History

carmel: ministries international breaks the mould of the stereotyped church.

The church began in 1996 in the Y.M.C.A., with Rev Gerri Di Somma, his wife Michelle, their four children and a few others.

The congregation grew and carmel: moved to a rented warehouse on a trading estate near the centre of Bristol. ‘Unit D’ soon included a Bible College, a school, youth groups and many other activities reaching out to the community.

By 2003, seven years later, carmel: had outgrown these premises and moved to a building previously owned by a computer firm. Originally for sale only, but later changed to lease with an option to purchase, carmel: took ownership in 2006.

Activities continued to expand. In 2006, there were sixty-one departments including a new pre-school class, a coffee bar run by the youth and a book shop.

Between 2004 and 2006 the congregation doubled and church services are held on Saturday evenings as well as two on Sunday mornings.