THE church and the business world can often appear to be singing from very different hymn sheets .

But the new minister of north Lowestoft's United Reformed Church, is a firm believer that religion and commerce can achieve the same common aims, by making our community a better place to live and work.

As Nathan Eddy, 35, is settles into his new role at the church in London Road North, he says he is finding that Lowestoft has a certain charm, with its seaside views and many town centre shops.

The American-born clergyman is already drawing up plans to build a close relationship between the church and its near neighbours in the town's business and retail community – and he voiced his strong support for The Journal's Love Local campaign, which seeks to highlight all that is best about where we live.

Mr Eddy, a father of two, said: 'I love the town centre and precinct and want to get the church very involved in it. It seems to me that there is a charm to Lowestoft, a sense of buoyancy and optimism to it. I'd like to do things that will boost the future of the town centre and I support anyone who works towards the betterment of Lowestoft. I hope people will support Love Local. I love everything local and I know God does too from a Christian point of view.'

Mr Eddy hails from Vermont, in New England, and he is a direct descendent of English settlers who colonised America in the 1660s.

He spent seven years studying to become a minister in America's United Church of Christ before taking up his first post in Connecticut. However, he should also be able to share some top tips with The Journal's reporters as he was also a journalist on the New England paper, the Milford Daily News.

Mr Eddy moved to England in July 2001 to become chaplain at the University of Manchester after meeting his Norwich born wife, Clare Dowding, while studying in America. She is now the vicar of Earlham in Norwich.

The couple have two daughters, Mahalia and Elise.

Since moving to the area in August Mr Eddy is enjoying exploring Lowestoft and getting to know the members of his church, which currently has about 30 people attending its Sunday service.

He has a number of ideas to bring people into the church, including plans to extend its regular Tuesday and Friday coffee mornings and he hopes and book accoustic bands to play in the building.

He said: 'I am really enjoying it so far. I am still trying to get out and meet everyone involved at the church and see what is going on in Lowestoft and what makes it tick and what it needs.

'You can't beat the weather since I have been here, and I love the view along the seafront.'

Mr Eddy said he felt issues facing the town were its elderly population and job prospects.

Shops and businesses interested in our Love Local campaign should contact our sales representative Perry Bartram on 01493 335043 or by e-mail at perry.bartram@archant.co.uk