Welcome! -  to St Philip, Westbrook.

St Philip's is both Methodist and Church of England - though we welcome all regardless of their background! The church was opened in 1989 - a modern, cosy building, situated next to St Philip's Primary School (opposite the UCI cinema in the Westbrook Centre). The young age of the building reflects our belief that the message of Jesus Christ is as relevant today as it ever was. That's why we recently adopted the following motto for the first five years of this new millennium:

There are many aspects to our life at St Philip's: but our Sunday morning gatherings (at 9 and 10.30am) are at the heart of all we do. The morning service at 10.30am is the larger of the two, with a lovely spread of ages, from the newly born to 100 years old. There is a crèche, a Junior Church for the 3s - 8s, and ESSO for older children and teenagers. Youth groups (Kid's Club ages 7 - 11; and ESSO⁺ ages 11 - 16) also meet on a Sunday evening. We hold an evening service once a month, which is more informal and experimental in nature - though formality isn't the mark of the morning services either!

We normally have about 150 people in church on a given Sunday - which means group life is important, if 'belonging' is to mean anything. Church members meet during the week for various activities, including Bible study and prayer, and the Little Fishes Pram Service. There are also regular 'Alpha' courses, for people looking into what Christianity is all about, and other events from time to time aimed at those who are just looking. Members of St Philip's also enjoy a good social life, from barbeques and barn dances to evening suppers and quiz nights.

A church exists for the benefit of its non-members. We see ourselves as being here for the local community and town, and very much a part of it. For all our weaknesses - which are many! - our conviction is that the local church is the hope of the world, because Jesus Christ is at its centre.

Now read on!