Brixham is a town situated on the South Devon coastline. It is principally known for it’s fishing industry and has an international reputation for the variety of high quality fish it supplies to many top restaurants. The South Devon coastline attracts many visitors from all over the world and is renown for areas of natural beauty, places of interest and mild climate. The three towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are known as Torbay and are often referred to as the ‘English Riviera’. Brixham, with a population of around 19,000, including the nearby villages of Churston and Galmpton is the smallest of the three towns. The many visitors to the area contribute to local seasonal employment and the economy. However Brixham, like many other fishing communities, has felt the harsh realities of the industries decline and this, amongst other things, has contributed to the difficult scenario of lack of regular employment and affordable housing.

The challenge for the local church is seen as it tries to show the love and compassion of Christ to people who are increasingly being torn apart by unemployment, poverty, homelessness, drug and alcohol problems, anti social behaviour and broken relationships. At Brixham URC we have been asking God to helps us find ways to effectively show His love in practical ways to our community.

As part of this process we have moved to a new building, with level access and some parking, close to the town centre. Our new premises are more appropriate for a variety of community projects and support the vision we have for the future of our church. When God asks us to move forward into new visions it can seem very uncomfortable, yet the bible is very clear -  as His church we are not called to stay in comfort behind closed church doors – we are called to go out into the world and spread the good news of God’s saving grace.

Brixham is a small town but it is represented by many different church denominations who come together as Christians Together in Brixham. At the United Reformed Church we are committed to sharing and working with other local christians, churches and organisations in order to reach out to those who need our help and support. The town has already seen the beginnings of some new building developments and there are further plans currently in progress.

The proposed regeneration process provides the local churches with exciting opportunities to work together and show that God’s church in Brixham is alive and well and ready for the challenges of the future. As we work together we pray that we will effectively share the amazing effect that the love and peace of Jesus can have in the lives of anyone who will accept God’s free gift of salvation.