community that radiates warmth and hope in North Birmingham.
Pastor Andrew’s journey began in Uganda, and his life has taken him across continents and cultures, shaping his deeply compassionate and inclusive approach to ministry. Originally a qualified architect with a master’s degree and RIBA membership, he set aside his architectural career over 20 years ago to answer a call to ministry. With unwavering faith, Family Kisumba moved from Yorkshire to Birmingham, where they pioneered Cedar Church. Andrew’s architectural background and Sarah’s musical training shine through in their vision for Cedar—a sanctuary where people can build connections, find support, and experience the love of Christ in tangible ways.
Sarah’s insight, gentle wisdom and open-hearted kindness also provide a perfect balance to their ministry. Her sincerity helps make Cedar feel like home for people of all ages, inspiring others to deepen their faith and experience God’s love. Together, they share their lives and laughter with the community, modelling a life of faith in action.
Family Kisumba are blessed with two daughters and together they have sacrificially lived out their commitment to God, their church family and others, embodying purpose, perseverance and joyful worship. Through regular church activities and initiatives like the Cedar Impact Series, community outreach, and youth work, they have created a collective legacy of loyal service, consistently pointing people to Jesus and strengthening others in His grace.
For anyone seeking a welcoming church family, Cedar Church offers not just a congregation but a home, thanks to the vision, dedication, and heart of a whole church family of believers, some who have stood faithfully from the very beginning to others who have proved loyal and committed to following and honouring the Lord Jesus and His Word. In their service, Christ remains at the centre, guiding them as they create a space of belonging, purpose, and hope.