Drumming up support for a new church in heart of city

The Rev Ben Bryant, the curate of Harbour Church, Portsmouth, is a former drummer now following a new path in life which involves launching a city centre church
NEW CHURCH: One of the pre-launch nights at Harbour ChurchNEW CHURCH: One of the pre-launch nights at Harbour Church
NEW CHURCH: One of the pre-launch nights at Harbour Church

I LOVE Portsmouth. I’ve only lived here for two months, but every time I drive down the M275 into the city my heart lifts as I see the landscape before me.

I moved to Portsmouth last month as I was ordained in Portsmouth’s Anglican cathedral, which simply means I am now a minister or pastor in the Church of England.

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In a couple of weeks, with a small team, we will launch a new church for Portsmouth called Harbour Church.

Last week there was a theme on social media of naming your first seven jobs.

I’ve only had two, a drummer and now a vicar-in-training – otherwise known as a curate.

I used to play drums, for bands, orchestras, TV and film, but have, during the past 10 years, grown a passion for seeing people discover and grow in their faith.

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A few people have asked me why I love Portsmouth so much, citing some of the less attractive features of the city.

I love Portsmouth because of the people.

The people of Portsmouth are very significant and very loved.

The other question I’ve been asked is, ‘why are you starting a new church?’

The answer is that at Harbour Church we want to create a place where people can discover how significant and loved they are.

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Jesus was a man who showed people their significance, that they were loved and he offered them hope, and we believe he is still doing that today for anyone who wants it.

Harbour Church is for everyone, no matter what your age or stage, background or belief.

And especially if you’ve never been to a church, we’d love to meet you and make you feel at home.

We’re based in an old department store in Commercial Road (above Sprinkles, which is between Stanhope Road and Edinburgh Road) and start services at 10am on Sunday, September 4.

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We’d love to meet you and discover together that you are significant and you are loved.

If you’d like to find out more about us, please visit our website: harbourchurchportsmouth.org, like us on Facebook by searching HarbourChurchPortsmouth, follow us on Twitter @_harbourchurch or find us on Instagram, harbourchurchportsmouth.

– Harbour Church, 97 Commercial Road, Portsmouth, PO1 1BQ.