West Leigh service will be a time to give thanks for all that has been

Churchwarden Cathy Stevens outside St Albans Church, West Leigh

For five decades it has stood at the heart of this community.

It has watched the community change and grow and has been there at the important moments in people’s lives.

There was originally a church on St Alban’s Road, an old tin hut, serving the growing community, before the present church was built.

We all have a story, we all have moments in our lives when we need to stop and pause, to ask those amazing questions about life and its meaning.

We all have times of sadness and times of great joy.

Whatever the occasion, and whatever the reason, St Alban’s has offered, and continues to offer, a safe space to encounter God.

It is a place where we can be assured that God loves us – each one of us each individual and unique people that we are.

The church was built 50 years ago to be a Christian witness to the people who were moving out to West Leigh and the surrounding areas into the new post-war housing.

It is built in a Scandinavian style and so has a warmth and light feel to it.

The hall offers good facilities to several groups and as a venue for the local community.

Bi-monthly, on the first Saturday we have an English breakfast available to anyone who comes along. The next one being September.

To mark our 50th birthday, at 3pm on Saturday we will be holding a Celebration Eucharist with the Bishop of Portsmouth.

July 16 is the actual anniversary of the church’s dedication five decades ago.

It will be a time to give thanks for all that has been.

It is a time to give thanks for the people who have been part of the St Alban’s Community, giving thanks for all who have been baptised or married at the church, for events and activities and for the worshipping life of the church.

Invitations have been extended to past clergy and everyone is welcome to come along.

We will conclude the afternoon with a very traditional English afternoon tea.

The anniversary service is on Saturday, July 16 at 3pm at St Alban’s Church, Bartons Road, West Leigh.

For more information go to stalbanswestleigh.co.uk.