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Church Teas (April 1992 edition of magazine) Have you been to the "Church Tea" yet? I have. When we arrived at the meeting room, we were handed a very nice cup of tea. Whilst children played in a group on the floor with games and puzzles, we stood chatting to people as they arrived. After a while, it was time to eat. We had sandwiches and cakes. Pam (Frith)was kept very busy refilling our empty tea cups. Good job she had a very large tea pot. All the time people were talking and laughing and getting to know each other. More tea and cakes, then Christopher said it would be nice if we all, in turn, told everyone where we had been born and the sort of things that we particularly liked. It was all very informal and great fun. Soon it was time for the evening service so our tea party had to come to an end. I wouldn't have missed it, as now I feel I have made new friends in our large Church Family. When you are asked for tea, don't hesitate, you will have a very enjoyable time I'm sure. Margaret Stoppard Blue Peter Appeal 1992 (February 1993 edition of magazine) We would like to thank all the people who came to our Bring and Buy Sale. Several dozen members of St. Thomas' took part in competitions, gave to and bought from stalls and indulged in coffee and delicious cakes. As a result of all this activity, a sum of £155.00 has been sent to Blue Peter's appeal for medical help to prevent river blindness in Africa. Ian and Gemma Hoare Millennium Yew Planted at St Thomas' (June 2000 edition of magazine) On Mothering Sunday, our Millennium Yew Tree was planted during pouring rain behind the Garden of Remembrance at St Thomas'. It comes from a tree which was alive at the time of Christ. The Yew tree was planted by Ian Gordon, former PCC Secretary, who had acquired the tree and masterminded the operation. Christopher Banning, one of St Thomas' Discoverers, read a piece expressing our Yew Tree's feelings: "You plant me now to mark the start of the third Christian Millennium. God willing and with your help and the help of your descendants I shall bear witness to this faith in another thousand years." Millennium Festival at St Thomas' (August 2000 edition of magazine) Our millennium celebrations continue with "Festival 2000", 22-24 September 2000, a weekend of celebration at St Thomas' church. We have a number of things to celebrate. Would you like to know more about the local history in Brampton? Between 1780 and 1830, New Brampton as it was known, was transformed from a quiet rural backwater into a hive of busy industrial sites. We can celebrate life in community and church around Brampton. This involves setting up displays of the life of the community and the church. The Chesterfield Historical Society, Robinsons and others will be helping us with this part of our celebration. The Duke of Devonshire laid the foundation stone of St Thomas' Church on 2 February 1830 and the Bishop consecrated the church in 1832. A lot has happened since then, not least the creation of the new parish of St John. As we look back, and look forward we have much to praise God for - we endeavour to express this thankfulness in the various displays and presentations. Also as part of the celebrations there will be a flower display offering reflection on themes from scripture relating to our church motto (Hebrew 13:8) and to harvest. In order to view these displays the church will be open between loam and 4pm Friday 22 and Saturday 23 and 2pm to 4pm on Sunday 24. On Saturday 23rd we will be holding a Barn Dance. Tickets will be available nearer the time. Contact the church office for information. Sunday September 24 is the Harvest Festival Thanksgiving Day with services at the usual times, 9am, 11am and 6.30pm. Summer Fete 2000 (October 2000 edition of magazine) "Lets Get Social" said yet another Welsh wizard as she gathered her untutored team around her to view bold blueprints, deft designs and pencilled plans "but first of all we'll pray!" Then said Jane "We are not chasing financial goals! - We want (I love the royal "we") a time of enjoyment, not least for members of the congregations but in an outreach to members of the community in the parish of St. Thomas". When? "I reckon Bank Holiday Monday would be the best date for those who are not away and I think we could..." What followed was an outpouring of ideas, suggestions, problems and some solutions, minor debates, concerns, confidences, constructions. Faces lit with infectious enthusiasm as theories were converted into propositions, roles defined, resources identified and volunteered and generous offers were catalogued. In faith we left, minds engaged with commitment, and praying again that Jane would be strengthened to continue with masterminding the programme and preparation of charts, telephone calls, letters, enquiries, soliciting help and recruiting. Preparations proceeded, bunting beckoned, Portacabin space vanished. Thanks to many who left contributions or signed up; to the advertisers for their generous support; to the designers and printers of a handsome programme. Came the day: Thank you, Lord, for your energetic Church Family, who, young and old, pitched in early and set up harmoniously, supported by Jane's vision, enthusiasm and tireless encouragement. 1pm, will they come? 4pm, hurrah! Families, friends, neighbours, strangers streamed through the gates, welcomed, greeted, mingled and explored the many attractions within and without God's House. Numbers grew and helpers invited and cajoled the visitors into a happy interaction. At about 4.30pm the tired but happy band began clearing, cleaning, restoring. The bouncy castle was deflated, equipment returned. Thank you; Lord, for all your blessings. One day, this week, I visited Harold Murkin lying on his bed of pain in the Robinson Ward at Calow. "Tell me" said I, "how did you enjoy the Summer Fete at St. Thomas'?" His eyes sparkled, his face radiated with pleasure. "It was great," he said. "We thoroughly enjoyed all the attractions: the stalls were fantastic and what bargains there were: the puppeteers had their audiences entranced: there were a lot of games and side-shows. I thought I was going to win that car guessing the number of balloons. After the appetising aromas from the barbecues we enjoyed the tasty cream teas served by those lovely ladies in the Meeting Room. The playing of the Youth Band was brilliant too!" "Do you know," he continued, "the event brought in so many people from round about and best of all we had time to talk to everyone. Often after Sunday worship people have to dash to sort things out or get away." I got up to leave. A voice from the bed; "By the way, did it make any money?" "Yes, Harold, but the event fulfilled its main objectives too!" "Good, I hope there's another one next year. I might have my face painted". (Hasty departure!) Thanks to all who were involved for contributions, support and energies in the preparation and clearing away after a memorable afternoon. Doug Price (The Queen's) Golden Jubilee Celebration 2002 (August 2002 edition of magazine) To quote the words of a song - "OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING, OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY". Well at 7am it was just beautiful. I woke up, thinking how wrong weather forecasts could be! But, how wrong I was! At lunchtime, the anticipated rush of setting up was taken over by 6 people, standing, staring at the rain, biding time - not wanting to commit to an in-door decision too soon. Time went on, and even the Rector passing through couldn't offer any words of wisdom. Eventually of course it was necessary to begin, and inside was the only answer. The next dilemma was that passers by would mistakenly assume that we had cancelled the event. So, with much persuading, our 'hot food counter', along with its aroma, was put up at the front of church, along with a rather noisy 'we are here' type game! Strangely enough, since we had resurrected the Summer Fete concept 3 years ago, we had always seen the importance of having a lot happening in the church building, so that people unfamiliar with our church, would feel welcome, at an informal occasion such as this. This year for some reason, we had decided to hold the whole event outside. Well - that was obviously the wrong thing to be doing! Other than the barbeque; Kevin's tin can alley, and Thomas the Tank Engine - the whole event was inside, and what a lovely atmosphere it created. Oh, I forgot the 3 'stocks' sessions. Naturally they were outside, and the rain did not affect play in any way! The barbecue area, covered by gazebos - and surrounded by more gazebos, led the way nicely into church. Our visitors seemed happy -they were entertained by the puppet show; they mingled amongst the games; and if they queued long enough they could have had their faces painted, hair braided or nails painted -all to 50's music in the bargain. For those who wanted a quieter place to sit and chat, the refreshment area was perfect. A little over £260 was made, after expenses, most of which has been forwarded to the Chesterfield Soup Kitchen. The remainder was raised on the cake stall for one of our teenage group's holiday. (As is always the case, money raised is a bonus. The whole purpose of our events is to be more a part of our community.) So, there we were, celebrating the Golden Jubilee with friends and family, eating our hot roast cobs, enjoying a lovely cup of tea and having fun - with many thousands all over the country! Many thanks are extended to those people who helped in any way to make the afternoon a success, not least those people who turned out on such a miserable afternoon to support us. Jane Simmonds Community (December 2004 edition of the magazine)
I really feel these people are my family. They have added so much to my life both practically and emotionally. These are the people I turn to when I need help and support, or when I have something to celebrate. We want you to be part of this too. Alison Shemwell Read Alison's 2008 article here Read 2009 article here Read extracts from two services based on 'Community' here The 'Big Draw' 2005 (December 2005 edition of the magazine) See some pictures here. On Saturday 15th October over 100 people came to St Thomas’ Church to take part in a morning of creativity as part of the national BIG DRAW event to promote “hands-on” art. Giant murals and post-its; paints and pastels; clay-modelling and thumbprinting; computer art and patterns in nature; spray-gun and blow painting; potato prints and clothes-line pictures….all these were used to express responses to the theme “Draw near to God”, exploring God in every aspect of daily life. People of all ages came to just have a go with some amazing results- no previous experience was needed. There were many positive comments about the relaxed, informal atmosphere, and people discovered the feeling of expressing themselves on paper, the adults getting at least as much out of it as the children. Suggestions for inspiration included: people and things around us to give thanks for; things that make up our everyday lives; patterns and beauty in nature; the Cross; symbols from the Bible; our own hands, and the question “what does God look like?” The event was organised by Karen Herrick (with a large group of helpers) after Julie Lomas’s idea. Sometimes expressing things with our hands, not just in words, can help us respond to God in different ways. We can express and deal with feelings which we can’t put into words, but which are part of us but are tucked away. Art and using our hands use different parts of our brain – and you don’t have to be an artist or produce a “respectable” picture to express yourself in a different way. As God’s children we are created in His image, so we all have the potential to be creative ourselves. Watch this space – due to popular demand this event may become a regular! Looking Forward to the Big Draw 2006 (October 2006 edition of the magazine) Saturday 14 October 10am- 12 noon at St Thomas’ Church. Come dressed, ready to have a go at many different art activities (all materials provided). This event is free and linked with The National Big Draw which has many varied events throughout the country. It is suitable for all ages. At St Thomas’, we will be looking at the theme of Drawing closer to God through: -Looking and being aware -Looking up -Looking down -Looking out -Looking in -Looking around -Looking back -Looking forward We are hoping to use these titles literally and metaphorically to encourage people to think about what they see in and around the church and to look at things within their own lives. The art activities we use will hopefully encourage people of all ages to draw closer to God. As last year, we would hope to involve groups that we have links with and also extend the number of groups with whom we bring “The Big Draw” to. This year we would hope to involve Kidzone 627, Beavers, Brownies, Totzone, Rendezvous and CYFA/ Pathfinders, House groups. Each group would be given a specific task related to one of the above titles. Any artwork would be displayed at “The Big Draw” day in church. In addition to this, each subject would be explored within church on the day, through different hands on art activities, as last year. Reflections on the Big Draw 2006 (October 2006 edition of the magazine) Saturday 14 October 10am- 12 noon Julie Barton and Peter Rolfe reflect on The Big Draw. This was worship for the twenty first century enabling both church families and members of our local community (who formed the majority of participants) to share in awareness and thanksgiving of God's wonderful love and provision for all of us. “The great thing about the Big Draw was its accessibility for so many people to experience God at whatever level they chose. It wasn't structured worship but it was worship!” During the weeks leading up to The Big Draw groups such as Kidzone 627, Beavers, Brownies, Totzone, Rendezvous, Discoverers, CYFA, Pathfinders and House Groups had taken part in activities to encourage them to look at and be aware of God's world and express their understanding and appreciation through drawings, paintings, computer graphics and craft. Everyone's work was lovingly displayed with house group members contributing their time to getting the church ready for the event. Totzone produced a fabulous, colourful collage of mini beasts! As always the many helpers who gave so willingly of their time enabled the event to succeed. A very big "thank you" to all of them. Perhaps we should all consider how we can further use our talents and gifts in a meaningful way in our church to further reach out to others to create opportunities for 21st Century Worship at St Thomas’. Julie Barton Everyone was actually joining in drawing –as in art drawing –even though we all know there are unlikely to be nearly 90 artists in Brampton. However many of those in the church that morning may not have tried to draw since being put off for life in year seven at school. They came because of The Big Draw, a national event held each autumn to encourage all of us to have fun drawing in one way or another. At St Thomas’ we had stalls all around the church and you could find yourself ‘looking in’, ‘looking up’, or ‘down’, or ‘out’, or ‘forward’, using paint, crayons, glue, pastels or photos to share something of your ideas about God in his world. The Beavers had looked at themselves and done self portraits, others had painted or photographed the glory of the sky or the land and yet others had made prints of the small creatures you see as you look down. There was mum sitting alongside her teenage daughter, dad with his young sons and I was amazed both to see how much pastel dust or charcoal could get on to a four year-olds jumper but also by the blaze of creativity and colour as everyone relaxed and ‘had a go’. Then there were the special moments. The highlight for me was the ‘artist’ who had recently lost a close friend through death and who found that doing her pastel drawing not only expressed her grief but also enabled her to see hope ahead. God was at work that morning gently encouraging participants to discover their creativity. We are all made in God’s creative image –for you it may come out in cooking, gardening etc. but for many it can be in drawing. It was a very enjoyable morning in good company. Will you be there next year? Peter Rolfe See pictures of the event here. Celebrating St Thomas' Day 2006 (Spotlight December 2006) The first weekend in July 2006 may seem a long time ago, but must be remembered for various interesting events, including (dare I mention it?) a certain football match! The event at St. Thomas' Church was an open weekend celebrating St. Thomas' Day on July 4th with a flower festival, an exhibition of the history of St. Thomas' church and for¬mer mission projects in the parish, and the exciting plans for the proposed new extension. Floral displays on the windowsills reflected four other biblical saints, St. Luke the doctor, St. John the gospel writer, St. Matthew the tax collector and St. Peter the fisherman. Hands-on craft activities at each display were very popular with the children (and grown-ups!) and their contributions of clay people, pictures and stories, butterflies and fish were lovely complements to the flowers. Viewing our unique painted ceiling, through a large mirror, was an extremely interesting experience, without getting a crick in your neck! The number of visitors was steady, but not over-whelming. There was time, however, to greet each person individually as they entered the church and it was a joy to be able to chat to people without any pressures. The whole weekend was about peo¬ple, ordinary people as well as the saints, who after all, began life as ordinary people before they met Jesus. There was such a good happy atmosphere during the weekend, such a lot of interesting, friendly people to meet. Here's to the next time - see YOU there? Barbara Inger See pictures of the event here. Community at St Thomas' (October 2008 edition of the magazine) Alison Shemwell writes: Ten years ago a group of us was inspired by Acts chapter 2:42-47 to set up a Community Evening here at St Thomas’. We could not quite manage every day but we settled for once a week. We still meet from 7-10pm in someone’s home every Friday. (See weekly notice sheet or church website for venue.) People come for the whole time or just drop in during that time for as long or short a time as they like. It is an ‘open’ community; anyone is welcome whether they are a Christian or not or come to church or not. Spouses, friends, children are all welcome. We chat, play games (sometimes), have a bit to eat and drink and most importantly get to know each other. From these evenings have spawned deep friendships and practical and spiritual help for each other. As a single person I think as our ‘community’ as my ‘family’ where I can find true friendship and support. Read 2009 article here Read extracts from two services based on 'Community' here Christmas 2008 at St Thomas' (February 2009 edition of the magazine) It was another busy Christmas at St Thomas’ this year. Actually our preparations began with a sermon series in Advent entitled ‘Behold the Coming of the King’. Also during Advent we were encouraged to read two books –‘The Meaning is in the Waiting’ and ‘The Shack’. (See the previous edition of Ploughshare for details.) On the first Saturday in December a Christmas Market and Craft Activity afternoon was held. There were quality gifts for all ages, free gift wrapping, homemade jewellery and cards and a cake and honey stall. Refreshments and mince pies were served. All proceeds went to the Development Fund. Sunday afternoon on 14 December was our Christingle Service. The church was full with regulars from St Thomas’ and many visitors from the local schools and community. We all learnt what the meaning of Christingle was before we received and lit our own Christingle. The Youth Ball was held on Friday 19 December. Some eighty young people, dressed in all their finery, sat down to a four course meal in the church; cooked, served and washed up by their parents and other adults. Afterwards there was dancing to a band called ‘The Gentlemen’. Our Nativity service was held in the morning of Sunday 21 December and in the evening there was the service of Nine Lessons and Carols. A full church enjoyed singing traditional carols and listening to the Bible readings leading up to Jesus’ birth. Matt, our Rector preached on the theme of ‘The Value of Waiting’. The Family Carol Service was held on Christmas Eve. Chris Phillips helped us compose a ‘2009 Christmas Card’ and Matt asked us ‘Who was Jesus and why was He so Special?’ At Midnight Communion Matt preached on ‘Why are we here Tonight?’ Our Family Communion Service on Christmas Morning was a celebration of Jesus’ birth. With the children we looked at ‘Who Jesus Was’ and Matt preached on ‘Christmas Being Full of Surprises’. We blew up balloons as we said the prayers and the service finished with party poppers and chocolate! Christmas pictures can be seen here Youth Ball pictures can be seen here Listen to recordings from our Advent and Christmas Services here Community Evening (October 2009 edition of the magazine) Everyone is welcome on a Friday evening anytime between 7 and 10pm. The venue is advertised in the notice sheet and ‘Diary’ page of st-thomas-brampton.org each week. The intention is for a casual get together where families and single people can enjoy a relaxed environment. If you want to come straight from work and bring your tea/fish and chips/Chinese take away that’s OK. If you enjoy wine, bring some. Perhaps you like to play a board game or do a craft activity then great. You might want your bike fixing, bring it along. If you need to get the children ready for bed, bring their pyjamas. Community Evening is a good place to invite non- church friends and family. Maybe you live a long way from your family; Community Evening is like meeting up with the extended family and you can be yourself. Respect for the host is a given, the odd bit of washing up doesn’t go amiss but don’t let that put you off -some hosts even have dishwashers! Home made flapjack is a common occurrence…yumm… Read 2004 article here Read Alison's 2008 article here Read extracts from two services based on 'Community' here The Treat -Alternative Halloween Party (December 2009 edition of the magazine) 'The Treat' was held in St Thomas' Church on 31 October 2009 as an alternative to Halloween. There was worship, competitions, a bouncing castle, plate decorating, making chocolate apples, the parachute game, pumpkin beetle drive and of course party food! A great time was had by all. A big thank you must go to Karen Herrick and all her helpers for a really successful event. See more pictures here Harvest Supper and Line Dance (December 2009 edition of the magazine) Some 200 people came to the pie and pea supper on 3 October. The supper was followed by line dancing led by Kathryn Shemwell -both for experts and those (including me) who are not so expert! The great thing about line dancing is you can never make mistakes. Even if you are facing or going in a different direction to everyone else it isn’t a mistake, it is apparently a ‘variation’! See more pictures here The 3Fs Walks (December 2009 edition of the magazine) Over the summer, Ann, our dog Troy and I invited members of St Thomas’ to join us on five short walks or strolls. These were held in the evenings and on one Saturday afternoon; the focus being on Fun, Fitness and Friendship, hence the name of ’The 3 Fs walks’ . Let’s start with a few facts and figures: -The total length of the five walks was 16.5 miles. -A total of 25 friends joined us on the walks. -Some came on more than one walk so the cumulative total of walkers was 45 plus a number of dogs! -Only one walk was held in the rain. The rest enjoyed warm and pleasant conditions. So what about the 3 Fs! Fun I know that Ann and I enjoyed each event. They were all different in their location, in the friends that joined with us and in the opportunities to enjoy the countryside and a laugh and joke with others. We always came home with a warm glow of having relaxed and just enjoyed the moment. Some of the walks were described as ‘up hill and down ales!’ Fitness I suppose that walking 16.5 miles is a starter for this. However, in reality we think the fitness comes from the ‘stress busting’ element of being out and about and doing something that is just for pleasure, having time for self and others and from being away from everyday pressures. In fact we felt quite ‘ale and hearty’ at times! Friendship It was apparent that everyone sharing in the walks used the opportunity to get to know others from church and their families a lot more. As we set off to drive to the start of each walk we always said “Do you think anyone will turn up?” and each time it was a most pleasant surprise to find friends waiting ‘booted and suited’ ready to start. It is a truism that the more you spend time with someone the more you get to know them. It is important to use opportunities to get to know people in a different setting, away from the church. I know I was involved in talking about many important things including family, friends, dogs, holidays as well as thinking and discussing our faith and the common bond it brings. The idea of the walks seemed to spark a lot of interest and both Ann and I want to say a big thank you to those that came and shared with us on the walks, those in church that asked about the events and prayed for safety and to those who wished that they had been able to join us, but some how didn’t quite make it. Perhaps next time! Ann, Troy and I are planning some more ‘3 Fs’ walks for next summer to again enjoy time with old friends and make new ones. Details will follow soon. In the mean time make a resolution to join us on a walk. I know that we would look forward to that and enjoy spending some time with you. John and Ann Small (and not forgetting Troy the labrador!) See more pictures here The 3Fs Walks -invitation to the 2010 Walks (April 2010 edition of the magazine) Following the success of last year’s walks, John and Ann Small and their dog Troy, invite you to share with them in a number of walks planned for 2010. Details of each walk including starting points will be provided by information sheets that will be at the back of St Thomas’ Church nearer the event dates. The walks are for all: families, couples and individual so please do try and come and join us. We look forward to seeing you. If you want to know more contact John 07752 798756 or Ann 07751 169333. (Troy hasn’t got a phone number!) Saturday 10 April, 2pm -Robin Hood, Nelson and Wellington Friday 14 May, 7pm -Stanton Moor with Nine Ladies Thursday 10 June, 7pm -Deep Rake and Coombs Dale Tuesday 13 July, 7pm -Chatsworth and its Parkland Friday 20 August, 7pm -Hardwick Hall and Country Park Saturday 25 September, 2pm -Monsal Head and Brushfield Pictures from last year here |
