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From the Inside -Adult Confirmation Course (August 1989 edition of the magazine) When we began the confirmation course we weren't very sure what we were letting ourselves in for. We needed to know more about God and to be sure of our faith but the rest was a mystery. We approached the first evening warily, a little afraid with feelings similar to pre exam nerves. The worst thought was, what if we are the only ones there? How silly we were; our first thoughts were soon dispelled. There were over thirty people feeling very much the same as us. The class was so large that Christopher split us into two shifts which were held in the warmth and comfort of the Rectory sitting room. Our thanks must go to Pam for her hospitality and the never ending, supply of tea, coffee and her famous flap jacks! We chose the later shift. It was easier to get to. Sarah tucked up in bed and Grandma safely installed. There were a mixed selection of characters in our group: policemen, nurses, students, full time mums, shop assistants, all with a good sense of humour and all with one thing in mind, to come closer to God. It was obvious from the beginning that we were all going to get on well together and become good friends. As the course progressed and we became more familiar (the now famous "name games"). Jesus' life began to unfold and make sense. Armed with the Bible and a book titled "To be confirmed", we explored Jesus' life from beginning to end and began to realise what it can mean to us. We found answers to our questions and discovered without doubt, that Jesus could become part of our busy modern lives. At the beginning, before starting the course, it seemed a long time before we would get to the end but as we progressed one hour didn't seem long enough and the time flew by. There was a lot of fun involved in the classes which blended us together, making us feed from each others' experiences and ideas. We played games and made pictures led by the ever imaginative Christopher! One of the most memorable evenings was when we were given some daily newspapers, glue, scissors and a huge piece of white paper . ... the aim being to cut out and make a collage to illustrate sin in the world today. Great Fun! Towards the end of the course, as we began to know and feel close to Jesus, the big question on everyone's mind was: Do I want to let God into my life? It wasn't difficult for most of us to say yes. We owe our thanks firstly to God and secondly to Christopher for helping us reach that decision. The big day came all too soon, but still we have the opportunity to get together once a fortnight to continue to learn and encourage each other to keep our faith. For those of you who came to the Agape to help us celebrate our renewed faith, we thank you. We had never been to a party so large and came away with such warm thoughts about how lucky we are to be part of the biggest family in the world ... the family of God. Tim Wilton Drama by Jabbok at St Thomas’ (April 1990 edition of the magazine) A drama group called Jabbok visited St. Thomas' on Sunday evening 25th February 1990 to present "Up the Wall". Jabbok are touring to highlight the Church Urban Fund, provoking thought, discussion and hopefully, action. The drama depicted the day of judgement with the separation of the sheep and the goats; the two male actors being judged by the female; was she St. Paul? Jean Brodie? or a cross between Cilla & Esther? The two men judged were stereotype caricatures of two people from very different backgrounds. One was from a poor inner city deprived area with associated social problems, including limited educational opportunities with little choice or prospect of employment. The play depicted the pressures this can induce including feelings of being powerless, stigmatized and lack of self worth. The other person depicted was from an "Upper middle class" Christian family where the expectation and financial ability were able to see him through public school and University. This led to a good job and receiving respect, being seen as a leader and of course a Christian. The play centred around dialogue between the two men, prompted by the ever changing judge, to give account for their lives. The scenario showed basic inequalities, and more pertinently, how the powerful react to these. The play concluded to explain about the Church Urban Fund and how it can finance projects to ease inequality and provide more opportunity for those in deprived urban areas. We have lived through the charity decade which I applaud, but fundamentally little appears to change. I felt again if we put our hands in our pockets we can appease our conscience. Jabbok to their credit didn't make a simplistic party political broadcast, perhaps implicitly they wanted a more political response but will leave it to the individual to formulate their own conclusions. After the play we as a congregation discussed the presentation, our responses ranged from guilt to those who felt their work brought them daily into conflict with these issues. The presentation was very professional, powerful and it left me thinking around the content rather than the performance. It provoked many responses but not one of indifference. I hope that we as individuals, and corporately as a parish, will be sensitive to how God would have us respond. Steve Green Agape at St Thomas' (August 1992 edition of the magazine) When Christopher and Jonathan first mentioned "Agape", I did not know what the word meant. After one confirmation meeting I looked it up: agape - meaning Love Feast -Christian Feast. We formed a committee - a very merry band - full of life and joy. With the Lord's blessing, we could perform this great task of preparation. We gathered down at church the evening beforehand. It was decided to turn all the pews round and put tables between it really looked great. We left feeling elated. Wednesday evening came, and we all met at church once more. Everything fell into place. As everyone arrived our group felt that the Holy Spirit was working amongst us all - it was wonderful. It is one evening I will never forget. I know that it was only with God's help, and our church motto, "do not fear for I am with you" that I was there. I know he is always with me in everything I do. I'm "getting there" with his help and guidance - "to him be the glory, great things he hath done" Jenny Smedley Bread with Nowt Taken Out, March 1993 (April 1993 edition of the magazine) A focus on mission. "What a great weekend" "Interesting and challenging" "Stimulating sessions on Saturday" "Food for thought and excellent food to eat ? what a variety of dishes at the International Buffet!" "I'm glad I don't live in such poor conditions". "Joshua Murie from the Sudan made the news more real being an actual refugee". "Watching Mandy Lines sterilising vegetables in her kitchen gave me a clearer picture of what life is like for them in Paraguay". Just a few comments from people who came to 'Bread with Nowt Taken Out' ? the weekend of 6/7 March 1994 which focused on mission ? our call as Christians to care and provide for people in need and to share the good news of Jesus with them. 'Keliopa's Shoes' was a story about people like us but in Sudan who had refugees crowd into their village ? what was their response to this need? Joshua Murie, an engineering student in Sheffield, shared his family story ? his father tortured before he died in 1989 in Sudan, his brother in Juba in Sudan with no news since December 1991, one sister in N. Kenya and his other sister with his mother in N. Uganda ? all in refugee camps. Videos from Tear Fund, Church Army and Scripture Union showed different areas of need and ways of seeing Jesus. Chris Rankin from SAMS shared his experience of mission at Expo '92 in Spain, while the Lines Link Up video gave up?to?date news of our link missionaries in Paraguay. Bill Andrews from the Bible Society visited on Sunday and brought slides from the Philippines which showed both the poverty and the eagerness of people to read the Bible. The worship included songs and words from the worldwide church, to remind us that as Christians we are members of one body of different races all called to share in mission ? reaching out with God's love to those around us in Chesterfield, Britain and to the ends of the world. Sheila Pite Study Group -"Liberal, Marvellous Cakes" (August 1995 edition of magazine) Thus with commendable brevity did Christopher describe the Study Group in his report to the Annual General Meeting this year. This enigmatic description is accurate as far as it goes, but in case anyone is intrigued may I elaborate a little. The Group has been meeting monthly for just over ten years now. Members are given a sheet of questions in advance and are asked to come prepared to discuss them. The questions are on theological, doctrinal or ethical issues current at the time. The group is not primarily a teaching group, its function is much more exploratory. We try to create an atmosphere of complete openness in which people are free to say whatever they sincerely think. The liberal character of the group lies in the fact that we have no 'party line' - the questions are usually 'open ended' and are designed to provoke discussion rather than to elicit particular answers. Christianity is understood in different ways by different people and we feel it is important that there should be a forum where these differing insights can be explored in friendship and without correction. Too often discussions on religious matters turn out to be simply statements of entrenched positions with each party trying to convince the other that his version of the truth is superior. We all know only too well the "I am right and you are wrong" type of discussion. We try to escape this. Of course, we sometimes fail. and we hardly ever reach agreed conclusions. Perhaps this is because, in the nature of the questions, no definitive answer is usually possible. But we have found over the years that our friendship and understanding of each other has grown mightily. We may in the end be no wiser - but we are much better informed and perhaps a bit more tolerant! The "marvellous cakes" to which Christopher referred arc a tribute to Joyce who as well as being a founder member of the group has made cakes to be eaten at the end of each meeting. The discussion may al times fail to reach the heights, but the food is consistently good! Denys Crowther A Day of Prayer and Fasting (October 1995 edition of magazine) "It was a marvellous day!" "I didn't realise what a blessing it would be." "Please can we have another one soon?" And what was this about? On Saturday 29th July 1995 we had a Day of Prayer and Fasting. We met in St. Thomas' Meeting Room from 9am to 5pm, some staying the whole time, come coming for several hours, some for an hour or so. We had drinks during a very hot day, but not food. And why? There is a real desire amongst many Church members in the parish to become more committed to Our Lord, more diligently to seek His Will, and to come together in openness to hear His voice and receive a fresh awareness of his vision for us. We long to see Christ working in and among his people in increasing power, and we know that we need to spend time together in His presence if He is to renew and revitalise us. We had remembered the early Church -"While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said ...." So it was that over the day 33 of us read from the Bible, worshipped, prayed and listened. The day was beautifully and sensitively led by the Rev. Judith Henderson. We were aware too that some, unable to be with us at St. Thomas', participated at home or on holiday. We sought anew the Holy Spirit for ourselves, in repentance, for Christ's Church, and for this land."If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14) By the time this is published, a second Day of Prayer and Fasting will have taken place, and a third is scheduled for Saturday 25th November. Wednesday Lunch Plus (October 1997 edition of the magazine) An exciting new venture in the life of our Parish is to be launched shortly under the above title. Some of those attending the daytime Alpha Course this summer, identified a need for further Christian fellowship during the day, including people from outside the local congregations. This has lead to a small group planning a monthly get-together which will start with a nice lunch and be followed by a guest speaker or suitable entertainment. Tickets at £2.50 each will be sold in all our three churches and from the Church office. Wednesday Lunch Plus' will take place at St John's Church Centre on the second Wednesday of each month with lunch at 12.30pm. It is planned to finish with tea or coffee at 3p.m. Be sure to put into your diary the first of what we hope will be many Wednesday lunches, starting November 12th 1997 when the lunch will be followed by 'Songs from Yesteryear' with Andrew Lockwood. Communion and Cuppa's 10th Birthday (June 2000 edition of the magazine) Maundy Thursday was extra special for those who come to Communion and Cuppa. It has been running every month for 10 years. Originally, it was organised by David and Marion Smith (and they paid a return visit to mark the birthday). Now John and Brenda Trickett have taken over. An army of drivers to give lifts, bakers to provide delicious cakes, tea makers, washers up and organisers come together to provide fellowship for our oldest members. Basically it consists of a simple Eucharist for half an hour and another half-hour of home made cakes and eager conversation. May God continue to bless Communion and Cuppa for another decade. Christopher Frith Men's Breakfast (April 2005 edition of the magazine)
There is no compunction, no pressure to open up, the time can just be used to get to know each other better, an opportunity we don't usually have time for on a Sunday. So if you would like to come along, have a chat with Mick Topliss, who is the organiser, or with me. Alternatively take a programme from the back of church. We look forward to seeing you. Mark Hoare Rendezvous (April 2006 edition of the magazine) After the success of the Summer Rendezvous (A holiday at home) for seniors, we held a get together/new year party at the end of January for about 50 people enjoying an afternoon of fun, games and food. This proved so successful that when they were asked if they would like this to become a regular event there was a virtual unanimous “Yes Please”. (Renezvous came from our Year of Mission 2005/6. More information and pictures here) First Thursday Rendezvous (Easter 2006 edition of Spotlight) Following on from our September Rendezvous for seniors we are now running a monthly 'get together' in St Thomas' Church on the first Thursday of every month from 1-4pm. Over 40 people came to our first one in March. We begin with a light lunch of soup, bread and a sweet. Then we have a speaker on a topical subject followed by activities, games, amusements, 'thought for the day', tea and biscuites and a chance to chat and relax. The cost is £2 to cover the cost of the food. This fellowship is open to anyone whether a member of St Thomas’ or not. Transport can be provided. The following dates are for your diaries: Thursdays 4 May, 1 June, 6 July 2006. We look forward to seeing you. A further date to note is the September Rendezvous 2006, Wednesday 30 August to Sunday 3 September. We had a great time last year so don't miss out this year! Nanette Sanderson 18-25 Group (June 2006 edition of the magazine) Our relatively new 18-25s group has been very successful, perhaps even more successful than we first imagined. The group was initially set up in response to the desires of those away at university who wanted a regular time, and location to meet up when they returned in the holiday season. Out of this has grown a thriving, and growing group with 12 members, a group of committed Christian young men and women seeking to support one another in faith, and life. The 18-25s group meets on a Monday evening, usually at 10 Quarry Lane, for an evening of food (really good food…), fellowship, and bible study. Occasionally, the group meets elsewhere, especially for social gatherings, or just for a refreshing change of environment. Socials over the past few months have included watching movies together, playing games, going out for walks and other relaxed and informal activities. In 2005, breaking into 2006, the group studied together John Ortberg’s book ‘The Life you’ve always wanted’. This proved to be a challenging, and positively uplifting read, and I believe it encouraged each member of the group in the faith journey. Currently, the group are studying Philip Yancey’s book “What’s so amazing about grace?” which has complemented the wider church’s study of the book during the recent Lent Course. This has provoked healthy discussion amongst group members, about various issues in the Christian faith, such as heaven and hell, forgiveness, the exercising of grace in personal situations; and through these discussions I am sure it has allowed each member to grow in their understanding of opinions that differ from their own. The group next intend to study a book of the Bible through life applied discussion based activities, with the help of a commentary alongside. Whilst the group was initially set up with university students in mind, those in the 18-25 age category who are not at university, and are either in a different form of further education, or in employment also attend the group on a week by week basis. Communication between the ‘at home’ group members and those who are away happens on a weekly basis via email; informing those who are away of discussion/questions/ issues/amusing tales and antics of those who are back here in Chesterfield. From the group: Q: What does 18-25's mean to you? A: “It’s a great place to have fellowship and talk with likeminded people about important issues, and how the Bible applies to our lives.” Q: What is the best thing about being part of the group? A: “Hearing different opinions and viewpoints, having a group of people to pray with and help you understand the scriptures.” 18-25s meets: Monday, 7.30pm onwards 10 Quarry Lane, Brampton Contact: Gemma Machin, via Church Office. NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME!! Rendezvousing in the summer and through the winter! (October 2006 edition of the magazine) Where would you find a group of men making apples? (er - they were out of wood!) Where would you find people getting nostalgic over old photographs? Where would you find senior citizens performing in a hilarious play on the Commonwealth Games Walking Race where one contender wore pink short shorts? The answer is at Summer Rendezvous 2006. The aim of Rendezvous is to have fun together in a friendly atmosphere, to enjoy the variety of organised activities, to draw closer to God through the Christian ‘Thought for the Day’ and enjoy the good food cooked for us. In other words Fun, Friendship, Faith, Food. Summer Rendezvous 2006 More information and pictures here Seniors made a bee line for St Thomas’ church at the end of August and joined in various activities. There was carpet bowls, darts, wood turning and painting. The women produced some lovely dried flower arrangements and craft work. Many learnt how to turn out appetising cookery dishes, how to use a digital camera, and to use their voices in making melody. There was a nostalgic trip into local history and also a session about family history and the making of wills. There was line dancing and a sports quiz. Jigsaws and board games were there for people to use. A jigsaw challenge took place, to complete a 500 piece jigsaw before the three days were up - when this was achieved a big cheer went up! Communion and Cuppa was included on the Thursday for those who wished to partake. During the three days there was a Bring and Buy for the Building Fund and on the final day a fun auction. There was much hilarity when the bidding really started in earnest over a second hand lamp shade. During the final Celebration Service on Sunday evening the skills of seniors were put to full use in our presentation of the ‘Journey of Life’ and singing. Summer Rendezvous could not have happened without people offering skills, time and prayers to make it a success, so a big thank you to all who were involved. First Thursday Rendezvous After our September Rendezvous last year (2005) requests were made for a monthly meeting, so after some special events First Thursday Rendezvous was born in March 2006. The wide range of talks has been appreciated. If there are any ‘seniors’ [55+ and upwards] reading this who would like to be involved in Rendezvous we meet every month on the first Thursday from 1pm – 4pm for a light meal and activities. There is a friendly welcoming atmosphere at these meetings and the meetings are open to those who are not church members. Why not bring your friends. The next Rendezvous on Thursday 5th October. Further information it can be obtained from David Oldale and Nanette Sanderson Nanette Sanderson Men's Breakfast (February 2007 edition of the magazine)
We also walked from Baslow to Edensor for an interior view of the Church of St Peter and the Cavendish Chapel after taking breakfast at the Wheatsheaf Hotel. All this food, listening and chatter gives us a bright start to Saturday morning, that is, if we can arrive at 8am in St Thomas’ Meeting Room. We look forward to seeing you in 2007 to enjoy more interesting topics for your enlightenment. Bernard Blanksby Summer Rendezvous 2007 (Christmas 2007 edition of the Spotlight) St Thomas' Church was the rendezvous for about 50 over 55s in August. The Church was decorated with flags and balloons and proved to be a fun place with a large variety of activities from line dancing to woodworking; from aromatherapy to walking around Brampton. We asked Joan Middleton of Victoria Street for her comments. "It was great," she said. "For years I have said that I would never join a Church group and I was really reluctant to get involved. I thought St Thomas' was a boring place. How wrong I was!" We played bowls and boules, struggled to get a jigsaw finished in time and hopped around a giant snakes and ladders mat. Jackie Turner of Haddon Close remarked, "Summer Rendezvous was marvellous. No one needed to feel that they didn't belong, irrespective of whether they are churchgoers or not". Her sister, Josie, added, "I liked the variety of the activities and the excellent food!" A delicious lunch was served on each of the three days and we were given something to think about with 'Thought for the Day'. Betty Gascoigne of Foljambe Avenue commented, "It was all so thoroughly enjoyable and everyone was so friendly." Betty was one of the group that joined in singing together and then contributed one of the songs they had learnt to a celebration service on the following Sunday evening. This followed a delicious buffet tea. Summing up, Joan Kirby of Barnham Close said, "There was a wonderful atmosphere, great friendship and I felt the love of God all around us". Plans will shortly be made for a ‘Rendezvous' next summer. In the meantime, seniors continue to enjoy fun, food and fellowship together at the monthly 'First Thursday Rendezvous'. Fancy giving it a try? - then why not come along. It starts with a simple lunch at 1pm. For more details, contact the Church Office or phone 272333. Men's Breakfast April 2008 (June 2008 edition of the magazine) Mr Cliff Burden spoke at the April Men’s Breakfast at St Thomas’ on ‘Living with a DIY Expert'. He defined DIY as standing for ‘Destroy it Yourself’. He related various stories of DIY incidents from his time in the army. Those at the breakfast found his talk very humorous -as the picture testify. Cliff spent his career in the army and is now a Families’ Case Work for the Royal British Legion. Cliff demonstrating the havoc that can be caused by an electric drill (left) much to the amusement of Richard Robinson, David Holden and David Oldale. 
Summer Rendezvous 2008 -'The Cruise' (October 2008 edition of the magazine) Summer Rendezvous 2008 was called 'The Cruise'. Some fifty 'seniors' spent the first day in St Thomas' church doing activities that might be found on a cruise ship. On the second day they went on a 'cruise by coach'. Ray Hearn, one of the ‘passengers’ has written this report. On August 8th the good ship St Thomas ‘sailed’ into the church and berthed centre stage. The passengers were members of the Rendezvous group and were entertained to a day of activities ‘on board’ as well as a splendid cooked lunch. Activities on the first day that people said they enjoyed included card making, sit-down aerobics, an experiment in prayer and paper sculpture/collage. The aerobics were much appreciated by both men and women. Most important was the companionship and the joy of doing things together. On the second day we went on a tour of Derbyshire. At least I think so but the rain, low cloud and even hill mist made it difficult to see beyond the edge of the road. We went to Tittesworth Reservoir in Staffordshire and the Roaches. Both were shrouded in mist and we couldn¹t see them. However we went to Buxton and enjoyed the shops, especially the coffee bars. Finally we finished at Willersley Castle for a cream tea, tour round the castle and a finishing act of worship in the lounge. Read what the passengers said: “Willersley Castle was brilliant.” “Who worried about the rain!!???” “Enjoyed the visit to Willersley Castle. Nice tea, brief tour and potted history, and then the Service.” “The little service at Willersley Castle was a good finale to an enjoyable day. Many of us must have felt that despite the bad weather we are very blessed to live in such a glorious countryside. I am sure many thanks were offered to God.” “Regardless of the rain, I enjoyed the group.” They also said: “I could recommend Rendezvous to a friend because it offers good company and interesting activities.” “Good fellowship, good food, and a reminder of what is really important in life.” “Encouraged enough to issue personal invitations with confidence.” “I asked two friends and they enjoyed it.” “Companionship and a friendly atmosphere.” Pictures can be seen here. |
