A new venture is to give people the chance to explore the Christian faith in an unexpected environment - a pub.
The Royal Oak pub in Poringland will host monthly 'PubChurch' meetings, starting this Sunday at midday.
The PubChurch venture follows two years' planning and prayer by a team from Poringland's All Saints' Anglican church, led by Rachel Foster.
Ms Foster said: 'We aim to meet with people who are comfortable in the environment of the pub, and journey and grow with them as they explore the Christian faith.
'We expect the group to change and develop as we meet and we recognise that this will involve a deal of flexibility on the part of the team leading this venture.'
Pub landlord Nick Perry and his wife Delia have always welcomed church activities in the Royal Oak.
The pub is already home to a monthly men's fellowship group and a weekly Saturday morning singing group, as well as other events at Easter and Christmas.
Ms Foster said: 'We are very excited as we now feel the time is right to move forward with this initiative. I am extremely grateful to Nick and Delia who always are so welcoming to us and have shown such faith in stepping forward with us in this venture'.
Robert Parsonage, Rector of Poringland Benefice, is overseeing the venture.
He said: 'This is an exciting opportunity and we are particularly indebted to Nick and Delia's faith and commitment to honour God in this way. I am also very encouraged by the team from All Saints' church, who are showing vision and sensitivity and relying on the pace and promptings of the Holy Spirit.'
What do you think? Email stuart.anderson@archant.co.uk
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