A BRAND new congregation has begun to serve a Hampshire village that has no church.

‘Chase Church’ is the name given to the new group that is meeting in the village of Waltham Chase, between Shedfield and Bishop’s Waltham.

Worshippers from nearby Shedfield and Wickham churches joined forces with those who live in the village and others interested in a new style of church and the first service was held in May.

It is an evening service, happening on the third Sunday of each month, and the first get-together attracted 55 people.

The service is designed to be a more contemporary act of worship that might attract families who prefer a less formal style. It might involve guitar-based worship, creative prayer and discussion groups around tables.

It starts with drinks and cake beforehand, and includes children’s craft available on the tables, in line with that day’s theme.

The vicar of Shedfield and Wickham, the Rev Fiona Grove said: “It was in January that our two PCCs held a joint vision day, and one of the top priorities was to inhabit part of our benefice where there is no current worshipping community.

“We also recognised that much of our worship is fairly traditional in style, and so we are exploring new opportunities to broaden our expression of worship. We hope it is also a space where those who are not yet part of a church can find a home and explore what faith is about.

“We have many links with our community – especially through baptisms and a new toddler group – so can encourage those people to try something new.

“Each session will follow a basic pattern but there will be flexibility within that to be creative in different ways so people can be actively engaged and be challenged. We hope to arrange some social activities for this group as well.

“Between now and Christmas we are taking each of the ‘I am’ sayings of Jesus and delving into them in creative ways. It’s early days, but something we feel is happening at the right time and in the right place!”

The next meeting for this group is Sunday 19th July, from 6pm-8pm, in Waltham Chase Village Hall, just off Winchester Road.