REV MATT BRAY: Two very different ways of doing church
Just over a year ago I moved to Portsmouth.
I'd just finished training to be a priest in the Church of England, and my wife was expecting our first child. It's been such an amazing first year for us in Portsmouth.
We have loved getting to know this amazing city, and finding our favourite places, such as Canoe Lake.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMy job allows me to split my time between Portsmouth Cathedral and Harbour Church.
People in Portsmouth have been worshipping on the site of Portsmouth Cathedral for 800
years. It has a rich history, beautiful music from the choir, and carries a deep sense of peace.
Harbour Church is based on Commercial Road above Sprinkles ice cream parlour and has
been running for just 18 months.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe building is a converted department store, the music is lively, and the congregation includes many young families and students.
They are two very different ways of doing church, but both part of the wider church community.
I love the diversity I've seen in the church in Portsmouth. Everyone is welcome, everyone can find a place within it and be known. I've met so many brilliant people from all
walks of life who have found a home in church.
From September, St George's Church in Portsea is going to reflect the diversity of the church every Sunday morning.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHarbour Church will be relocating the morning service from Commercial Road to St George's as we continue to grow in number.
I'll have the privilege of leading a traditional morning service at 9:30am at St George's,Â
which will be followed by the more informal service from 11am.
The second service will have a café from 10.30am and will also have kids groups.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdEven if church seems like the last place you think you'd feel at home, I'd encourage you to
give it a try.
Like many cities, we run the Alpha course in Portsmouth. It's a course designed for people
who want to explore the big questions of life in a non-judgemental setting.
Our next course at Harbour starts in October.
For more information go to www.harbourchurchportsmouth.org.Â