A VICAR is combining her day job with her love of real ale to host an evening of beer and hymns.

The Revd Chantal Noppen, with help from husband Tony Harbottle-Hoppen, has organised the Beer and Hymns evening on Saturday at St Cuthbert’s Church, in Red House, Sunderland.

The newly-married couple hope the event will open the church up to those who would not normally attend.

Rev Noppen said: “It's a simple formula, but it works.

"Combining the communal singing of Hymns in a Church setting with the opportunity to enjoy a glass of real ale - really opens up opportunities for us to engage with the community in a different way.

“If people are invited to something that is different, and they enjoy it, their perceptions of church and Christians change.

"The church building in their midst becomes something more relevant to them and the relationship it produces is more personal.”

Beer and Hymns events have been held elsewhere and the couple even held one at their own wedding last year.

Rev Noppen added: “When we got married a little over a year ago, we had an hour or so of Beer and Hymns during the reception.

"We were amazed how many people raved and gushed about it afterwards as a highlight for them".

  • The first Beer and Hymns event is being held at St Cuthbert’s Church, Red House, Sunderland at 7.30pm.
  • Tickets are £5 with a cash bar serving local real ales from the Sonnet 43 Brewhouse in Coxhoe as well as other alcoholic and soft drinks.
  • Tickets can be purchased by emailing: northwearsideparish@gmail.com.