ChristChurch Tilehurst launched on 4 September, having first been established as a congregation from Carey Baptist Church in Reading.
Originally operating as a satellite congregation called Carey Westwood Farm, the work grew from about 30 people, including children, to about 60. In 2015, with the blessing of Carey, they began the process of establishing the new church.
Bringing lost sheep
The launch service was a very special occasion, with almost 150 people present. Dan Dwelly, who was serving as assistant pastor of Carey Baptist Church and will continue as the first pastor of ChristChurch Tilehurst, led the service and preached. He spoke from John 10 on Jesus as a good shepherd whom we are seeking to follow because he alone gives us life. Like Jesus, our mission is to bring lost sheep to him so that they might receive life also.