Above Bar Church is a vibrant church with three congregations. Two meet at the city centre site in the heart of Southampton, and our East congregation meets at Woodlands Community College in Harefield.
The main church is at 69 Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7FE
It hosts the following community events:
- The Big Breakfast
- The SCM Basic Bank
- English Language Support for newly arrived
- Christians against Poverty (CAP)
- Connect – Cafe and chat
The Big Breakfast
A free breakfast for the homeless and those struggling economically. Every Thursday from 10 am to 11 am. Entrance at Ogle Street.
SCM Basic Bank
Every Monday between 10am and 3pm volunteers provide food to individuals and families in need across the city through one of the Southampton City Mission food bank venues. Clients will generally have sought help through one of the numerous referral agents in Southampton, with these referral agents providing an online voucher for food and/or clothing such that when a client comes to the Southampton City Mission food bank they are known to have a genuine need. Clients will, however, be helped in the absence of a referral with their emergency food needs at the discretion of each food bank. .
English Language Cafe
Every Monday 11am (Term time only)
We meet in the lounge at our City site.
English Language Café is for people whose first language is not English. We welcome people from any country and any cultural background.
We start with tea, coffee and snacks which is a time to say hello and chat together.
Each week we have a topic to discuss and sometimes there are games or activities around that topic. We just have lots of conversation in a relaxed environment. There are always native English speakers who are there to help people learn English and become more confident.
Just come along at the right time and join in.
On Wednesday mornings there is a formal class for complete beginners and people who can speak some English. If you would like to know more about this class, email office@abovebarchurch.org.uk for more details.
Global Gathering
Every Tuesday Evening at 6:30pm (Term time only)
We meet in the Top Hall at our City site.
All internationals are welcome at our group, no matter religion or age – children are welcome too!
Each Tuesday we begin with a hot meal together.
Every other week we have an informal bible study where we seek to get to know God better through His Word, the Bible.
On the alternate week, we have a social gathering which includes celebrating festivals from different cultures represented in the group and various Christian festivals or games, craft and activities etc.
No need to sign up, please just come to our next meeting.
Christian Against Poverty (CAP)
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) provides free debt help and local community groups across the UK.
We have a CAP centre here at Above Bar Church headed up by Cathy Gleeson.
You will receive an individual appointment where the debt coach will sit down with you and go through details of your income, outgoings and debts. The team at the head office in Bradford will get to work to build a budget for you and advise on the best way out of debt. Your local centre and the team at Bradford will be on hand throughout the process to offer practical help and support right the way through your journey until you go debt free.
Anyone struggling with debt can ring the free enquiries line on: 0800 328 0006
You will then be booked in at a local centre with the next available appointment.
Connect – Coffee and chat
Held on the first Tuesday Morning of every month from 10.30 am to 12.30 am. For 55 years Plus.