PLAN YOUR VISIT

Join us this Sunday

Whether church is familiar to you or completely new, you’ll receive a warm welcome at Christ Central.

We meet in two locations across Portsmouth. Choose the gathering that works best for you and find everything you need to know before you arrive.

SUMMER SUNDAYS

From 26 July to 30 August, both congregations are meeting together at 10.30am at the John Pounds Centre, 23 Queen Street, PO1 3HN.

Our Stacey Centre congregation returns at 10am on Sunday 6 September.

VIEW PO1 DETAILS

Which Location?

PO1 is our larger city-centre congregation that serves in, around and beyond Portsmouth. Stacey Centre serves the Milton and Baffins area. Both are part of the same Christ Central church family, so you can expect the same warm welcome wherever you choose.

Not sure which to choose? You don't need to decide permanently—simply try whichever congregation is easiest for your first visit.

Live nearer Fareham? Christ Church Fareham, which we planted in 2018, may be closer to you and worth checking out.

YOUR PO1 VISIT

JOHN POUNDS CENTRE

We meet just off Queen Street in Portsmouth city centre. This location is very easy to get to from far and wide. During our time together we sing, read from the Bible, take communion, share encouragements, listen to Bible teaching, and pray for the city and one another.

When

Sundays at 10.30am
The service ends around 12 noon.

Where

John Pounds Centre
Queen Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3HN

Afterwards

Stay for a drink
We'd love to get to know you over tea and coffee.

GET DIRECTIONS

Coming with children?

Children begin in the main hall and go to their groups after the first few songs. Our current Sunday groups are:

  • Baby area with soft toys: ages 0–1
  • Crèche: ages 1–3
  • Pre-school and Foundation Stage: ages 3–5
  • Key Stage 1: ages 5–7
  • Key Stage 2: ages 7–11
  • Youth: ages 11+

Getting There and Parking

  • Easily accessible from across the city and via the M275 if coming from off the island.
  • Free on-street parking is available in the JA Zone—collect a permit inside.
  • Paid parking is available on Queen Street using RingGo location 1542, or at University car parks using PayByPhone location 808702.
  • Many buses (1, 2, 3, 20, 21, 23, X3, X4, X5) stop at Curzon Howe Road, around two minutes' walk away.
  • Portsmouth Harbour station is around an eight-minute walk, and the Gosport Ferry terminal is nearby.

Have an accessibility question? The John Pounds Centre is accessible, but if you need details about a particular adjustment, contact us before you come .

YOUR STACEY CENTRE VISIT

STACEY COMMUNITY CENTRE

Re-starting on 6 September after our summer together at the John Pounds Centre

This congregation was planted in 2022 to serve Milton and Baffins. We meet on Walsall Road in Baffins. During our time together we sing, read from the Bible, share encouragements, listen to Bible teaching, take communion and pray for the city and one another.

When

Sundays at 10am
The service ends around 11.30am.

Where

Stacey Community Centre
Walsall Road, Portsmouth, PO3 6DN

Afterwards

Stay for a drink
There is time to meet people and catch up.

GET DIRECTIONS

Coming with children?

Our under-18 groups begin during the service. Look for the team in Christ Central Kids T-shirts, or ask someone on the Welcome Team. Our current groups are:

  • Crèche: ages 0–1
  • Kids: school years 1–6
  • Youth: school years 7–11

Parking and getting there

  • Many people walk as we're seeking to reach the local community.
  • There is a small amount of free on-site parking, with disabled parking close to the entrance.
  • Follow the road signs for Stacey Community Centre from Eastern Road.
  • The nearest bus stop is Langstone Road, just four minutes' walk away. It is served by buses 2 and 21.

Have an accessibility question? Disabled parking is available close to the entrance. If you need details about a particular adjustment, contact us before you come .

Choose PO1 or Stacey Centre above to see the details for your visit here.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Church can feel unfamiliar when you have not been before. You are welcome to join in as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

A friendly welcome

Our Welcome Team will be around when you arrive and can help you find your way. There is no need to book or arrive knowing anyone.

Singing and prayer

We worship Jesus together through songs and prayer. The words are displayed, but visitors are free simply to listen.

Bible teaching

We read the Bible and hear practical teaching that helps us know God and follow Jesus in everyday life.

Communion

We regularly share bread and wine as Christians remember Jesus’ death and celebrate what He has done for us.

Children and youth

Children begin with the whole church before their age-appropriate groups start. The arrangements for each location are shown above.

Stay for coffee

The formal part of the service lasts around 90 minutes. Many people stay afterwards for a drink and conversation.

Our children’s and youth volunteers are recruited in line with our Safeguarding Policy.

FIRST-VISIT QUESTIONS

A few things people often want to know before coming for the first time.

Do I need to book?

No. You can simply turn up. If it would help to know someone is expecting you, you can let us know before you come.

Can I come if I am not a Christian?

Yes. Everyone is welcome, whether you are exploring Christianity, returning to church or have followed Jesus for many years.

Will I be asked to introduce myself?

No. Someone from the Welcome Team may say hello and offer help, but you will not be asked to introduce yourself publicly.

What should I wear?

There is no dress code. Most people dress casually, so wear whatever you feel comfortable in.

Will I be expected to give money?

No. Giving is part of worship for those who consider Christ Central their church, but visitors are under no obligation or pressure to give.

Can I watch before I visit?

Yes. You can watch recent teaching and Sunday content on our YouTube channel.

ASK A QUESTION

Let's Get Connected

Whether you're planning to visit, looking for a church to call home, or simply want to find out more, we'd love to hear from you.



    Want to introduce yourself and/or request specific information, fill in our Connect Form on ChurchSuite.

    FULL CONNECT FORM