A side profile of an elderly woman with short brown hair, wearing glasses, a striped blue and beige shirt, and a smartwatch, sitting at a table with her hands clasped in front of her mouth, appearing to be deep in thought.

We are a loving, Christ-like family committed to making the world a loving place.

1.

It all began with an idea. In 2018, congregational founder, Justin DeLong, opened our doors to the public and created the Portsmouth Welcoming Community as a safe and loving place for all.

2.

Person using a laptop while sitting on a bed with patterned bedding, inside a cozy space with a window in the background.

When the COVID-19 pandemic came about, we shut our doors and continued online. Online did not work for many, so we struggled. There was still good found within our congregation, with a spark waiting to be lit.

3.

In April of 2025, Sanctuary (formerly Portsmouth Welcoming Community) re-opened its doors. Sanctuary is seeing its largest growth yet, with bigger attendance and opportunity.

Group of people seated indoors, engaging in conversation during a gathering at a community center or church.