About us
1976
2026
New Life Church is a friendly gathering of believers who meet in the town of Bodmin. Every Sunday morning we have lively times of worship led by our musicians and relevant preaching and teaching from God's written word, the Bible, to apply to our everyday lives. Our desire as followers of Jesus is to love God, raise up disciples of Christ and reach out to our local community with compassion and purpose.
How you can join us on the faith journey . . .
Fifty Faithful Years: NLC Celebrates 50 Years!
For 50 years, New Life Church has been part of the life of the town — faithfully serving God, welcoming people and growing through changing times.
The church will celebrate its Golden Anniversary on Saturday 17 October, with a special social event at 6pm in the Shire House Suite, followed by two anniversary services on Sunday 18 October at 10.30am and 6pm at New Life Church, 18 Normandy Way. Everyone is warmly welcome to join the celebrations. with booking required for the Saturday (Contact Steve 07870 328604).
From Gospel Outreach to a Church Family
The story began in the summer of 1976, when posters advertising a new Gospel Outreach appeared throughout Bodmin. The meetings were exceptionally well attended and, following their success, experienced church planter John Hibbert, together with Keith Arnold, established an Assemblies of God church in the heart of Bodmin.
The fledgling congregation initially met in the Public Rooms — now home to the town’s cinema.
Strong attendance soon enabled the church to purchase its own premises in Chapel Lane. In November 1977, Neville Downes was inducted as pastor at the official opening of the Chapel Lane church.
Neville said: “We have many happy memories of the special times, such as water baptism services, not only inside the church building but also in the sea. We enjoyed meals together, a Sunday school was started, as well as a children’s mid-week club.”
Neville (centre), Tony (left) 1977
Worship in our new building 2024
Baptisms at NLC
Among those who have been part of the church almost from the beginning are Tony and Pam Birch, who remain active members of the congregation today.
Their children attended Sunday School, and the couple were invited to a meeting called Facing the Future. Tony remembers being struck by how relaxed he felt in the church and by the warm and friendly welcome they received.
It was a significant moment for the family. Tony and Pam became Christians and joined a congregation of around 30 to 40 people.
Remembering Five Decades
Looking back over half a century, Tony and Pam each have their own special memories.
For Tony, some of the highlights were the well-attended annual conventions and conferences. Pam remembers the renovation of the church's first premises — and how quickly the growing congregation outgrew the building.
Yet, above all, both remember what they describe simply as “God’s provision.”
The journey was not always easy. Tony recalls a time when the congregation was small and finances could be challenging: “In those difficult days, we always had enough to pay our way,” he said. “Envelopes would come through the door filled with money and a note saying, ‘A love gift from the Lord’.”
For Tony, those experiences remain a powerful reminder of the faithfulness and generosity that have sustained the church throughout its history.
A New Chapter
The current Pastor, Steve Ovens, has led New Life Church for the past 14 years. Tony describes Steve as someone who “has a heart for people” and who continues to move the church forward.
Over the past couple of years, Steve has overseen the renovation and transformation of the church's current premises at 18 Normandy Way on the Walker Lines Industrial Estate.
The building has been developed into a purpose-designed venue for worship, meetings and a wide range of activities. With a larger facility, strong attendance and increasing involvement from younger people, New Life Church is looking confidently towards the future.
Faithful for 50 Years — and Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the church's fiftieth anniversary, Steve said: “God is faithful and we give thanks to God for all He has done to reveal His love and grace to us again and again every year!” He also paid tribute to the pastors who have served the church over the years, as well as the many members of the church family who have faithfully served God and the people of Bodmin throughout the past five decades.
From the Gospel Outreach meetings of 1976, through the early days in the Public Rooms and Chapel Lane, to today's purpose-built facilities at Normandy Way, the story of New Life Church Bodmin is one of faith, perseverance, community and God’s provision.
After 50 years, the church is not simply looking back with gratitude — it is looking forward with expectation as revealed in God’s Word; “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
In our New Building... PRAISE THE LORD!
Sunday 6th October 2024 was a GREAT DAY to finally move into our new building and so it's is NOW OPEN for our Sunday Worship Services 10.30am @ 18 Normandy Way, Bodmin PL31 1EX
Praise the LORD for His provision & faithfulness to see the works complete!
'The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!'
(Psalm 126:3)
All welcome to come along to join us on any Sunday morning to honour & lift up the Name of Jesus in Bodmin!
Opening Service and Celebrations at 18 Normandy Way on Sunday 6 Oct 2024
Funds awarded from the Benefact Trust!
We would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to the Benefact Trust for their award towards the costs of our new building development/ renovation project! We are so encouraged by their support to help us open our new building in 2024 so we can provide modern and spacious facilities to serve and bless the people of Bodmin in the best way we can! Thank you to the Benefact Trust for your support!
The Benefact Trust is one of the UK's largest grant-making charities and awarded more than £23 million to churches, charities and communities in 2020. To find out more about the Trust head to: www.benefacttrust.co.uk
NLC NEW BUILDING journey...
Since moving out of our own property in 2020 on Chapel Lane, we have been meeting on Sunday mornings in the Bodmin Town Football Club (& then the Shire House Suite) by the Priory Park.
At the end of 2022, we purchased a new building for our future use, but with the property formerly used as offices, we had to undertake a number of alterations and renovations to make the building fully functional for ourselves as a local church and to open up an inviting and welcoming space for all to come and worship our wonderful Saviour Jesus Christ, as well as to serve our local community here in Bodmin!
If you would like to know more about the building project, or would like to give towards the costs of the 'additional works', then please do get in contact with Pastor Steve Ovens (or use the contact form below).
We would like to give thanks to ALL those who have generously given to the building project
over recent years to help us purchase this new building, and to finish the renovation works to move in...
may YOU all be abundantly blessed in return!
AND OF COURSE, WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR HIS FAITHFULNESS & PROVISION
TO BRING US TO THE PLACE WHERE WE ARE NOW... ALL GLORY TO HIS NAME!
We now trust in Him for the next steps to see this new building 'finished' off to be used for our community!
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus...
The One who calls you is faithful and he will do it!
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 24)
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise,
give thanks to Him and praise His Name.
For the LORD is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations!
(Psalm 100:4-5)
Life
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Photos of Various Events to date...
Photos of recent Youth Events... CLICK HERE
Baptisms at Creation Fest
Baptisms at Daymer Bay
Baptism Service at NLC & Daymer Bay
