About Us

Christ Church is located at the heart of Port Sunlight (see Map) where it is perceived by many as the village “parish” church. Opened for worship in 1904, the church’s English Gothic architecture, graveyard, bell tower and position all reinforce this impression. However, Christ Church was originally a Congregational church and, when the Congregational and Presbyterian denominations united in 1972, Christ Church automatically became a member of the new United Reformed Church.

Worship at Christ Church has a traditional feel to it and while the format of the service is very similar each week, we are not required to follow a specific order of service or use a service book. We use the ‘New International Version’ Bible and ‘Rejoice and Sing’ hymn book which comprises a compilation of hymns chosen by the URC. Holy Communion is celebrated monthly at both the morning and afternoon service, and anyone who is a follower of Jesus Christ is welcome to receive the elements.

Our Minister, Reverend Ian Smith (pictured), leads many of the services. Occasionally visiting Ministers, Lay Preachers or other members of the Church may lead worship.

When founding the Church, William Lever intended it to be a place where Christians of all traditions would find a welcome. That ideal continues today, with members of the regular congregation having a wide range of church backgrounds, while many people choose to mark their ‘rites of passage’ (Baptism, Wedding or Funeral) at Christ Church when such times come round. Sunday by Sunday, we find ourselves welcoming visitors who have joined us in worship at Christ Church.

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As a United Reformed Church (URC), Christ Church, Port Sunlight stands by the five points of belief of the URC as defined below:

• The URC stands in the Reformed tradition of Christian faith, believes in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit;
• finds the supreme authority for faith and conduct by the guidance of the Spirit in the Word of God in the Bible;
• looks to be continually renewed and reformed so as to fulfil its mission of witness and service in the name of Jesus Christ;
• practises both infant and believer’s baptism and celebrates the Lord’s Supper;
• recognises the ministry of God’s people: all the members serving in the world and through the church, in particular: ministers of Word and Sacrament, elders, lay preachers, church related community workers (CRCWs), and workers from partner churches.

Further Information about the United Reformed Church may be found on its Mersey Synod website.