Nomadic Church Leaves City Centre for a Better Pill

Nomadic Church Leaves City Centre for a Better Pill

After four very successful years of church life and community work in the city centre, at the old Post Office, St Paul’s– already a nomadic church – is leaving Bridge Street to base itself with St Stephen’s Church, in Adeline Street, Pill.

Plans are already well under way for the refurbishment of St Stephen’s Church. The roof no longer leaks and the hall has had a much needed facelift. Now attention is turning to the inside of the church: Rev Justin Groves says, “We want to make the church a place where people love to be, mostly because of the welcome and love they find there, through the people and Jesus himself, but also because the seats are comfortable, the surroundings are pleasant and it’s the place the community gets together. And last, but by no means least, because it’s warm!”

Rev Justin goes on to explain that their church community want to welcome people through their doors every day, not just on Sundays. Hopefully after the refurbishment, the more flexible space will make that possible. The newly combined church is already attracting more young families. Even in lockdown, family worship continues with their fun, Facebook-live Sunday services.

As they look ahead, St Paul’s and St Stephen’s are excited about working with other Christians to share and show the love of Jesus Christ, especially at this time of uncertainty and great need.

Justin says, “If Jesus was a vicar today, I bet he would choose somewhere just like Pill to reboot his church. He was all about changing the world and individual lives for good. Where better to begin something new than one of the most deprived and challenging areas in Wales? He walked with people whatever their circumstances and we plan to do the same. Faith isn’t just some private affair – it’s about our communities – St Paul’s and St Stephen’s will be known ,I hope, as the Community Church in Pill.”

We welcome people now who have no church to belong to – to think about joining our new adventure, we look forward with others to an even better Pill.

Rev Justin Groves

Vicar of St Paul’s and St Stephen’s