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Face to Face with Karen Herrick (April 1997 edition of the Church Magazine) Karen Herrick is mother to Emma (9), Jonathan (7) and Bethany (2) and wife to Philip, our former coordinator. She is a teacher and artist and has just taken over the running of St Thomas Sunday Club from Julie Malin.
I desperately wanted to go to Art College and so, against all advice, I went straight after my 'O" levels. Then I realised that I couldn't get touch further without 'A' levels and so I took a one year course at the Technical College. After a year at Art College I found that I wanted to use my art to help others rather than pursue a career in art so I decided to train as a teacher. I taught full time before family but now juggle part-time teaching at Brampton Infant School with commitments at home. How did your Christian faith come about? When I was about 8, we started going to church as a family. There was an enthusiastic new curate who invited us when organising a door-to-door visiting programme. A fine Christian couple, Brian and Marjorie Morgan were at the church. They were real people of God and this made a lasting impression on me. When old enough, I joined a strong ecumenical youth group and Andy and his fellow leaders stood out as having something special. After I made a commitment to Jesus, I remember I didn't feel particularly changed but my friends at school noticed that there was something different. Now that you are to lead Sunday Club, what is your vision for it? It's early days. I want to work with the teachers and work it out together. I see the work among children as part of the whole church and I look forward to doing some all-age congregational activities. However, children do need a different approach from adults and we need to provide Christian teaching at their level. I hope we can also develop the times when the children are all together, with plenty of fun and appropriate music! What are the challenges you face? To make the Word of God interesting for children, so that they can come to know about God and to know Him for themselves. It is a whole church matter and we need the support and encouragement of the whole church family. Jonty Frith's Ordination (June 1997 edition of the Church Magazine) Jonty Frith is to be ordained on June 29th in Carlisle Cathedral. He will serve as a Curate in the parish of Houghton in Carlisle, having completed his training at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. A remarkable fact: Jonty will be the seventh consecutive generation of Anglican clergymen in the Frith family! Is this a record? He is considering reverting to his proper name of Jonathan once he moves house! Do pray for him and Becky as they face new opportunities. (Jonty and Becky were married in Bristol last December.) Face to Face with David Holden (June 1997 edition of the Church Magazine) David Holden is the new Church Warden, taking over from Philip Abbott. He lives on Moorland View Road, Walton. Where do you come from David? Chorley in Red Rose country, until 10 years ago. After we were married, we lived in a little village nearby called Heskin, where Laura had been brought up.
Family problems, principally. When you work really closely together, you get under one another's feet and that can bring difficulties. Mind you, now we have space we have become much closer as a family. What brought you to St Thomas'? Personal recommendation! In Foolow, we became Anglicans. We were very near the church which had afternoon services which really suited us. When we moved we were told St Thomas' was the place to go! What have you been doing since coming to Chesterfield? Initially, I completed loads of job applications with no success whatever -just one interview. But after a bit I was employed by Nat West Bank as a consultant, which meant travelling all over the place. With a colleague I wrote monitoring programmes which are used countrywide in the banking network. Since then there have been various shorter term projects but, for the last 12 months, I have been without employment. Mind you, for the first five of these I have been out of action, having a knee replacement, you know, one of those metal things which make alarms go off in airport check-ins! How do you feel about being Church Warden? Privileged that people have put their confidence in me. I'm fairly new to St Thomas' and it's good to feel accepted. I can only do it with the Lord's help and that of others I'll have to lean on. So far, both Philip and Alan have been a great help. What are your hopes for St Thomas'? I hope to see the realisation of all three of the PCC aims *. Then we'll know we're on the way to being a missionary congregation. Until we have encouraged and built one another up, we won't he able to make an impact -but I really think it's starting. Face to Face with David Holmes (August 1997 edition of the Church Magazine) David Holmes has recently become Church Warden at St Johns and also Headteacher of Horsley Primary School. David, you're from Brampton originally, is that right? Yes, along with generations of Holmes' before me. My mum was ill and already in hospital in Sheffield when I was born; it meant I was the first member of the family not to be born in Chesterfield. What about your faith? Is it something you've always had or did it come later in life? It seems to always have been there. I've had nothing spectacular happen, no sudden changes. As a child, I attended the Sunday School at Storrs Road Methodist Church. I was actually confirmed in my teens at the Parish Church, at the same time as my father. How is it you came to be a member at St. John's? When I returned to Chesterfield after University, I found it hard to find a church I could settle in. I drifted out of Church attendance for a while. Then Carol Woodward invited me to St. John's one Good Friday, immediately it felt right -there was a sense of belonging. Why teaching? Initially, I saw doing a PGCE as simply a way of passing a year after University -I wasn't convinced I wanted to be a teacher. But after the first teaching practice I knew it was what I wanted to do. I loved being with the children, and still do. It's so good being able to share enthusiasms, inspiring them into actions and interests. It's the 'relationship side' I enjoy the most. How different is it being a headteacher? You suddenly realise that there is no one else to pass things on to, as a Deputy, the Head was always there to go to -now I am the Head! But I do enjoy it, it's good to have the opportunity to lead the school forward in the things you believe in -to see your vision influence the school. How does being a Christian influence what you do? I aim to underpin the whole ethos of the school with Christian values. We are a C of E school and proud of our Christian ethos, we happily promote it through the school's life. I try too, to let those same values influence what I am and what I do. We frequently hear a lot of negative comments both from teachers and about teachers. How do you respond to the present climate? Teaching is still a good thing to do. There are a lot of very committed teachers who just get on with it and don't seek the media attention. There are also a lot of good children and young people too. There's much that is good teaching which should be acknowledged and built upon. So what about being Churchwarden - how do you see that role? Now that is a strange role! I'm still finding my way into it, but I think it's about supporting people -especially the Curate. On a Sunday, I aim to take on the practical side to leave Andy to his priority of being with people. I think also there's a role for listening, hearing and sharing. I prefer it if people 'share views' than complain. It's good to be used as a sounding board too but I don't go up ladders ...and that's another story... Face to Face with Sarah Frith (October 1997 edition of the Church Magazine) Sarah left school after her A levels this summer (1997). She is a member of CYFA. Sarah, you are taking a year out before you go to university. What are you going to do? I'm going to a remote part of North Cameroon in West Africa for 6 months. I shall be staying with a Missionary family, the Kinnairds, who serve with Wycliffe Bible Translators. My job will be to teach the three children aged 12, 9 and 6, using a home education programme. This should enable their mother to play a full part in the work. What are they doing in Cameroon? For the last four years or so Willie and Anntrkka have been thoroughly learning the language spoken by local people and now they are starting to translate the New Testament so that people will be able to hear the Word of God in their mother tongue. Doesn't everybody speak French in Cameroon? I gather that only men and children do. Women didn't used to go to school. French is the official language, though, and the nearest to a common one. How are you feeling about it? OK I'm quite looking forward to it but a bit apprehensive. I'm not enjoying all the injections! People tell me that Willie and Annukka are a really nice couple and I'm looking forward to being with them and their children. What do you hope to gain? Experience, mainly. I hope to broaden my horizons and become more fluent and confident in French, as well as being able to serve others. Would you like people to pray for you? Oh, that would be nice. That I won't be lonely, I'll be protected from illness and things and kept safe. Also that I'll be able to cope well with all three children, with such a wide range of ability. What will you do when you return? I'm going to be a Eurocamp courier for people holidaying in France and then I have a place to read haw with French at Birmingham University. Bernard and Joyce Adams -Golden Wedding Congratulations (December 1997 edition of the Church Magazine) "St Thomas' Church offers congratulations and best wishes to Bernard and Joyce Adams on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary on Boxing Day 1997" Revd Andy and Mrs Judy Barker -Golden Wedding Congratulations (December 1997 edition of the Church Magazine) "St Thomas' Church offers congratulations and best wishes to Revd Andy and Mrs Judy Barker on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Andy has kindly contributed his testimony How Great is His Faithfulness This was the theme that Christopher chose for the Family Service in October at which Judy and I and our family could celebrate our Marriage, which began at Bakewell Church on 9th October 1947. Judy spoke briefly on the fact that the more we gave to God, of our trust and love and obedience, the more He gave to us - for God is no man's debtor. But when, subsequently, someone said to Judy how helpful testimonies were in building faith in others and Christopher asked me to write a testimony for Ploughshare, I was made to think more deeply about the significance of events which began in our lives six years after we were married. Judy had become a Christian at a beach mission when she was a girl but had never had any encouragement in her Christian life, whereas I had grown up as a formal and occasional churchgoer at school and in the Army. It was all surreal at the time, but I realise now that God had to do something fairly dramatic to break through my self-confidence and pride if I were to become a Christian - as was the case with Naaman, we were reminded in a recent sermon. In July 1953 we had taken a tent to the edge of Wastwater and started a wonderful holiday - but then it rained and rained. The tent was rainproof, but one night we awoke to find a spring had erupted under our tent and everything was soaked. We had to go home, our holiday spoiled. There we found a letter asking us to join a House party at the Keswick convention starting the next day. We had never heard of it before and didn't know what it was about, but what else could we do? On the. second night, in response to a sermon, I gave my life to Christ and received the Gift of the Holy Spirit and, together, our lives were transformed (to the amazement, acrd consternation of my Regiment!). But God's love and generosity was only just beginning. We hadn't been able to have any children and were told it was very unlikely. But we had just become the Adopted Children of God! Wasn't He telling us to adopt children ourselves? So we began the process, culminating in a letter inviting us to collect a little boy in March 1954. Three weeks earlier I had decided to resign my commission and start training for ordination - and, seemingly, on that very day our eldest daughter was conceived and we dedicated her to Christ at the Missionary Meeting at Keswick that summer. Sometimes we wonder about that little boy, for we never adopted him, but we had five more children in quick succession; and now there are 17 grandchildren as well, with whom to share our joy in the Faithfulness of the God we adore. Andy Barker Excerts from the Diary of a New Christian (December 1997 edition of the Mustard seed) Barry Thompson talks about the Alpha course Wednesday night ALPHA Arrived at St. John's, given a name badge, decided I was going to enjoy this, can never remember people's names. Met and spoke to a few people, Maureen my wife seemed to know several, most people appeared to be very happy to be out enjoying the fellowship. Gathered into groups under the direction 'of 'our' group leaders, we were directed into a side room away from the multitude. Felt honoured to be among the chosen few in the side room, later had it explained that there were too many people for the main room. Went to collect food along with the rest of the group, hoped that nobody noticed that I was ravenous. Returned to side room, ate everything that was available, decided that I actually had a liking for water with food, must try it more regularly. Main room for a welcome and talk on Christianity by Christopher Frith, hymns and prayers. Memories of There is a green hill far away' did not seem to help me, tried to follow the others. Back to our room, John and Barbara Goodacre our team leaders seemed to be a little hesitant to start the ball rolling by introducing contentious subjects. John seemed to welcome somebody saying something. Maureen frowned at me... must explain to her later that new' Christians like me have to feel their way.' Really enjoyed not feeling embarrassed when talking about my feelings that were beginning to crystallise on religion. Head came round door to say it was time to go home. Sorry to have to go, could have stayed another hour or so. Handed in name badge, really looking forward to next week. "From the time that we arrived through to the last meeting our lives were changed. To be able to discuss and to hear others discuss their own beliefs, hopes and doubts about Christianity was really important to us. The talks, covering a lot of ground that we had only vaguely thought about in the past, cleared up misunderstandings and helped to cement our belief and faith in Christ." Barry Thompson Face to Face with Jack Hemmings (February 1998 edition of the Church Magazine) Jack Hemmings is a sidesman at St Thomas' and one of our "senior members", a former teacher and ex-service man, very involved in the world of football and cricket locally. Jack, where were you brought up? In Chesterfield, near St Augustine's. Father Mudford, the Vicar of St Augustine's was one of the most influential people in my life. He used to go round in his little Austin 7 and I used to help him collecting for the building of the new church back in 1932/3. I was in the choir there and a server. Both my parents died when I was very young and there were seven of us. My elder sister, Edith, who was born with only one arm, brought us up. I went to William Rhodes School and the Headmaster, Mr Greenhough, used to go to St Thomas'. He was the other really influential man to me. He made me Head Boy. It wasn't possible to obtain academic qualifications; we had to leave at 14 and start earning. What jobs did you do? I started at Markham's Engineering, but after a bit I went on the buses with Chesterfield Transport Department. But the war carne in 1939. What did you do in the war? I went in the Army. I was a prisoner of war in Poland for 5 years. I managed to pick up some German and became useful as an interpreter. I escaped three times. After the first time I had 28 days solitary confinement, and 58 the second time. Then it was third time lucky and I met with the Americans who used me as an interpreter. In 1945 I was back in England for 9 weeks -repatriation leave -but then I was sent to Germany to work of the Military Government in Dusseldorf "de-Nazifying" people before they could be employed. We had to search for SS members, easily identified by a tattoo in their armpits. They had to renounce it and have skin grafts. I had a graft too because my prison number had been tattooed on my arm. How optimistic were you during the war? We never ever gave up hope or thought we might lose. How did you get into teaching? Well, I was involved in education in Germany. On my return I met Mr Greenhough again. He had become Director of Education and he supported me as I applied to Sheffield College of Education where I trained for three years. Where did you teach? I started at Old Hall Primary. Bob Wilson was in my football team and he went on to keep goal for Arsenal and Scotland. I'm still in touch with him. I was 5 years there and then I went back to Sheffield for secondary training. I taught English and Drama at William Rhodes and then was Careers Teacher at Manor School, where in time, I became Senior Master. But, I've been retired for 17 years now! You were a football referee too, weren't you? What were the highlights of your refereeing career? I reffed three schoolboy internationals, one at Wembley, and in the first year of the European Cup I was a linesman in Bulgaria for Sofia v Barcelona. It was a great experience. When did you join St Thomas'? When I met Mary in 1947. She was a Sunday School Teacher. I used to help her with little concerts in the School Rooms. Canon Hooley married us in 1951 and we've been part of St Thomas' ever since. What has been the most striking thing for you about being a Christian? It has been the way in which God has always been there. I've always felt His presence. I suppose that was especially so back in war time. He has always looked after me. Jack Hemmings Face to Face with Geoff Beresforde (June 1998 edition of the Church Magazine) Geoff Beresforde is the new Church Warden of St Thomas', taking over from Alan Sheldon. He and Glen were married at St Thomas' in 1968 but have only been Church members since 1991. They have two children and five grandchildren. Where have you lived since you were married? It was Cornwall at first. I was in the Royal Navy, but when I was on a Polaris submarine, Glen came back to Chesterfield and got a house in Hasland. I came out of the navy in 1973 and it took time to adjust to normal married life. I did loads of different jobs and couldn't really settle. We moved to Chatsworth Road in December 1991 and started coming to St Thomas'. We felt we fitted in straight away -although neither of us had been going to church for the previous five years. Had you gone to Church before? We used to go to Zion a bit, when our children went there. And I went quite a bit in the Navy. I had a friend called David who was always going on about his faith and I wished he'd shut up. Then when he did shut up, I started asking him questions! His witness to me probably played the biggest part in my coming to faith. Your faith became real during a Christians for life /confirmation course didn't it? Yes, that's right. We were both confirmed four years ago -and our group is still continuing as our Open House group. We've come along together well. What does your faith mean to you? It means support, you don't have to cope on your own. God has never failed us and has given us some amazing answers to prayer like healing some really sick people, providing for us when we've been a bit desperate and helping to find jobs both times I've been made redundant. What is your job now? I'm a caravan service engineer. It's much better than being a bus driver, especially the regular hours. How do you feel about becoming Church Warden? I'm really looking forward to it - but I'm, going to be busy. I've got to learn all about it first - and then see if we can make things go better. It will be great getting to know more members of St Thomas'. What are your hopes for St Thomas'? That we can grow as a Church, grow in faith and become more caring. Recently, it hasn't seemed such a caring church as it was when we first joined -but it's getting better now. Geoff Beresforde Face to Face with Philip Herrick (October 1998 edition of the Church Magazine) Philip has been the organist at St Thomas for several years. He also plays the keyboard in the Sowers music group. A former banker, he was a member of the Parish staff between 1991 and 1995 as Co-ordinator. He is married to Karen, the leader of Sunday club, and they have three children.
I was in the county youth orchestra and that enabled me to see the world a bit. We went on tours to France and Germany. I learned so much from playing as one of 100 or so people. Taking part in testing works like Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet" suite, Holst's "Planet" suite and symphonies by Borodin and Dvorak gave us a wonderful sense of achievement. I began to realise, as I have in choirs, that people collectively can achieve far more than on their own. Then it has meant meeting interesting and gifted people. Music even played a part in getting Karen and me together. I invited her to go with me to an organ recital in King's College, Cambridge and at the end to have tea in a very new establishment called "Pizza Hut"! She belonged to a Church youth group in Gainsborough and introduced me to a wider range of songs and choruses than I knew beforehand. Has music played a part in developing your Christian faith? Certainly. I have been fortunate to come from a very determined Christian family. My father is a Methodist local preacher and I have two uncles who are Methodist ministers. My brother Andrew is an Anglican clergyman, serving in Wales. Dad was happy for us to become Anglicans provided it wasn't just because we liked the music! Actually it was music that got me involved in church and held on to me when I might have drifted away like many teenagers do. More than that, it was during a performance of Elgar's "Dream of Gerontius" in Lincoln Cathedral that it dawned on me what Christianity was all about. It wasn't just a story. I saw real meaning in the suffering and cross of Christ. It was all about forgiveness. What I had learned in Sunday school and at home became living and new. In recent years, we have been singing more informal, contemporary songs. What are your feelings about this? I like music from all sorts of stables. Folk, classical, romantic, baroque, pop... I can't say I have a favourite piece of music or hymn or song. St. Paul writes about singing songs, hymns and spiritual songs and that surely means a variety. I think we need traditional hymns and contemporary songs - as long as they are done decently and in order. I have no regrets about broadening my repertoire, and the church's, and I see a firm future in singing both styles. We need plenty of tolerance though! One dimension I have still to discover for myself is singing in the Spirit. I have witnessed this when the Holy Spirit seems to take control of a time of worship, and I had to take my hands off the keyboard. It was quite awesome, wonderful, but I know it wasn't for me to lead. What are your memories of being a paid member of staff in the parish? It was great fun; there were great experiences but many frustrations too. The negative memories were discovering that many wanted to give up their roles, expecting a paid coordinator to take them over, and that it was hard work getting people to take on even straightforward, undemanding tasks. Just about the most exciting part was seeing many people come to faith and realising that there were many others who had .played a key part in helping them. I want to stress that I left because of the demands of having a child, Bethany, who was seriously ill. The hours caring for her and my family were just too long. What are you doing now? I'm General Manager of a ceramic decorating firm based in Matlock, responsible for administration, information technology, finance and anything else that crops up. In my week planner I always have "crisis" entered on Monday mornings - being prepared for the unexpected, someone handing in their notice, system failure or whatever! What does it mean to be a Christian in the workplace? It's difficult. I wrestle with it daily. I suppose honesty is the number one thing. I'm glad I took a stand from the word go with regard to some matters and I feel God has honoured this. I am learning to value people more for who they are not what they can do. And finally, the family seem very much part of St Thomas'. Are they happy about this? I think so. I remember a particular time when Emma (11) made a definite resolve to be a Christian. Jonathan (9) enjoys searching and asks lots of complicated questions. Bethany (4) is a very contented child. We have known all along, through all her operations and problems, God has had his hand on her. We've all found that "footsteps in the sand" has been true for us as a family. In the toughest times, we've certainly been carried. Face to Face with Andrew Lockwood (December 1998 edition of the Church Magazine) Andrew Lockwood is married to Philippa with 3 children, and has been a member of St. John's for the last 4 years. He works as an Acoustic Engineer, but loves to sing whenever he gets the chance. Andrew, tell us where were you born and brought up. I was born locally in Milltown but we moved to Chesterfield soon after. We then moved to Sheffield and Doncaster before finally settling in Bournemouth when I was 9. I still feel homesick for the south coast at times, especially for the warmer weather! So, were you brought up to go to Church? Yes, I've always gone to Church. At 11, 1 was asked to join the choir at Christchurch Priory (the nearest thing in the area to a cathedral), and as a result, went less often to the local parish Church with the rest of my family. Although I loved the music at the Priory, I felt an increasing conflict between the traditional approach to worship there and the vitality of my local church. At 16, vitality finally won and I left the Priory for good. At St John's you play the organ or keyboard most weeks. Has that always been the case? Yes, I've never been able to go to church and fade into the background; one way or another, I have become involved in the music. I've been singing solos since about the age of 7, and playing the piano / keyboard (or organ under duress) since my mid teens. How have you felt about this? I do believe that God has given me these gifts to be used, although over the years, I've had to wrestle with what my real motivation is for using them in church. Being a musician means being a performer, and I have still not reached the stage where I can view my contribution to the music purely as an aid to corporate worship. I still struggle with being in church when I feel that I could "do it better" than the person at the front. However, the more I am able to view my music as an enabling ministry, as opposed to a performance, the more I am able to let others play, and to encourage the use of their gifts. As far as my voice is concerned, it isn't brilliant but adequate for the concert type work I do. From as early as I can remember, I have always said to God that I want to use it wherever possible for Christian ministry. In recent years, the opportunity to work with Roger Jones (leader of Christian Music Ministries) has arisen, and it has been a partial fulfilment of that desire. Because his is not the sort of music to which my voice is best suited, I often feel that I do not add very much to his ministry. What really matters is whether it enables or enhances his ministry, and contrary to my own impressions, it apparently does. Coming to terms with this is quite difficult, but it does demonstrate that God can use the gifts he has given us in ways other than those we ourselves would either choose, or consider to be most appropriate. You've been to Music College, tell us about that. After graduating in Engineering Acoustics, I applied as a post-graduate for a place at Music College as a singer, and was turned down by them all, so I ended up working as an Acoustic Consultant. I was very unhappy in the job. It was very stressful and caused much soul searching. I toyed with lots of possibilities, including ordination, because by that time, I had virtually resigned myself to the fact that my dream to sing professionally was dead. One day, the Director of Ordinands asked me "Is ordination what you want more than anything else?" I had to honestly reply that no, it wasn't -I still wanted to sing. (It is an irrepressible desire that comes from deep within me). I eventually ended up applying to the Music Colleges again, and this time, they all offered me a place! You went to the Royal Northern College of Music, what was it like? Wonderful -it fulfilled my lifelong dream, but it was also very hard on us as a family. Philippa and I both gave up well paid jobs to move north, and Hannah was born only six weeks before the move. Although our families were supportive, it was hard as we had no regular financial income. I came from a family which was not well off, but we always had enough, so this was very much a learning experience. I had always thought that God was only really interested in the spiritual part of us. I came to realise that he is just as interested in the practical. Time and time again, when we had nearly nothing left, something turned up -usually in the form of a new job for me, or an offer of more teaching work for Philippa, and we never ran out. And then back to Chesterfield? Yes, I had started my own Acoustic Consultancy practice whilst in Manchester -it was still early days, and all the contacts I had made whilst in Manchester were at this end of the country. Although both of us would have preferred to move back down south, I didn't see it as a practical option. When my grandmother then offered us a barn here in Chesterfield, (which has since been turned into a house!), it seemed the right thing to do. How do you find being self-employed? It is very fulfilling. I like to be in control of things myself - its a rewarding challenge. I'm doing much the same thing as I was 10 years ago, but now, I enjoy it, and find it much less stressful, even though I have much more to do. Also, it means that I can go off singing whenever the opportunity arises! Face to Face with Keith Bates (February 1999 edition of the Church Magazine) Keith is choir master at St Thomas'; he has been a member of the church since 1974. Keith, you were at the same University and College as the Rector. What was he like in those days? I must pass on that one, since, believe it or not, he's ten years younger than I am! What did you do after University? Before University I did two years National Service in the Army Intelligence Cops. Afterwards I entered industry as a graduate Management Trainee; this proved not to my liking, and so I turned to what I said I would never do - become a teacher. My uncle was a teacher; it was thought that I would follow suit, but having resisted I decided to give it a try. Never once have I regretted it. What is your subject? Latin, Greek, Classical Civilisation - Classics in short. Sadly it is much less popular than it used to be. The subject has much to offer, a vast storehouse of wisdom, experience and achievement gathered over 1,500 years. It still has a remarkable influence even on our modern life. You've been sportsman all your life, haven't you? Name the sport, and I've probably played it. I don't think I've played polo, and golf is banned because of a back problem, an old sports injury from 1972. But I have really enjoyed Rugby, Football, Cricket, Hockey ... I still play tennis and badminton regularly, and in February I shall be entering my thirty first skiing season. Any other interests? Music, of course, which has always been important. I have sung in a variety of choirs, including St Thomas' choir which has been a real pleasure over the years. I have completed almost nine years as a temporary fill-in as choirmaster! Sometimes it is hard going and frustrating, but the delight is much greater. Looking to the future, the recruitment of two or three good singers would help us enormously. It must have been terrible time when your first wife, Joy, had cancer. Indeed it was. She became ill in 1974, after fourteen years of marriage. We had a young daughter and son. After a long struggle, Joy died in June 1978. I have to say that St Thomas' members were a God-send. A team organised by the late Gill Watts-Jones (the previous Rector's wife) gave tremendous help to us all in many practical ways. Some of that team are still church members. And I mustn't forget my late mother and her outstanding support. I couldn't thank them all enough. However, life goes on, and I resolved that we should go on with it, and some time later I had the good fortune to persuade Maureen (a member of the RC church) to marry me and take on my children. None of us have ever looked back and regretted it. How long have you been part of St Thomas'? We had attended intermittently over the years but we became regular attenders in response to the publicity of the Watts-Jones' when they arrived. It wasn't long before I was roped into the choir, where I've been ever since. My son, Jeffrey, served his time also in the choir, and Joy, when fit, was for a short while secretary to the PCC. What does your faith mean to you? I was brought up with it, so it's been an ever-present, a constant sustaining and supporting force. It gives a great sense of belonging, of knowing that you don't stand alone. It presents a great challenge in trying to adhere to and strive towards the principles it entails. What are your hopes for St Thomas'? First I hope that our forthcoming exile is not detrimental in any way, but a real opportunity to display a unity of purpose and action. Change is not always popular because we are afraid of the uncertain, but the return to a 'new' St Thomas' will provide an opportunity for a fresh impetus. I don't like revolution but a good dose of renewed energy and a reappraisal of what we're doing and where we're going will not come amiss. Face to Face with Midge Thompson (April 1999 edition of the Church Magazine) Midge Thompson, with her husband Roy, is a member of St Peter's. She was on Holymoorside and District Parish Council for 18 years, and chair on two occasions. She is a Council Member of Red Cross, Derbyshire, for whom she worked for nearly 50 years. Among other voluntary organisations, she was a founder member of the Chesterfield Care Group on Tontine Road and Crossroads, which provides relief for carers. She was awarded the BEM in the 1975 New Year's Honours list for services to the community. She is the mother of two grown up children and has four grand-daughters. Midge, what was your training? I was a nurse. I trained in Nottingham and did mid-wifery in Oxford. I had a Sister's post at Scarsdale and at one time I had the responsibility of being Night Superintendent. It was then I was alarmed to discover that my eye-sight was failing and I experienced difficulty checking drugs. So I retired and concentrated on voluntary service. What has caused you to be partially sighted? However do you cope? It's hereditary - called Macular disease. You have no central vision. Actually, we are trying to get a support group going in Chesterfield for those who suffer with it. You do learn to cope, you know your limitations and to try to make the best of what you can do. I decided to use my professional training in any way I could in voluntary service. I am very dependent on others, especially those who drive me around, I am so grateful to Roy in particular. Red Cross has been your main concern hasn't it? Well at one time, I found I was obsessed by it and couldn't talk about anything else. So I broadened out and got involved in various other organisations! I got into it through St Thomas' when I used to attend as a child, because I was born and brought up in Brampton. I have always sought to delegate and develop the involvement of others, whatever I am doing. Then, when people are ready, I gladly hand over responsibility. At the moment my responsibility is to represent Red Cross on the Community Health Council of the North Derbyshire Health Authority. We monitor everything to do with health -community care, hospitals, ambulance service, you name it ..... How does your faith help you? I've grown up with faith in Jesus Christ and I can't imagine being without it. There have been some special answers to prayer. But, it has been very hard facing bereavement. Our daughter-in-law, Teresa, died suddenly leaving two young children, I've prayed and prayed and prayed for them and Richard our son. Have you still got plenty of energy? You seem to have! My doctor tells me to slow down! I'm on pills for blood pressure, But I'm, determined to help where I can. I want to use my experience and abilities to help others. I'm naturally enthusiastic and I love organising -isn't that awful?! I know I've got to be careful but then ....... Roger Freestone -From One Christian to Others (June 1999 edition of the Church Magazine) Encouragement in difficult times: God is always there if we seek Him. I have been away from church for some little time now; I have also been somewhat down in my feelings. I have been unable to be close to God, to pray, to read the Bible or even to be with Christian friends. I have been in a minor depression, which has affected my relationship with others, and the way that I have been living for some months. I have been emphasising things like the house, getting my wife her car, booking holidays, wanting to get out and about to enjoy myself, but in doing so not really always getting much pleasure from any of this. I have blamed many things for my feelings, including the fact that I am not now gainfully employed, that I was unable through health reasons to assist at a local Hospice, that the worship at our church was not to my liking, etc. The simple truth is that I have been full of pride thinking I can get through my life on my own when the reality is that I can't and I am not meant to. I have not at any time lost my faith in God or that He sent His Son Jesus to set us free from our past but I have failed in my repentance of sin in so far as I have put myself before God. This is a sin and sin distances us from God and so the cycle described above goes on until we repent and live a righteous life. What is a righteous life? Solomon writes in Proverbs (with the help of the Holy Spirit) that righteousness is: Righteousness 10:7, 12:3, 28:12 Hating what is false 13:5 Committing all work to the Lord 16:3 Using words with restraint 17:27-28 Being even tempered 17:27 Loving wisdom and understanding 19:8 Humility and fear of the Lord 22: 4 Willingness to confess and renounce sin 28:13 I have had to accept, confess and renounce my sin of pride. Praise the Lord in doing so the distance between God and myself has shortened and I am beginning to feel a different person again, enjoying the pleasures of life, the sun, the wind, children running about, birds singing, none of which require the trappings of life with which we surround ourselves. God has been gracious and because of Jesus I can put these past months behind me. They are forgotten, my sin has been forgiven and God will draw me closer to Him again as I try with the help of the Holy Spirit to live my life according to the way of God. I have been away from God and felt low because of it (perhaps not always realising it was because of being distanced from God). What if I had not realised it and not repented of my sin of pride? How would I have been judged? Would I have been distanced from God in heaven, not being able to enjoy all the fruits of heaven? Having confessed that Jesus is Lord and accepted Him as my Saviour I have assurance of my salvation. But even worse is the thought that many have not confessed that Jesus is their Saviour and will therefore spend not only this life but eternity distanced from God, out of the light. I know how I have felt these past months not being close to God, I would not want to spend another minute in that state, let alone face the prospect of eternity without God. We should give thanks every day for God's grace and pray for those who do not yet know him. Roger Freestone Roger was on our staff as co-ordinator before he suffered a heart attack in 1995. He and Irene have now moved and have joined Chesterfield Baptist Church. We are grateful for all they have meant to us and we miss them. Face to Face with Stephan Woodward (August 1999 edition of the Church Magazine) Stephen has been a member at St John's for 12 years. He retired as a head teacher two years ago, and has recently become the new Warden at St John's. Stephen, looking back, what have been the significant steps in your journey of faith? I was brought up in a Christian home and the beliefs and attitudes of my Mum and Dad were - and still are - a very real influence on me. Carol and I had a close association with Bolsover Parish Church in our younger days, and that meant a lot to us. In the early years of our marriage I drifted off course, sort of wandered into the desert, I have to say that it was Carol's example, commitment and faith that brought me back 'on track'. God's support in difficult circumstances, both in the family and at Church; a bond of Christian friendship with Alan Lowe of the Church Army, and a number of wonderful Spring Harvest celebrations have all been significant in my journey with God. Some real friends at St John's and St Thomas', our brilliant CYFA group, and a life-changing visit to the Holy Land, led by Sister Susan, a lovely and very special Catholic nun, have also served to help me on my way. Oh, and the clergy have contributed a bit too! Your retirement must have brought many changes for you. How have you adjusted to these? I have always believed that education is of vital importance, but being a primary head for 20 years eventually took its toll. I miss the children, and I miss the day-to-day contact with colleagues and parents. I miss the 'buzz' of school life. I do not miss the systems, the target setting, the testing, the competition and the constant pressure of trying to balance the budget. The financial implications for us as a family are enormous and I am having to learn to trust God about this. I have taken. up crown green bowling - and I do still have contact with schools through my consultancy work and through the assemblies we do for Samaritan's Purse. Family and Church are very important elements in my life, so I am rarely left with nothing to do. And if I am, I can always rely on Carol and Andy to find something to occupy me! Now you face the challenge of being Warden, how do you see the role? I talked long and hard with God - and with Carol and Andy - before accepting the challenge, (so I was up against a formidable team from the start!) I feel sure that, despite my own reservations, it is what God wants me to do at this time. And who could refuse the opportunity to work alongside Mavis? I see the Warden's role as one of service - to God, and His Church, to the congregation and to the community. There are the chairs to sort out, the kneelers to arrange, the candles to light, the curate to keep in order . . . . . . but in essence I believe the job is about looking after God's church and His people - and there can be no greater privilege. St John's has seen a lot of growth and change recently, what has encouraged you most? I love St John's and I love the people. We all have our human strengths and our human frailties - and we have certainly had our ups and downs over the years. At this time I am greatly encouraged by new faces, new beginnings, new life and growth, and by a genuine desire to seek God's will and find new and better ways of doing things. There is a refreshing spirit of reconciliation, unity and openness which can take St John's forward to the Millennium with confidence. The whole concept of a 'Missionary Congregation' encourages all of us to reach out to others wherever we are - and not to wait for them to come to us. This after all is the Great Commission. You have a particular concern for World Mission, why do you believe it should have a prominent place in Church life? In the parable of the Sheep and the Goats Jesus made it clear that we shall not be judged by our status, our situation or our material possessions, but by our response to the world's poor. I believe that it is now our Christian responsibility to reach out with compassion to those on the edges of society, those who are hurting in the world. I also believe that faith without social action is no faith at all, and a church without social action is no church at all. I am so glad that St John's has a heart for the poor. As a result of our involvement in World Mission, Carol and I have met some wonderful people whose lives are an example and a challenge to us. You and Carol are especially involved with Samaritan's Purse and Operation Christmas Child, what has that meant to you? It means a garage full of cuddly toys. It means a loft full of 'fillers'. It means lots of telephone calls, lots of hassle and lots of fun. A ten year-old Romanian girl wrote, 'Thank you for being the friend I never knew I had'. A tiny withdrawn six year-old from Mickley, who had scarcely spoken a word since starting school a year before, answered one of my questions by saying of a shoebox, 'I think it will light up their smiles'. Such is the power of a shoebox. The Head Teacher cried. Children capture the essence of the vision, and it is our privilege to be involved in something as powerful as Operation Christmas Child - to be part of a chain which passes a gift of love hand to hand from one individual to another far away. It is the number 1 which is important, for each shoebox can make a difference. This year we hope to build an even bigger mountain of them. Jesus said: (Matthew 25:40) 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'.' For me education is all about helping children to think for themselves and to feel for others, and this vision underpins the ethos and rationale of Samaritans Purse and Operation Christmas Child. If you would like to be a `Good Samaritan', please don't hesitate to get in touch. It will soon be Christmas! Our number is in the book. Interview with Kath Steer -is one of St Thomas' most senior members (December 1999 edition of the Mustard Seed) Kath Steer (85) has a deep experience of Jesus Christ and she talked to Mustard Seed about some of the things that have been significant along the way. 'When I was 14, I asked Jesus to save me from my sins. I didn't have to try to be good, Jesus would change my whole life. I through. I committed myself to learned a Bible text: "If anyone is in Christ, (s)he is a new creation. The old has gone. The new has come". That's what happened to me. I learned that God had "blotted out" all my sins. This was wonderful! Then I discovered that thousands of people in Britain were experiencing the same thing. Whole families, including mine, were coming to know Jesus as their saviour. There were many being healed, including my mother who was cured of tinnitus and a neighbour who received back her ability to smell. I myself some years later was healed of heart trouble. It was wonderful to experience being filled with the Holy Spirit. As a young person I wondered if these experiences would last and I learned from the Bible that "God is able to keep you from falling". Jesus doesn't just save us he keeps us as well. Through 71 years I have really enjoyed being a Christian. I have also learned many things about Jesus' promise to come again. Many of the Bible's promises have already been fulfilled and we know that Jesus is coming soon. This is the hope of Christ's church - to which I belong by grace. Kath Steer Interview with Neil McGovern -is one of St Thomas' younger members (December 1999 edition of the Mustard Seed) Neil has accepted God's offer of a New Start. I didn't have a big conversion from raging atheist to faithful Christian, but I have had many experiences of God. I only wish I could remember them all. I've always gone to church and my faith has just developed. At the beginning of secondary school my spiritual life became quite stagnant and I wasn't moving forward with God. One of the things that got me moving was music and especially playing in St Thomas' Youth Band. To start with, I was much younger than the others, but I loved (and still love) to play in the band, leading the congregation in worship and doing something worth while. I am much more conformable playing a sax solo than doing a reading or leading in some other way. Two years ago I was confirmed. It meant quite a lot to me. It wasn't just a formality that everyone goes through. I committed myself to Christ and my faith continued to grow. This last year has been an incredible one for me in teens of faith and spiritual growth. I've learnt so much from our Curate Petra. I've gained a lot of confidence in telling my peers about the best thing in the world - knowing Jesus Christ. I've changed a lot, I like to think for the better. Everyday I feel as if I have moved on in my relationship with God. Mum encourages me. Dad challenges me and makes me think. Petra teaches and supports me. I am really thankful to them all - and especially to God. Neil McGovern |
