BOURNEMOUTH'S Martin Luther Church is inviting residents to its Advent and Christmas services this year.

The German-speaking church will be holding these services at the Holy Epiphany Church, Castle Lane.

A Martin Luther Church spokesman also said: "Here you can attend German language church services on the second Sunday of every month at 3pm.

"Worship is usually led by our German pastor, who is responsible for a number of German-speaking congregations.

"We also have trained lay preachers who lead some of the services.

"There are English summaries of the sermons for those who require them."

There has been a German Church in Bournemouth since 1949.

In 1963 The Martin Luther Church was established in Easter Road, before moving to its current location in 2007.

Last year marked the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's 95 Theses, which helped spark the founding of the Reformation and the division of Christianity into Protestantism and Catholicism.

Luther, a German professor of theology, priest and monk, is also credited with making the Bible more accessible, after translating it from Latin into German.

The spokesman continued: "In addition to our German language services, there are also regular discussion groups, as well as lunch groups for older members of the congregation, and a women’s lunch group.

"We also have links to German-speaking children’s groups in the Bournemouth area.

"Our regular services are always followed by coffee and cake, and an opportunity to meet other churchgoers."

A free copy of the church's monthly Gemeindebrief, or newsletter, is also available and gives information about activities of the church.

Email germanchurchbristol@gmail.com for details.

The Advent Service is on Sunday, December 9, at 3pm.

The Christmas service is on Christmas Eve, at 11am.

All are welcome.