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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. Rendezvous: The Recent Past and Coming Soon (August 2009 edition of the magazine) The Past On 4 June Rendezvous enjoyed a coach outing into Derbyshire. The weather was ideal as we made our way to Cromford Mill and Bakewell enjoying the company of others and the beautiful scenery on the way. At Ashford in the Water we were able to watch the well dressings being prepared ready for the weekend. Our final stop was at Monsal Head before returning home having had a good day together. This week, Thursday 6-Saturday 8 August, Summer Rendezvous This year’s theme is Celebrating Bygone Times. We have an exciting programme this year. A mix of indoor and outdoor activities including various indoor games, a behind the scenes visit to the Pomegranate Theatre and Museum, an archaeological walk, a talk about a local industry and a day out to Newark. Summer Rendezvous –Celebrating Bygone Times (October 2009 edition of the magazine) Again this year those who came enjoyed our time together as we celebrated bygone times with a trip on Chesterfield canal, a look behind the scenes of Pomegranate Theatre, a visit to Chesterfield museum and an archeological walk in Lumsdale. We were also entertained with tales of Brampton in the past and the history of Donkins. We celebrated bygone times in song, making pretty lavender bags, chair exercises, drawing, flower arranging etc. As always we enjoyed excellent meals, singing and the 'Time for Reflection' helped us to draw closer to our God who is the same yesterday, today and forever. We ended our three days with a coach trip to Newark and this year enjoyed brilliant sunshine. Our celebration service was held in the parish church at Newark by kind permission of the Rector there. A good time was certainly had by all. Nanette Sanderson See pictures here Men’s Night out to the Chesterfield Beer Festival (June 2010 edition of the magazine)
Some people may not approve of a church event being held at a beer festival or even a pub. However I believe we have to meet people where they are comfortable and are prepared to go if we want to promote the Christian message. In between the sampling (which was all done in moderation) we were able to talk and get to know each other better in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. There was banter, jokes and some serious discussion. Several of us met other people we knew there and able to say “I have come with a group from St Thomas’ Church”. See pictures here Summer Rendezvous 2010 (October 2010 edition of the magazine) This year’s St Thomas' Summer Rendezvous was held from 1-3 September. David Oldale gives a report on what took place.
On Friday morning it was time for a hectic beetle drive, followed by a version of the TV favourite Call my Bluff. After lunch, the ladies competed against the men in a fun quiz. I have decided just to say that the result was close! Summer Rendezvous ended with a short drama presented by the Redshirts, which started in humorous fashion illustrating several friends together and ended by revealing the perfect friend - Jesus Christ. This theme was then taken up by our Rector, who emphasised how Jesus was there to walk with us in good and bad times as the perfect forever friend. In true Rendezvous fashion, a highlight of each day was the excellent two course lunch. In the morning and afternoon we drank gallons of tea and coffee. There were several stalls offering jams/cards, lovely painted glassware and bric-a-brac brought in by those attending. We raised over £200 for the Development Fund. The comments made at the end were really encouraging to those of us who spent a number of months in planning:- “This is our only holiday this year.” “For 3 days we have not had to cook a meal.” “The chairs are not very comfortable, but I forgot that when the magician was performing.” “I enjoyed every day - great meals and well organised acvtivities.” “I really appreciated the daily ‘time for reflection’ slot.” “Thank you, team, for all your hard work and kindness.” By the way, we didn’t quite finish the jig David Oldale Educational Visit to Brampton Brewery (December 2010 edition of the magazine) On 6 November some forty church members and friends visited the Brampton Brewery for an ‘educational evening’. Chris Radford, Managing Director and Head Brewer, told us about the history of the brewery and explained how the beer was made. We were able to sample four of their beers, Impy Dark, Wasp Nest, Brampton Best and Golden Bud. These were served by John Hurst, another member of the brewery team. Pizzas were also served and we received a Brampton Brewery beer glass to remember our visit by. All in all it was a really enjoyable (and educational evening). You can read more about the brewery and its beers on their website See pictures here Summer Rendezvous 2011 -Journey of Life (October 2011 edition of the magazine) We have enjoyed a three day holiday at home where there has been plenty of laughter and fun.
We have so much to thank God for in our journey of life. So as we face an uncertain future we pray that the Lord be will be walking with us -and what better companion can there be than Him. Nanette Sanderson Communion and Cuppa (February 2012 edition of the magazine) Not everyone can get to church on a Sunday. Valerie Durkin tells us about Communion and Cuppa. Communion and Cuppa takes place on the last Wednesday of the month. It’s just an hour (2pm – 3pm) for the slightly older members of the church to get together for a short communion service and a cup of tea and a bun. When I say ‘slightly older’ at least three of our regular attendees are over 90 years old. They have been coming to St Thomas’ for the baptisms, weddings and funerals in their family’s lives for as long as they can remember. They also remember previous vicars; how the church looked years ago, pews etc; and all the changes that have gone on. It is such a good opportunity for us as a church family to spend time with the members of church who can no longer attend our regular services. Transport is arranged to make attending easier on the legs, although many still walk round from Heaton Street and further afield. Everyone is welcome to join us; it makes it more fun for the ladies to have different people to chat to. (Yes, our attendees are all ladies at the moment, tough lot Brampton ladies!) Irene Whittaker now co-ordinates Communion and Cuppa. Should you or anyone you know like to come and needs a lift just contact Irene 278872 iwhit@hotmail.com Marriage Course (February 2012 edition of the magazine) Give your relationship an MOT. From Saturday 11 Feb until Sat 24 March we are running a Marriage Course at the Church Centre. It will run on Saturday evenings, between 7.30-9.30pm for 7 weeks. It is a highly recommended course devised by Relationship Central (relationshipcentral.org), who have devised a full range of fantastic Christian training materials to provide practical and relevant help to parents, couples and individuals in different areas of family life and relationships. The course starts with a meal and is for any couple who want to invest in their relationship, whether you have been together 1 or 61 years. There are limited places available for couples so contact Sally-Anne Beecham 279916 coordinator@st-thomas-brampton.org, now to reserve your place. There is a charge of five pounds per head each week to cover the cost of food and drinks. |
