The “pub church” will be run by Reverend Alistair McHaffie, vicar of St John’s parish in Leyland, at the Broadfield Arms on Leyland Lane.
Thought I’d put this one on from the BBC as it is nice and lighthearted for once and I hope it is a success:-
Diocese opens church inside pub
A church is opening its doors in a Lancashire pub to welcome parishioners who want religion without “hymn books and hassocks”.
The “pub church” will be run by Reverend Alistair McHaffie, vicar of St John’s parish in Leyland, at the Broadfield Arms on Leyland Lane.
A Blackburn diocese spokesman said the new church would meet to discuss issues in a “relaxed atmosphere.”
The church denied the initiative was only a “recruitment drive”.
The church will operate from upstairs rooms at the pub from 2 October with six meetings scheduled until Christmas.
‘Home ground’
Mr McHaffie said: “We were concerned for people who have an interest in God and spiritual matters, but who would tend to seek answers anywhere but church.
“Many people with spiritual questions would not consider seeking answers in church, so we felt we needed to meet on their home ground.”
He said “churchgoers” would be encouraged to go to the bar before discussing issues about faith and life over a drink and sandwiches “rather than hymn books and hassocks”.
“We hope the pub church will be a success and can continue it into next year,” the diocese spokesman added.
“Already parishioners have been getting excited and said they will bring their friends.”
He added: “It’s church without the preaching.”
Tags: Church Life