Welcome to Revd Mack Deptula
Originally posted on https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/your-world/faith-in-the-community-ive-just-arrived-and-i-love-fareham-already-8748949
FAITH IN THE COMMUNITY: I've just arrived - and I love Fareham already!
By the Rev Mack Deptula, church planter, St John’s Church, Fareham, and St Peter and St Paul Church, Fareham
CAN I introduce myself? I have recently begun serving as the new church planter for Fareham, working with St John’s Church and St Peter and St Paul Church.
My wife, our little daughter and I have recently moved to Fareham, and we are excited to make this wonderful town our home. As we settle in, we are enjoying getting to know the people, places and stories that make Fareham such a special community.
I came to faith in Jesus as an adult, and that experience transformed the direction of my life. Since then, I have had the privilege of helping churches grow, welcoming new people into Christian community, and supporting people as they explore faith for themselves.
One of the things that has impressed me most since arriving is the remarkable history of St Peter and St Paul Church. For generations, it has stood at the heart of Fareham. Many local families have worshipped here, celebrated baptisms and weddings, and said farewell to loved ones. It is part of this town's story.
Yet the heritage of St Peter and St Paul is about much more than an historic building. Throughout its history, the church has existed to serve the people of Fareham, share the Christian faith, and care for the surrounding community. My hope is that we can build on that heritage and see it flourish again in fresh ways for a new generation.
Over the coming months, we will be developing new opportunities for children, families, young people and adults to connect, build friendships and explore faith. We want St Peter and St Paul to be a church that serves Fareham well while also supporting the growing communities taking shape around us, including Welborne.
At a time when many people feel isolated, anxious or uncertain about the future, I believe the Christian faith offers hope, purpose and a sense of belonging. My prayer is that our churches will be places where people can find all three.
The future is exciting, but no one builds a thriving community alone. We need people willing to serve, welcome others, share ideas, pray, and lend a helping hand. Whether you have attended church all your life or never stepped through the doors of a church building, you would be very welcome. We would love to meet you.
ST PETER AND ST PAUL CHURCH, Osborn Road, Fareham, PO16 7DR
