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Things are Different Now (September 1991 edition of Mustard Seed) Alan and Enid Sheldon Rock musicians, sports stars, politicians, ex terrorists and film stars are among the Christians who could tell dramatic stories of their conversion. Many have had their lives completely turned around after discovering Jesus and it can make gripping reading. Greed has been replaced by generosity; ego by humilty; and instead of a relentless quest for perfection there is a new-found security and contentment. Well, we may not have many high-profile personalities in our churches but there are many, rather more ordinary people who could still, if you asked them, describe the remarkable change Jesus has made in their lives. So Mustard Seed asked two members of St. Thomas', Alan and Enid Sheldon, to tell us about the difference Jesus has made in their lives and how it all began. ... Enid first started coming to St. Thomas' to lend moral support to their daughter Beth who was then in the Brownies, on church parade Sundays. "I would listen to the sermons and find myself amazed at the way the man in the pulpit was talking about Jesus. "It was the same Jesus I had known from Bible stories in Sunday School, but people were talking as if they knew Him and He was still alive. Curiosity got the better of me - it all began to sound very relevant. "I wondered how you could find out more and the adult confirmation class was mentioned to me. I decided to go, but with an open mind. The first one was very quiet, with a room full of strangers and I thought I was the only one who was not sure of my faith. But as the weeks went by we became friends and just over halfway through the course, I decided 'yes, these people are right."' Enid feels her faith has given her a new sense of peace and security in her life which was missing before. "I always used to think I had to attain things, to reach new stan¬dards and become a better and more knowledgeable person. "After leaving school with no qualifications I felt I had to get more knowledge, and went on a number of courses - maths, French, dressmaking. But I no longer feel these things are the be all and end all. My faith has made me more complete as a person. "I realise now that God loves you as you are - not because you have 10 O-levels but because you are you. And as well as that security, God has given me a new confidence to do things I had always secretly wanted to do - to be able to talk easily to people, to go to meetings or visit people who have been bereaved." Alan, meanwhile was pursuing his favourite Sunday morning pastime - cycling along the highways and byways of Derbyshire. "I would be off cycling while Enid went to church - I was a fanatical cyclist and would compete in time trials. "Then I would come home for lunch and Enid would tell me about what had happened in church that morning. It was obviously important to her but she never put any pressure on me. At that time I was open-minded - I've always been the kind of person who has to see all sides of something before I'll make up my own mind about it. "But I was becoming curious myself, and decided to go with Enid to church one Sunday. I wanted some facts to work it out for myself. I didn't want to be brainwashed. I had an idea that Christianity was either for people who were searching, lost or weak, or for people who like to jump on bandwagons. "But when I went to St. Thomas', I felt very welcome. There was no brow-beating and I was very unpressured. Yet the people there seemed to have something in common which you could sense, that was very real. There was a different dimension to them. Alan found himself not fitting into any pigeon holes he had imagined were normally filled by people turning to the Church. "People do come to church with things wrong in their lives, or perhaps at a time of crisis, but my life was very happy. I was not conscious at the time of anything that was missing in my life. Everything was ticking along and I was fulfilled and happy. But I could see these people at the church had something extra." And it was around the time of their wedding anniversary that Enid realised something was happening in Alan's life. "We always bought each other something for our hobbies at this time and I would usually ask Alan what I could get him for his bike. But this time he said he wanted a Bible - and a little voice inside me said 'Whoopee!"' Alan was by now going to confirmation classes himself. "One of the things about confirmation I was most concerned with was that I wanted it to be more than just a rubber stamping of my new faith. I wanted it to feel very real inside me.” So what difference has being a Christian made to Alan's life? "I feel I'm a calmer, less easily angered person than before, even though I always considered myself to have a fair degree of tolerance and patience. At work I get a lot of leg pulling over being a Christian, but although they might not understand, they do respect my faith." The last word goes to Enid: "I now realise that before I became a Christian I was like one of those water-boatmen you see skimming over the surface of ponds. I didn't know the depths there could be to life. But now there is so much more that Jesus wants us to have, td live life to the full." Rainbow Man (December 1991 edition of Mustard Seed) Jim Crawley If people were categorised by the colours they wear, Jim Crawley would be at the brightest end of the spectrum. From his spectacle frames - sometimes red, sometimes green - to his striking shirts and sweaters, Jim's appearance frequently takes in most colours of the rainbow. But it's for his outgoing and caring person¬ality, as much as his bright apparel, that Jim has come to be know by many, many children at St. Thomas' Church and right across the parish. Now into his fourth year in overall charge of the children's work at the church, he is a familiar figure to dozens of youngsters who come to the popular Sunday Club week by week and to others perhaps with no links to the church who visit for special events like the annual Summer Club or the Rainbow Party, a positive alternative to Halloween. Parents, too, appreciate the sheer energy and enthusiasm Jim brings to his work with their children. But perhaps that verve is all the more remarkable when you consider that his job for the rest of the week is ... teaching in a Chesterfield secondary school. So how is it that, after five days work in the classroom, he still finds a freshness and the necessary patience to do it all over again as a volunteer on Sunday mornings? "I have to say that my strength and inspiration come from the Lord," he told Mustard Seed. And after a recent sabbatical period of a few months, taking time to think over and pray about his role in the church, Jim is now more convinced than ever that God wants him heading up the crucial task of teaching children about their Heavenly Father. "That first Sunday morning after my sabbatical, I opened my mouth to speak to the children and felt this wonderful, warm glow from head to toe - and I knew that was where the Lord wanted me." That occasion was one of a number Jim can look back on and say he has been aware of God guiding him and helping him to make important decisions. Another was when he had been teaching in Kent for six years after leaving college and, although he was enjoying life and his job, he began to feel it was perhaps time to move back to his native Chesterfield. "I was very conscious that my sister was bearing the responsibility of looking after our parents, and when I started looking for jobs, I seemed to have no trouble at all in finding one. "But within months of me moving, the jobs situation up here became very tight, which would have made it very difficult to move. In hindsight, I can see God was guiding me into making that move at that specific time." It was during his time at teacher training college in Cheltenham that Jim made a conscious decision to follow Jesus. Brought up in a Christian family background, he sang in church choirs and was confirmed at the age of 16. "I thought I was a Christian then. But it was not until I was at college that realised that you had to commit yourself to Jesus. Then one evening in a service I felt the call. There was no evangelistic appeal - it was just during the prayers. "I felt I had been pussyfooting about, so there and then I made my commitment. I believed in Jesus, but this was the final step of committing my life." Ever since, he says, he has known that his life was in God's hands. The whole of his life. So when Jim goes into the classrooms at Newbold Community School, he is aware of God being there alongside him. "It's sometimes difficult as a teacher when you see different groups of children not just to see them as an amorphous mass rather than individuals with individual needs. "Each of us can go to Christ as an individual and He knows the innermost detail of every one of us - we can't hide anything from Him. So as a Christian teacher you are constantly trying to see the kids as in¬dividuals. And when a child comes to you with a problem, even if you are feeling hard pressed, the instinctive reaction is to care for them." The school has a strong nucleus of Christian teachers and Jim is sure that God brought them together as a group, following the upheaval of the secondary school's reorganisation. This was yet one more occasion when Jim was very aware of God's help during what, for many teachers, was a traumatic period. "I learned during the time of reorganisation to put my complete trust in the Lord, so whichever school He wanted me to go to, I would go there. I still prepared and planned to the best of my ability but at the end of the day, His hand was on where I would go. "Yes, I was nervous about interviews but had a wonderful sense of peace about the whole situation." C. of E. Health: Warning: Christianity Can Seriously Damage Your Health (February 1992 edition of the Church Magazine)
Better still approach one of the blokes and hopefully, in my opinion soon, the ladies with the funny collars. The ones I know are really quite human and very understanding. Don't allow yourself to be pressured or brainwashed but do allow yourself to be challenged. That is the reason for the health (that should read spiritual health) warning! When I said 'Seriously' that doesn't imply dour or miserably foreboding. In my experience exactly the opposite is true. You will find that God honours honest and open enquiry and will cause you to experience what I can only describe as real joy. It is not all joy though. Trying to live a life as Jesus would like is very challenging, and at times downright difficult. You may experience ridicule, resentment, misunderstanding and even outright opposition. Don't worry about that, He (note the capital H) will guide you through. I find that I'm still learning and still trying to grasp the wonder of it all. I can only hope and pray (and if this is speaking to you I do mean pray) that you and those I know and love, and moreover those I know and find hard to love will come to know the real love that comes only from the Lord. Warning:- Becoming a Christian can seriously alter your life! Alan Sheldon Welcome(d) to St Thomas' (February 1992 edition of the Church Magazine) Jane and Geoff Smith and Family For quite a long time I had been thinking that it was about time I did something about a religious upbringing for my 2 youngest children, Paul and Ellen, besides the usual stories about baby Jesus (usually done around Christmas time) and that they were both introduced to Church and Church services -previously they had only attended church for their own christenings and a family wedding. For quite a while I had been intending for all the family to attend St. Thomas' for one of the family services. Finally in July we did all get around to attending a family service, myself, my husband Geoff , our elder daughter Rachel (who is handicapped and in a wheelchair) and of course, Paul then aged 4, and Ellen age 3, and I'm very pleased that we did. We all enjoyed the service but not only that, we were made to feel very welcome afterwards as many people (several of whom we had never met before that day) came up to greet and welcome us. Plus Geoff also had a surprise in meeting one of his teachers from when he attended Tupton Hall School when it was a grammar school - coincidentally it was his old R.I. teacher. Now we have become regular attenders at the morning service with Paul and Ellen now going to Climbers and Scramblers respectively when it isn't family service Sunday. I used to go to Sunday School myself in the late 50's/early 60's when nearly every child attended Sunday School. I used to go to the Gospel Mission on Chatsworth Road and also for a time to the Ragged School where my aunt was one of the Sunday School teachers. Recently Geoff and I also attended an evening service at St. Thomas' (while Gran babysat). We attended the marriage vows re-dedication service - it was very special to us as we were married at St. Thomas' back in 1972. Ellen is very keen on her Sunday School and every week day when we drive past on our way to take Paul to Westfield School, she wants to know when she is going to Church again. Recently her Nana asked her what she did at Church. Her reply? "We sing and I go to the toilet"! Back when I was about 14 or 15 a friend and I (who was also married at St. Thomas') attended morning services at St. Thomas' for about 2 months. We stopped going because in all that time no one ever spoke to us or welcomed us in any way - how different from our visit back in July. I'd like to thank everyone who made us feel so welcome on that first visit and I hope all visitors and newcomers are made to feel as welcome as we were on that day. Jane Smith Jack of All Trades Stands Down (April 1992 edition of Mustard Seed) Phil and Myra Johnson After 16 years of looking after the ‘nuts and bolts’ of church life at St. Thomas', Brampton, ironmonger Phil Johnson is retiring as church warden this month. Brampton born and bred, he has been a familiar face behind the counter of the family's Chatsworth Road shop for 40 years. And for much of that time the know-how gained from working in the trade has been put to equally good use by Phil keeping the fabric of the church building in first class order. First made warden in 1972, he has served in that office for all but four years since. But what does the job involve? "You have to be a Jack of all trades," explained Phil. "It's everything from rodding the drains and checking floorboards for dry rot to general administration and interviewing candidates for the appointment of a new Rector. "It's a seven days a week job but I must say I have thoroughly enjoyed doing it." Church life has been a major influence on Phil. It was at St. Thomas' that he first met his wife Myra, who herself recently retired after many years of stalwart service as a Sunday School teacher. "Myra is my unofficial deputy warden," said Phil. "She has been a real support in the job and knows as much about it as me." Johnson's ironmongers is the only one of its kind in the area which has survived in the shadow of the DIY superstores and Phil attributes the continuing success of the business, now in its 105th year, to adapting to the changes and challenges over the decades. And he feels that flexibility is something which St Thomas' has demonstrated equally. "You have to change. You can't stick in the mud or you get left behind. Our Family Service, for example, has been a big step forward. And in the church generally, things are now much more informal and I think that is much for the better." Talking to Phil and Myra, it's obvious that for them, church and business are intertwined in many ways. "I think your faith affects the way you treat your customers. We are always fair with our customers, I believe, and it's a case of what you have learned on a Sunday, you apply on the other six days of the week," said Phil. In the Swim with Little Fishes (April 1992 edition of Mustard Seed) Sheila Turner Children's birthdays are always a special occasion -and celebrations at St. John's, Walton last month were no exception. But for once a little one wasn't the centre of attention. For this was the first birthday not of a child, but of Little Fishes, where every month a shoal of toddlers and their mums meet together informally for 40 minutes of faith, run and friendship. The whole aim of Little Fishes is to see children who are not yet at school as members of God's family, the Church, as much as any other age group. And the meetings, every third Wednesday of the month at St. John's, at 2.00pm., are a kaleidoscope of activities including sticking, colouring, stories, poems, songs and prayers. Why Little Fishes? Because the Jesus who said he could make his disciples fishers of men cares deeply for our children, too. And that care is reflected every month by Sheila Turner and her team of helpers who have seen Little Fishes go from strength to strength in its first 12 months. "I want everyone to feel it's part of the Christian life. And I want the children to remember it as a joyful occasion when we had a marvellous time talking about Jesus and learning about him," said Sheila, who returned to Chesterfield 18 months ago after many years away. A retired nursery school head, working with the under-fives has been her life and her enthusiasm, love, creativity and job satisfaction appear undiminished. She firmly believes that the first few years of a child's life are the most important stage of development. So when it was suggested she should start a group for the under-fives at St. John's, Sheila needed little persuading. "When I had first gone into St. John's a few months earlier, I knew that was where I would stay. I'm convinced that God took me there. They had been praying for someone to work with the under-fives," she recalled. Every monthly session has a special theme - April's will be ‘Foundations’. And to create a sense of belonging, each child has his or her own name badge given out at the beginning. "An awful lot of hard work goes into every session but I have a marvellous group of people helping and when we plan the ideas just seem to flow - they must come from God." While admitting she gained a great deal of pleasure from working with the children and chatting to mums afterwards over a drink, Sheila also stressed the importance of Little Fishes: "It's the duty of the Church to give children a chance to learn about Jesus, especially when so many parents today don't know enough about him them¬selves to teach their little ones." It's all come alive now (September 1992 edition of Mustard Seed) Philip and Margaret Abbott Pottery for beginners, first steps in French, needlework for novices...the area's night schools have plenty to offer students keen to get to grips with a new skill, language or hobby. But supposing you wanted to find out more about Christianity, the Church, or Jesus Christ? Perhaps you've wondered about all this for some time but never known who to ask or where to go for answers. It's just possible that the Christian Basics course St Thomas' Church. has been running might help you in the same way it has proved to be a valuable time of learning for people like Margaret and ' Philip Abbott of Walton. Married with two young children, Jonathan and Natalie, they arrived in Chesterfield five years ago when Philip took up a new job with Sheffield City Council. Although brought up in 'church' families, both had become irregular in their churchgoing until they came to Derbyshire and Margaret felt she would like the children to learn about Jesus. "They started going to Sunday Club and I would be in church - I started to really enjoy it. The children began to ask questions and I suppose because you don't always know the answers yourself, your own interest is aroused" said Margaret. After her upbringing in very formal, traditional Anglican churches, she found the atmosphere at St Thomas' like a breath of fresh air. "It made us begin to consider what Christianity was really about. It seemed to be brought alive at St Thomas' and everyone made you feel so welcome," Margaret recalls. By now Philip was showing an interest and his occasional visits to the church became more regular. And it was around this time that the Rector, Christopher Frith, suggested to the Abbotts they might like to join a Christian Basics course he was about to run. Philip wasn't sure it was a good idea. "I didn't think it would be appropriate for us because we were both already Christians and had been confirmed. But I couldn't have been more wrong.. Christopher explained that it was a chance to think through all that following Jesus really means. And when the course began we both realised that there was much we didn't know. "It opened our eyes to a lot of things. And there was plenty of scope to explore with other like-minded people some very tacky issues such as belief in God when there is so much suffering or is there scientific proof for the resurrection of Jesus?" The Abbotts found the six week course, including video and study material, extremely helpful. And they particularly appreciated the opportunity to get to know a few other people in Church much more closely, "We. have made some friendships which have gone on since," explained Margaret. Looking back, Philip sees the Basics course as a turning point in his life. "During the course there was an opportunity to review what we had covered. "And it was then that I suddenly realised that, although I had held Christian beliefs for a long time, I had not fully committed my life to Jesus in the way we were talking about on the course. Before, if someone had asked me, I would have said that I was a Christian. I went to church and had been confirmed. "But that night on the Basics course, I opened the door and let Jesus into my life." For both of them it was an exciting time - they would go on talking into the night about things they had discussed in their group. For Margaret, the realisation of a living faith in Jesus dawned more gradually, although there were some precious times on the confirmation course which followed and at the climax, the confirmation service itself. Almost all the people on the Basics course chose to move on into the confirmation course, including those like Margaret and Philip who had already been confirmed but wished to renew their confirmation vows. "The confirmation course was an opportunity to look at things in more depth and explore our new faith" Margaret recalls. Both point to significant differences their deeper faith in Jesus has made in their lives. Said Philip: "Margaret has been more relaxed than before. Things used to get on top of her but now you see things from a different perspective. "For myself, I had always been a bit of a workaholic. But I have realised life is not just about work - Jesus has brought other things to the fore. At work there have been opportunities to talk about being a Christian with people and I have found other like-minded people there. We often have a discussion about what is happening in the world or exchange views on the Bible." Margaret finds herself praying more often. "It is different - it's a relationship, Jesus is more like a friend." "Yes;" joined in Philip, "that explains where we have moved from - from just belief in God and His existence, to now having a personal relationship." Jonty Frith: Recommended for Ordination (August 1993 edition of the Church Magazine) Jonty Frith is set to train for the ordained ministry. After a selection conference, he has been recommended for training. Having changed his university course from Engineering to Theology, he has one more year of that to go. This is to be followed by an "experience gaining" year in a testing environment, home or abroad, before he goes to a Theological College ? in 1995 perhaps. Cold Comfort Farm -Too Comfortable? (April 1994 edition of the Church Magazine) Piers Oldham writes "This is nice, isn't it?" I thought. I had been a worshipping member of St Thomas' Brampton for nearly two years and I was comfortable. Therein lay the problem. I was too comfortable. I realised that I was slowly settling into a tradition of church life many people far wiser than I had warned against. After analysis, the cure for the problem seemed so simple. Try something new I needed a different experience to shake me from my cosy existence. After prayer, I decided that God had laid me aside in favour of more worthy causes. Then in true God style it came out of the blue. "Piers, I wonder if you could help us?" Being me, (curious), I enquired how I could help. It transpired that one of the Pathfinder leaders could not make it to a training weekend run by CPAS just down the road in Swanwick. Before I knew it, I was there and feeling slightly lost. There were so many people there. It was great to know that the vast majority, if not all, were Christians. "Now then lad!" exclaimed a voice belonging to a character from Brookside. The voice was actually Les from Stockport whom I once met at a party. With the thought that I had at least one friend in the thousands(?) the world brightened up. Then worship started. It was so refreshing to hear the band playing. I think that New Wine and others do an excellent job in the leading of our worship, but I am sure you will agree it is an experience to hear a new style of playing. The weekend was split into two halves, one for CYFA leaders and one for Pathfinder leaders. Three main themes were presented for each. As I went as a Pathfinder leader I shall deal with these. There were Pathfinders in school, Pathfinders in Church and Pathfinders in society. These seminars were very thought provoking and made me examine my thoughts towards the younger end of the congregation. I also attended two workshops, one of which was aptly entitled "Surviving as a leader in the first twelve months"! In all the weekend was a very challenging time for me. I think that the Lord may be leading me towards youth leadership so I have enrolled as a member of the Pathfinders team and if all goes well, I hope to be a good leader and share my faith in a practical and interesting way. The Pathfinder age group are halfway between children and adults, and therefore, require treating suitably. I have been told that they are probably the most challenging of groups to lead but , after all, I was seeking a challenge! Put your faith in the Lord and see what he does with you! Piers Oldham Who's Who in the Parish: Jane Caley (October 1994 edition of the Church Magazine)
No, I was 40 when I came to a real faith in Jesus. When that happened, I found myself involved in a church music group straight away! Was this different from your precious musical experience? It brought me tremendous release. I learned to forget about all the black dots and God gave me an ability, and freedom to improvise - both vocally and on the keyboard. You see. I was a very shy "good" little girl at school - boring, too, and absolute pain probably! So it was my nature always to follow and read the music and only that. But. I find that improvisation is appreciated. The St Peter's congregation are positive and encouraging about how my skills, which are really gifts from God, lift their worship. You are a music tutor? Who and what do you teach? I've given lessons to people aged between 6 and 70! So I'll teach anyone who is interested. I very much enjoy teaching adults, either as a refresher course or for those bold enough to start. I teach piano, keyboard skills, singing theory, aural from beginning right through to advanced grades. Who's Who in the Parish: David Oldale (December 1994 edition of the Church Magazine) David, how long have you belonged to St Thomas'? Nearly 20 years, I think. Pam and I started coming when our son Andrew joined the choir and we joined and adult confirmation group together. Before you retired eighteen months ago, what did you do? I was Managing Director of two local engineering and steel companies for 10 years. I took early retirement when our American owners sold out to another American firm. How are you finding retirement? I'm enjoying it very much. It's very full. I have two small part-time jobs as a consultant for the Training and Enterprise Council and a non-executive director of Chesterfield Transport. In addition, I have accumulated a number of very interesting voluntary things: I'm chairman of the East Midlands Panel of judges for the National Training awards, on the management committee of Ashgate Hospice and am actively involved as Treasurer of a number of charitable organisations. But, I do find time to enjoy being a granddad and I am still a season ticket holder at Bramall Lane - I have been for many, many years. You have been part of the Bishop's working party working out a strategy for our Diocese. How have you found that? It's been a real eye opener. I had no idea beforehand about the Church beyond our parish. The Church faces a huge challenge - to support itself financially, now that it can't be subsidised. I enjoyed the experience of the working party. I was impressed by the excellent work at the centre of the Diocese. But we had to ask how it was being steered and resourced. As chairman of our Finance Committee, how do you feel about our financial situation? We can't be complacent, We're in better shape than the church in many places, but perhaps we should be in this kind of area. At St Thomas', we're looking for an increase of 11% in giving next year and that's a challenge. I think an even bigger challenge is for more of our members to give more of their time, effort and talents. What does your faith mean to you, David? A great deal; particularly at the difficult times in my life when I've found my faith has really made a big difference. But I always seem to feel a need to worship, a need to pray regularly - and to thank the Lord that I have been blessed so much. I believe very much in the mission of the church. This means going into new and different areas - and especially industry. I feel that I am to try to help to spread the Word through my life and example. Do something about it: Roger and Irene Freestone (September 1993 edition of Mustard Seed) It was 1979 and Roger and Irene Freestone and their five children were slowly coming to terms with the reality of life in the frozen north of England, almost 200 miles from their roots in the south-east. One question loomed large in their minds over the job relocation which had plucked them away from everything comfortable, secure and familiar in Essex to the distant market town which was now their home - why Chesterfield? Their first impressions of the town were far from flattering. "Chesterfield was dreadful," Irene declared, recalling the time before the town centre's attractive development was carried out ...and remembering the shock to the system of March 1979's unwelcoming weather. But that nagging question, why Chesterfield? no longer troubles Roger and Irene as they reflect on 14 years here in north Derbyshire. "Now, we can look back and see what God had in store for us," said Roger. They met at school and were married at 19, Roger pursuing a career in corporate insurance and Irene, before family commitments, worked in the City as a clerk. Both readily admit that they were unaware of God in their lives. "There was insistence on going to Sunday School, and sport and other activities kept me in church youth groups until I was 15," said Roger. As for Irene: "There were occasional links with church but now we look back, little made real sense." Marriage and then life with a growing family scarcely changed the way they saw things. "We both knew there was more to life," Roger explained, "but neither of us chose to do something about it," "Christianity was something we never talked about," Irene added. It wasn't until six years after their move to Chesterfield that they took the first steps towards faith in God...and begin an even more momentous joumey than the one which had seen them leave the south-east back in 1979. Irene takes up the story: "It was when I was learning to drive in mid-1985. Everywhere I went there was a hoarding with a picture of Billy Graham or some mention of the Mission England events coming up. I decided I should like to go but I wanted Roger to come too." "I remembered seeing Billy Graham in the 1950's when he was at Earl's Court." Roger continued. "I was impressed by the man and I wouldn't mind hearing him again. There was a growing curiosity." The date: 25 June. The venue: Sheffield, Bramhall Lane. "We went on a coach organised by a local church. We had their last two seats," Irene said. "We were still hesitant and wondered what had we done! There was a vast crowd." Billy Graham preached about the family, children and the Cross of Christ. "I found myself identifying with everything he was saying," Roger explained. That night both Roger and Irene put their trust in God and made their commitment to Him. They both realised that they would not get far trying to work out their own faith: they had no church connections and were uncertain where to go. "The Mission organisers put is in touch with a group of people to encourage us to pray and learn more about the Christian faith through the Bible. "Without doubt being in a small group of like minded people was of real benefit to us both. But it wasn't easy - there were many other seemingly important priorities but we made every effort". Now looking back over eight years there has been a change. Roger first: "A relationship with God has taken the 'me' out of my life and replaced it with something else. It has made a world of difference. I am not perfect but I am less quick tempered and more tolerant than I used to be!" And Irene "It switched my perspective on life -I realised that I didn't have the right attitude to some things." But there were other changes in their lives that promped questions from their family. They are now encouraged to see three of their children committed to Christianity. But in their exciting time has there been any sadness? Roger speaking for them both said "Yes, if only we had given it some thought 40 years ago, how much better life might have been". When you know somebody loves you: Alison Shemwell (March 1994 edition of Mustard Seed) It was February 13th a year ago, the eve of Valentine's Day, when love came into Alison Shemwell's life. Not the frothy; fluffy-bunny love of the newspaper Valentine messages but a love which endures and is the source and inspiration of her daily life. And this love -'God's love’ - has affected her so powerfully that she longs to tell others about it during the week-long Challenge Chesterfield event mounted by many of the town's churches next month. Alison had visited St Thomas' church certain that in her search for God, He had told her to go there. The welcome was warm and Alison was struck by the genuine faith of the people in the church. It was after this first visit that God revealed His love for her. The first to be told about Alison's new discovery was a Christian friend who, like Alison, was a schoolteacher. "I rang her up and said: 'I feel as if I have a new boyfriend and he loves me and thinks I am really beautiful.' "I knew that this wasn't about my appearance and I knew I was not 'beautiful' inside, but because God had forgiven me and wiped the slate clean for me. I was stunned!" This first, intense sense of God's love for her was to be temporary. For ten days she was on a `high' but then the feeling left her as suddenly as it arrived. "I was left totally empty and bereft. But because of that I suddenly realised I couldn't go on feeling empty. I had known God's love in this very special way and I knew I couldn't live without it. This convinced her that there was no way she could go on living without Jesus. "I realised that it was more important to me than anything. I had to take the risk even though I had so little faith and so many doubts." In spite of reading her Bible and praying daily, Alison had fought the idea of becoming a Christian for years, believing that she needed 'a mountain of faith' in which there was no room for doubt. Now it had dawned on her that faith was a matter of trust and that God accepted her as she was and yes, that He loved her. "The final prayer I prayed was, `OK Jesus, I am ready now, you can come into my life.'" Alison recalls of that very special Valentine's eve morning a year ago. A year on and she has just celebrated the first 'birthday' of her new life as a Christian and that deep sense of God's love remains. It has, says Alison, given her a new confidence to do things she would not have attempted before and driven out the loneliness she used to feel. "When you know that somebody loves you, you can move out with a sense of security, knowing that things may go wrong and you may make a mess of things, but ultimately God is in charge and everything will work out in the end." It all began with a Baby: the Hudson Family (December 1994 edition of Mustard Seed) Christmas. a time for giving, for receiving presents, for carols by candlelight - and as every child will tell you, a time for saying thank-you, perhaps with just a little prompt. ... Yet with all those exciting new toys and games to try out, writing thank-you letters to grans and grandads, aunts and uncles can take up a fair bit of valuable playing time. For Steve and Hazel Hudson, however, gratitude will be at the heart of celebrating Christmas. Gratitude for their marriage, for two delightful daughters Sophie and Emily, for their home. And above all, for the birth of the baby Jesus they now worship as Saviour. "A lot of people just go to church at happy or sad times, for weddings or funerals. But they don't go just to say thank you to God, for all the good things in life," said Hazel. Before they started going to St John's Church at Walton, Christmas for Hazel and Steve was much the same as it is for many others - the mad rush buying presents, the madder rush to have turkey and trimmings all arriving at the table for just the right time. "We might go to midnight mass or a carol service, but it was just another of the things you did at Christmas time. You would come away and it hadn't really meant anything to you," Hazel recalled. That has all changed now, thanks to the reality of Jesus, born in a stable, coming into their lives. And, perhaps fittingly, it was the birth of their first child, Sophie, almost four years ago, which set Steve and Hazel Hudson on their road to faith. "We wanted her to be baptised," explained Hazel, "because it was the thing to do. All our friends were having their babies Christened, usually at afternoon services just for family and friends and that was what we wanted. "But when we spoke to Christopher Frith, the Rector at St Thomas", he said “Come to our baptism preparation course and we will have a think about it”'. The Hudsons went to both St Thomas' and its sister church St John's before deciding on St John's with its smaller congregation and the ease with which they got to know people. Hazel, who went to Sunday School in her home town of Staveley as a child and was confirmed when she was 12, was at least familiar with church, but for Steve, with no church background in his family, it was all very new. "St John's was the type of church which made us want to carry on. I had been to the church where Hazel was brought up but just didn't feel part of it. Whereas St John's, it was easy to fit into, and the services were much more informal and we felt very welcome," he said. Around this time Hazel spent a morning talking over coffee with another mum from church and the conversation was an important milestone in her spiritual journey. "We had a wonderful time - she spoke about Jesus and what he meant to her and that night I told Steve it had been great. I could see she had something that I wanted to know more about - her faith was obviously very important to her." The seeds of faith which had been planted when the Hudsons first asked about baptising Sophie really started to grow when they joined a Christian Basics group for people wanting to know more about following Jesus. Then Hazel, and a year later Steve, went into greater depth on the confirmation course. Hazel readily accepted what she was learning but for Steve it wasn't as simple as that. With the analytical mind of a Chartered Accountant and a keen interest in science from his schooldays, many questions remained to be answered. "It was as if so many things worked together to knock your faith. But there was something inside me saying `I can't explain it all but I have a belief which is growing and that overrides the doubts'." Steve feels there have been other changes, too. "Before coming to faith my lifestyle was very selfish, playing lots of sport. I can still find time for sport, but now I feel more committed to other people, and you feel so blessed by having children. We are constantly thanking God for them." And it is a faith which is growing week by week as Steve and Hazel seek to follow Jesus. So when they go to church this Christmas they will be doubly grateful - for God's gift of His son who came into the world as a baby 2,000 years ago; and for Jesus stepping into their lives to bring new hope, meaning and direction. Who's Who in the Parish: The Fletcher Family (February 1995 edition of the Church Magazine) Ray and Marie, you joined St. John's in summer 1993. Can you say why? We were invited by some friends, and our children, Natalie and Charlotte loved it from the first moment. They found lots of school friends and I, Marie, knew people from the Focus group. Shortly after that Ray was made redundant. Has the St. John's family helped? Yes, a great deal. We have a strong feeling of support, and in practical terms people have given us baskets of fruit or groceries and offered us lunch on Sundays. We think it has been a learning experience for many people. What are some of the difficulties with a prolonged time of unemployment? We face some frustration with filling in all the forms and trying to keep within the system. It is hard to find extras for the children to go to Brownies, swimming and have music lessons. We cannot plan ahead or think about holidays. We have to live from day to day but it is absolutely remarkable how we have been provided for and we're not in debt. We want to give thanks to God for that. Many in the parish recognize you Ray as the gardener with the allotment with Touchstone - what is your involvement there? Back in June 1993 I was concerned for unemployed people and joined the original committee before I myself joined the ranks of the unemployed. I've learnt much from being involved with Touchstone and have enjoyed working on the allotment, but in these next few months I need to concentrate on searching for a job and so have withdrawn for a time. Marie is still involved with fund raising activities for Touchstone. What have you learnt through this time and what are your feelings for the future? We've learnt to keep things in perspective, and to be thankful for all that we have. We've learnt to trust that God is guiding us through this difficult time for a purpose. From years in manufacturing, I, (Ray), have found in these past. 16 months as I've tried lots of new things that I have gained confidence through various training courses. It hasn't always been easy but I can look at 1995 with hope though it is quite unknown. We are excited but apprehensive. Quite a Change -but Somethings are Just the Same (April 1995 edition of Mustard Seed) Eileen and Ian Gordon have come to Chesterfield from a small Scottish village Picture a village church in south-western Scotland. Its sandstone walls pink and bare, but with a genuine sense of beauty in the simplicity of the place. Decorations are few and far between, but the one thing that does stand out, at the heart of the church, is a cross. It is the focus of the building and the focus of the people who worship there. As Easter approaches, it is a time when the cross comes into even sharper focus at the centre of life for Christians like Ian and Eileen Gordon who spent ten years among the faithful congregation at that Presbyterian "Kirk' in Mauchline, Ayrshire. Almost two years ago they moved to Chesterfield with sons Alastair (14) and Douglas (10) when Ian's job with the Employment Service meant a transfer to Sheffield. There have been many changes and adjustments to cope with, yet their commitment to Christ has remained steady, "the thread running through it", as Eileen described it. Mauchline, an a rural area, was no bigger than an oversize village. Now they live on the edge of Walton's large housing estate, itself more than twice the size of their former Scottish neighbourhood. In Mauchline, theirs was the only Church of Scotland kirk for miles around. Here there were many churches to choose from before they settled on St.Thomas', Brampton as their 'home'. The Mauchline church's involvement in community life was more obvious because of the smaller size of the place. Out of a population of around 3,000, the roll call of church members stood at 1,000 and while many may have been nominal churchgoers, they kept up the link nevertheless. "Whether at School meetings, the Women's Rural Institute or the Horticultural Society," recalled lan, "you would find Christians involved in the thick of things - the Burns Club, especially, had a very healthy number of kirk members!" Chesterfield, with its industrial base and bustling, urban life-style, could well seem like a million miles from the quieter way of life in Mauchline. But the Gordons have been encouraged to see another of those threads linking place to place - the presence in a strange town of friendly, welcoming faces - as they have become members of their new church family at St. Thomas'. We never considered going to an Anglican church when we were looking around the churches in Chesterfield. But after three months of living here, we still had not found a church where we felt at home. Then a copy of Mustard Seed came through the door with an invitation to worship and we felt, as a family, we should at least give St. Thomas' a visit - so we could say the Anglican church was not for us!" said Ian. At first admitted. Eileen. some aspects of the worship seemed quite different and strange. "But the fact that there are so many people with different backgrounds in the congregation has made it easier for us and we do feel accepted." she said. Now, more than a year on from settling on St. Thomas’ as their spiritual base, the Gordons are rolling up their sleeves to serve God, with Ian on the church council and Eileen working in the church office half a day a week and helping out at a Communion and Cuppa service for people who can't always get to Sunday worship. But while there have been many differences to adapt to south of the border. Easter is a reminder for Ian and Eileen of the unity in the church whether people are worshipping in Mauchline or Mauritius, Chesterfield or Chile. "The focus on Easter, the cross and the resurrection is the same. However we celebrate Easter, the every day experience Christians have of Jesus is the same. "The resurrection is not for one day of the year but affects every day that we know Jesus is with us - the risen Lord, present and helping us in all that we do." said Ian. Eileen and Ian Gordon Who's Who in the Parish: Sue Ward (April 1995 edition of the Church Magazine) Sue, you're a children's librarian in Chesterfield. What do you enjoy most about that? I think it's helping a huge range of people, both background and age, to acquire information that they need. That's why I like being in a public library. What other sorts of library have you served in? I've mostly worked in public libraries as a community librarian in inner city Manchester. Before that in a commercial library and a University library.
Going through personal difficulties seem to have helped my faith somehow to flourish. I've been shutting God out less, if I could put it that way, and growing in Him, for instance, I now seem to find myself coming out spontaneously with Christian songs and I even talk about my faith to non-Christians. A few years ago I would never have done that! Do you enjoy editing Ploughshare? Yes and no. It's a mixture of challenges and frustrations Such as? I guess it's mainly busy people finding deadlines hard to meet. So the production of the magazine is far more rushed than I would like. What are you frying to achieve through Ploughshare? To convey something of the depth and variety of Christian experience within our Churches and beyond. To include people in the faith who may not, be directly involved in other ways. And a number of other things, of course …. Who's Who in the Parish: Adrian Marsden-Jones (June 1995 edition of the Church Magazine) Adrian has just stepped down as Warden of St Peter's after four years. His leadership and service during that time have been appreciated tremendously. Adrian, have you enjoyed your stint at Church Warden? I have and I am grateful for all the very willing support at St Peter's. I was surprised to be asked to take it on just two years after arriving in the parish! I had been asked to be a Warden in my previous parish in Rochdale but had other commitments. I have found it to be a way of making a positive contribution in the Church and in the Community. You seem to be a very community minded person. Is that true? I suppose it is. We are lucky to be a close rural community in Holymoorside. Relationships between different community groups and the Churches are good and we need to build on that. Congratulations, Adrian, on your recent election onto the parish Council. Why have you offered yourself for this? I think I can play a part in helping to respond to the needs of the Community. My understanding of the Christian faith is that it is a faith of action and of service. So, you've got to be in there. You are also involved in activities in the wider community of Chesterfield, aren't you? I help with the Citizens Advice Bureau; this certainly keeps you in touch with the real problems of society. I'm also involved in Touchstone, our employment enterprise. This has great potential but it's difficult to harness the support needed in facing unemployment. At present, we are working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council trying to obtain funding from the European Social fund. As Chairman of Churches Together in Holymoorside, are you encouraged at the moment? We do plenty as URC, Methodists and Anglicans together which wouldn't be nearly as effective if we acted on our own. The joint Nativity Scene and Easter Garden make a real impact. These serving as an important, religious reminder to those bent on the hectic pace of business, touring or even Sunday shopping. Likewise "Community and Coffee" and "Little Lambs" which we hold monthly. With our Gala Service in the marquee, Christingle and Maundy Thursday service in the village hall, we are really stepping out of our Church into the community. Do you see the Churches in Holymoorside uniting one day? It's a delicate matter. We'll only move forward when there's a real consensus and members don't feel threatened, Many are devoted to their own Church! But, we pray for God's guidance…. Face to face with Miss Marjorie Smith (October 1995 edition of the Church Magazine) Miss Marjorie Smith, aged 92, is one of St Thomas' longest standing members. Marjorie, have you belonged to St Thomas' as long as you can remember? I was 5 when we moved from Glapwell into Walton Road and I have belonged to St Thomas' ever since. My father sang in the choir for a while. I went to Guides up in Walton and also was in St John's choir for a while. In 1931, I moved into Westbourne Grove in Brampton with my mother, sister and brother. I have known six different Rectors. Which Rectors do you especially remember? Well... Mr Burnside (1906 - 25) was a very nice man - but he couldn't preach! He prepared me for confirmation; I had lessons on my own in the Rectory. Canon Hooley (1944 - 57) was a very outspoken man, but sincere... much misunderstood. He told us off from the pulpit. He didn't get the support he needed. Mr Daffurn (1957 - 74) gave us the biggest surprise. He announced from the pulpit, soon after he came, "I came as a single man. I am now married!" Everyone was staggered. It had happened secretly on the Thursday before! What roles have you had at St Thomas'? I used to deliver magazines for an adult distributor when I was much too young. I started Brownies when I was just 19 and later was Captain of Guides as well. I served on the PCC for many years. Now, of course, I can only pray in my armchair at home. What does your faith mean to you, Marjorie? I don't know how people can manage without a faith in our Lord. People used to tell me I went to Church because I was good. I told them that wasn't the case; I went to church because I needed the help I found there. I wish I could still go, but I'm housebound now. I love having communion at home every month. What is it like, getting older? It gets harder all the time. But I can't complain. I thank God for good friends. I am well looked after. And I feel God is with me, even when I am lonely. He is a wonderful Person. He really understands me - and I believe He has got something much better waiting for me, when He's ready for me. He's keeping me waiting! Thank you very much, Marjorie. You are very welcome. It's nice to know I'm not on the scrapheap yet! Face to face with Jane Simmonds (December 1995 edition of the Church Magazine)
I read an appeal in Ploughshare about 3 years ago, asking for clothing for Bosnia. This led me to want to find out the best way to help children in Eastern Europe and I came across Operation Christmas Child, which was based in Wrexham and had been going for two years. Last year you gathered over 6000 Shoebox presents -and there are masses this year. Where do they all come from? From school children mostly. I've been to assemblies in over 50 schools in Chesterfield and some in Sheffield -Infants, Junior and Secondary, the latter being rather daunting at first! Then there are 15 or so local Churches which have got involved and through the local papers it has spread right out into the community. Who is helping you? We have a committee of about 16 members who are all involved in the collecting and checking of shoeboxes and fund raising throughout the year. Many other individuals have also come forward to help, and I’m very grateful. You have had a big response from children. Are you a trained. teacher? No, I’m not. I was trained as a home economist and that involved demonstrating, which has probably helped me. I used to work as a sales rep for the Electricity Board and that's been useful too. I have always had a keen interest in children, though, and because I feel that the shoebox appeal is so important for our school children, the assemblies are obviously successful. You're Welsh, aren't you? I was brought up in Carmarthen, but came to college in Sheffield, where I met Dave. We got married 15 years ago when we had finished our courses. Have you been a churchgoer all your life? I went regularly to church as a child but that stopped when I went to college. It was really our son Gareth's baptism that made us stop and think. If we were going to make those promises, we had to mean them. Dave and I came to a real Christian commitment at that time. What effect has the Christian faith had on you? It has really made us sort out our values and priorities. We didn't start a family for a long time and that was because we were searching for the wrong things. I wanted to hang on to my job, have a new car and nice holidays -material things were very important. Now, since we have had Gareth everything is so different -and we still have what we need. We appreciate what we have, much more than we used to though. In lots of ways what once seemed unachievable has been achievable. Not to mention shoeboxes! We now realise that money isn't important. Had I not left my job to have Gareth, I couldn't possibly have organised such a worthwhile appeal! Face to Face with Mavis Clough (February 1996 edition of the Church Magazine) Mavis is, for the second time, a Warden of St John's. Mavis, have. you belonged to St John’s all your life? Oh no. Although Harry and I moved to Walton in 1952, I only started attending St John's when our children went to the Sunday afternoon Sunday School up there in the 60’s. There used to be a fortnightly 8am Communion service but I couldn't ever remember which Sunday it was! How did you come to be so involved? Well, a Sunday afternoon Family Service was started by the Curate at Holymoorside, The Revd Ernest Fisher, in the late 60's I suppose. It wasn't like Family Service today but children took the collection and did the readings. It was shortened sort of Evensong. We didn't have much music, but a number of us adults used to attend with our children. Have things gone on steadily at St John's since then? After Mr Fisher and the Rector both left, there was talk of closing St John's altogether -and that vas a good way of getting things going. An informal committee was formed around Ken Waddington and I was part of that. After this, the regular 9am Communion service started and, later an official District Church Council was formed. You were secretary of the DCC weren't you? Yes, I took over in about 1983. I certainly found that getting; involved helped to nurture my faith. Have you always believed? I think my Christian faith stems from my time as a Guide with my sister, at St Leonard’s, Spital. We were both confirmed together. I had a real faith in my teens. After I got married and had our three sons I wasn't involved much in Church and my faith had a bit of a lean time. If only we had the sort of church that we have today. Catering in a lively, interesting way for all ages, I'm sure it would really have helped me -and the boys. What would you say helps your faith to develop now? One important thing in the last 5 or 6 years has been the Monday afternoon Open House group. We meet fortnightly and always start with a special focus and listen to some recorded music to help us praise God. Sheila Turner usually leads this. We study a Bible passage and find we can share a lot. Four of us have been widowed over the last few years and we have really been helped and supported by the fellowship within the group. Recently we have had a prayer scrapbook and we can refer back easily to our various prayer requests. Every member usually contributes a prayer, even if it is only a few words. What are your hopes for the future of St John's, Mavis? We have built a porch onto the Church. We have built this Church centre. We now need to work for God's Kingdom to be built up. We must start reaching out more. Although I don't feel equipped myself, we need to cater for teenagers especially. Face to Face with Pam Brimelow (April 1996 edition of the Church Magazine) Pam is the Rector's Secretary. She holds together much of the administration of our churches.
My teaching career brought me back to Derbyshire where I worked in several infant and junior Schools. In 1974 I was appointed Head Teacher of Brockwell Infant School. What were your main memories of Brockwell Infant School? My initial feelings were a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The school had a good academic record and had been managed by a much respected Head Teacher. I had to be on my mettle! However, being head gave me control of the curriculum and the opportunity to initiate new ventures. I had particular pleasure in co-operating with Brockwell Junior School in founding a Parents' Association which went on to flourish and lend an amazing amount of support to both schools. Parental helpers were also welcomed into the school where they did invaluable work in many areas of the curriculum, not least in helping children to learn to cook! I loved to work with the children, especially when I could give them individual attention. Sadly it became increasingly difficult to find time to teach. I also enjoyed leading assemblies, although I did not find it easy. It was particularly rewarding to get the children involved. When I left Brockwell I felt I was leaving a happy community where the welfare and education of the children came first. What has led you to take such a big change of career? I had always been a "career teacher" and had assumed that this was how the pattern of my professional life would continue until I reached official retirement age. However, policies changed at Government and County level and when early retirement was offered to senior staff I was stimulated into thinking that there were other things I could do with my life if I was prepared to grasp the nettle! I did not have a "master plan" but knew I wanted my life to take a new direction. I enrolled at Chesterfield College and spent the next two years taking courses in Business Administration and Information Technology. When the post of Rector's Secretary became available I saw this as both a challenge and an opportunity to use my skills in the service of the Church. At first, there was a lot to learn, especially finding out who everyone was. So many people are involved -a bit like school really! What did the Christians for Life Course, two or three years ago, mean to you? I had been coming to St. Thomas' for a while when the course was announced and I had a strong feeling of "This is for you". I was extremely nervous and I felt out of place at first. The other members of the course were rather younger than I was. But, after a week or two, that stopped being a problem. I was fully accepted into the group and I am pleased to say we still meet as an Open House group. Christians for Life was a turning point in my life, an opportunity to get to grips with my faith. I was brought up in the Christian Faith, but somehow hadn't ever realised that it should be a personal matter. I now recognise Jesus Christ is my saviour and that I need to have a personal relationship with Him. So, yes it was a very important step for me. Face to Face with Angie McGovern (June 1996 edition of the Church Magazine) Angie is the newly appointed Personal Assistant to the Rector. She works in the Church office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Was St Thomas' rather a shock to your system? It was a terrific contrast. Neil and I were bowled over by the welcome we received and by the flurry of activity. We got involved before w e knew what had happened! We really loved the atmosphere and the most important thing was that Neil was comfortable at Sunday Club -and now in Pathfinders. What main difference does being a Christian make to your life? I seem to have a more balanced perspective on life. Certainly I don't argue the way I used to! As you set out on your new job, what are your hopes? I want to put my organisational skills to good use. Christopher has said that he wants someone, in effect, to manage him, and provide the necessary back-up for his ministry. I hope I'll be able to do this -without bossing him to death! It's really good to be working in harness with Pam Brimelow, the secretary, too. What are you impressions so far, after just over a month? It is so challenging. Sometimes frustrating, sometimes rewarding. The enormous variety is great. No two days are ever the same and I like that. One good thing is that Tom is very pleased about my getting this job and, being a computer whizz he's a great support to me at work as well as at home -I really value that. Face to Face with Myra Johnson (October 1996 edition of the Church Magazine) Myra Johnson is a familiar figure in Brampton, largely through Johnson's Ironmongers shop, where she works along side Phil, her husband. Phil was church warden for many years and is now our Treasurer and Estates Manager.
Oh, I've been there about 25 years part time until 7 years ago when our assistant Peter Witts died and I took up the challenge and went full time. It was a challenge so much to learn. I enjoy it, meeting such a variety of people. They usually think only Phil can answer their questions but I surprise them!! We all wonder: what's it like being married to Phil? We're a team. We're very well matched. Very active like our parents were. We've always done everything together - garden, cars, motorbikes, the shop but especially the CHURCH. I've known Phil all my life, mostly through St Thomas'. We were in the Youth Club together about thirty of us met every Wednesday evening in St Thomas' School -opposite our shop -led by the Rector or the Curate. Clive and Winifred Slack were members, so was Mary Hemmings and my cousin Brenda Monks. Talking of Phil, I always remember how caring he was when my father was very ill. What about your family? We have two daughters. Elizabeth is a Doctor, like her husband Philip. They live in Millom in the Lake District -they have the fells in their back garden! Such a beautiful place to go and stay. Jennifer is a nurse, working in a residential Nursing Home in Great Longstone and her husband Richard works in the shop. The girls used to have holiday jobs in the shop but they have chosen their own career. I haven't had a choice though! Before we were married I used to work as a comptometer operator for the Corporation Transport as it was then called. What have been the outstanding features for you of belonging to St Thomas'? There have been so many! It's the feeling of belonging, really being part of it. It was such a privilege -being a Sunday School Teacher for a long time -I started as a teenager when they were very short, finishing 7 years ago. I used to try to teach them reverence and respect. What does being a Christian mean to you? For me, it's always very practical. But I know God is with me all the time -especially if there's a crisis. The worst time was when Phil was taken ill in Harrogate and was in hospital there, and his father died in hospital in Chesterfield at the same time. Somehow we kept the shop going! At times like this we discover that strength is given to us, and that God is very good. |
