ST BARNABAS with Christ’s Chapel, in Dulwich, hosted an evening of locally-provided free food, drink and big screen rugby, to celebrate the World Cup tie between England and Australia, at the weekend. 

Hearing that the Australian team was to be based in the parish for part of the competition, the Assistant Curate, the Revd Ross Gunderson, set up an evening aimed to bring sport and mission together.

Congregation members were invited to "bring a friend", and nearly 90 people attended, more than one third of them people who are not generally churchgoers.

Short films involving famous rugby players who see their faith as integral to their lives preceded the screening of the match itself. 

Mr Gunderson, a Scot and former rugby referee, coach and player, said: “The result was a little disappointing – but the atmosphere, the positivity, the connection that was made between Church and community – I think overcame our sense of sadness at the final score.”