HISTORY
carmel: ministries international breaks the mould of the stereotyped church. It began in 1996 in the Y.M.C.A., with the congregation consisting of its founders, 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 in South Bristol. ‘Unit D’ soon housed not just a church but a school, a Bible College, youth groups and many other activities reaching out to the community, both local and international.
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 to meet the needs of members and the community. 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 evening and two on Sunday mornings as well as one in stroud.
