Group launches new church to spread joy in Fareham

That is how resident Duncan Sills feels and why he is launching a new church in the borough next month.

The 28-year-old will be the lead pastor at Christ Church Fareham which will hold its first service on Sunday September 9 at 4pm.

He said: '˜We go to a church called Christ Central Church in Portsmouth and we have a number of people who travel from Fareham to Portsmouth to worship.

'˜We think there is a need in Fareham, so we've been planning this in order to reach the people here.'

The church will be based in  A shcroft Arts Centre on Osborn Road.

Duncan said: '˜We wanted a location near the centre of Fareham.

'˜It's got an auditorium set up in there and they've been very open to receiving us and letting us use that space on a Sunday afternoon, so it is a really good location.'

Duncan, originally from Watford, has been planning a new church in Fareham with others for several years.

He said: '˜I moved from Christ First Church in Watford in 2016 specifically to start the new Church in Fareham.

This will be Duncan's first role as a pastor after several years of training at bible college and working at a marketing job.

Explaining why he took the role, Duncan said: '˜The super-spiritual answer is I believe God's called me to lead this church, but I also really like Fareham as a town and we want as many people to know the good news of Christianity as possible.

'˜Leading this church is the best way to do that.'

The church will be hosting a launch event at the bandstand in Fareham town centre from 1pm on Sunday September 2, offering free food, music, and activities.

Duncan added: '˜Anyone and everyone is welcome to come visit us for our launch or on any subsequent Sunday.

'˜That's why we go to Church, because together at church we can celebrate, enjoy and experience the presence of God.  '˜Having said that, churches also give people a wonderful community, support network and friendships across generations. 

'˜Churches also do a lot of good for the community. We intend to be a church that does Fareham good, loving and caring for people in the town in the ways that we can.'

Christ Church Fareham will be part of the Commission and New Frontiers network of churches.

Christ Central Church on Queen Street, Portsmouth, and Grace Church at Warblington School, Havant are also part of the same network.