FRAN CARABOTT: It's a real joy to see old friends and new

The leader of St Margaret's Community Church, Eastney reflects on a fantastic start to a reinvigorated church
Sunday worship at St Margarets Community Church, EastneySunday worship at St Margarets Community Church, Eastney
Sunday worship at St Margarets Community Church, Eastney

It is now almost six months since we re-started Sunday worship at St Margaret’s Church in Eastney – and we’re encouraged that so many people have joined us.

It has been a real joy to see people who used to come here joining our church family, and new people finding faith.

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Countless people have told me how St Margaret’s Community Church has transformed their lives and become their home.

You may remember that 15 of us from nearby St Jude’s Church, and other local churches, realised God was calling us to serve those who live in Eastney and at this end of Southsea.

There was an empty church hall available which we have been using as our Sunday place of worship.

We meet for an informal worship service at 4pm each Sunday, with lively worship and children’s activities.

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We also host midweek activities, including a Thursday afternoon toddler group and circuit training for men on Fridays at 7pm.

We are launching our Alpha course on March 15 and already have many people signed up.

It has been great to see the congregation grow each week as new people discover we are here.

People of all ages and backgrounds have joined us, and we’re really happy to tell them how much God loves them, and to show that we care for them too.

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One of the best ways we’ve discovered to build relationships are community fun days.

We’ve put bouncy castles outside, offered face-painting, home-made cakes, tea and coffee, and given people the chance to pick up a bargain at our jumble sales.

We’re doing another community fun day tomorrow, so do join us between midday and 2pm.

It’s a great way of getting to know us and others who live locally.

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We’re raising funds for our community kitchen, where volunteers will be supporting mums by teaching them to cook a healthy meal. This will happen once a month, on a Monday afternoon. They will be shown how to make the meal and take it home to feed their family afterwards.

Our vision at St Margaret’s is to reach out into the community, loving the lost, seeing lives transformed in sharing our faith, hope and love.

If you can’t get there tomorrow, message us via our St Margaret’s Community Church page on Facebook. We’d love to hear from you.

St Margaret’s Community Church is in Highland Road, Southsea

Contact Fran on [email protected].