Chalk Spring Churches

Sharing the good news of Jesus between the sea and the downs

Churches in Lancing and Sompting

Come see what we're all about

We are a group of two Church of England parishes, Lancing with Coombes, and South Lancing and Sompting.


As Christian communities we want to share the good news of Jesus and contribute to the well-being of our communities.


Our two parishes have five church buildings, and we value them as places of worship and places for the community.

Parish Clergy

Father Felix Smith

Vicar

Father Felix is the Vicar of South Lancing and Sompting, and Lancing with Coombes.

He’s originally from Wiltshire, and trained for the Priesthood at Ripon College Cuddesdon.

He’s married to Laura and has two daughters: Rosy and Edie.

He likes meeting new people, eating good food and making people laugh.


Father Ian Edgar

Associate Vicar (currently on leave)

Father Ian is the Associate Vicar of Lancing with Coombes, and South Lancing and Sompting.

He was born and raised in Canada to British parents. He has been married to Jocelyn for 20 years, and they have been blessed with two sons, Kieran and Luke.

Fr Ian trained at Huron University College in Canada before moving to England to be ordained in 2018. He likes meeting new people, spending time with family and exploring this beautiful country. 

Father Ben Scott

Assistant Curate

Fr Ben is the Assistant Curate of South Lancing and Sompting, and Lancing with Coombes.



Originally from Polesworth in North Warwickshire, he trained for ordination at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield and St Augustine’s College of Theology, following ordination he joined the parishes in July 2023.


He enjoys spending time with friends and enjoying good food and drink.


Canon Michael Hart

Assistant Priest

Father Michael, originally from Lancashire, trained for the Priesthood at King’s College London. After working in several parishes, Southwark Cathedral and as Diocesan Missioner he retired in 2015.


He likes having more time to meet people, cook, draw and travel.


Father Gerald Kirsch

Assistant Priest

Fr Gerald trained at the London International Bible College. This was a change in direction as he was already a trained psychiatric nurse. He has been married to Rosemary for 35 years and they have four children between them.


Fr Gerald loves walking, reading, theatre, music and cooking curries, and boasts his days as one of the founder members of the Curry Club of Great Britain.

Safeguarding

Pat Phillips

Parish Safeguarding Officer

Lancing with Coombes

Find out more and contact

Gill Kerney

Parish Safeguarding Officer

South Lancing and Sompting

Find out more and contact
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