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Taken from the Church Magazine Rev Stuart Samuel is Appointed Vicar of St Mark's (April 1977 edition of the Church Magazine) The Rev Stuart Samuel, whose appoint,ent as Vicar of St Mark's Church has been announced, expects to take up his appointment soon after Easter. The parish has beeen without a clergyman since Easter 1975 when the previous vicar, the Rev Peter Black moved to a team ministry in Derby. Mr. Samuel, who is 28, has been assistant curate at Golcar, Huddersfield, since his ordination in 1971. A native of Halifax, he was trained for the ministry at King's College, London where he gained his A.K.C. (King's College's own theological degree). It was at college that Stuart met his wife Madeleine, who was studying geology. Mrs. Samuel, a Bachelor of Science of London University is now working as a geologist with the Institute of Geological Sciences. Her department is moving to Nottingham, where Madeleine intends to continue her work when her husband takes up his Brampton appointment. The Samuels have no children. "My work is concerned with the analysis of borehole specimens", said Madeleine. "But I can't really say much more, because it comes under the Official Secrets Act". Stuart and Madeleine like animals, and they have three cats. "I'm particularly interested in animal welfare", said Stuart, whose other great interest is classical music. After two years without a Vicar, the people of St. Mark's are delighted. "It's been a long haul", said Churchwarden Mr. Charles Godfrey, "And it has meant a lot of work running the church during the inter-regnum. But we wanted to keep our identity as a separate parish and to have our own priest". Mr. Godfrey's fellow Churchwarden, Mr. B. Johnson said, "We've got discouraged sometimes, but it's been worth waiting for the right man". St. Mark's parish covers a compact but thickly populated area to the west of the town centre. Originally part of the parish of St Thomas', the old 'mission' church was replaced by the present dual purpose building just before the last war. The intention was to build a church on the adjoining ground when the money was available, so that the present building would become the church hall only. But the economic facts of life have prevented this scheme from being carried out. Our Curate, Geoff Hall, is Moving On (April 1978 edition of the Church Magazine) The Rev. Jeff Hall, Assistant Curate at St Thomas' for the last three years, is leaving shortly to take over at St. Barnabas Church in the parish of New Whittington. Jeff will be Curate in charge - vicar in everything but name - in his new parish. He hopes to move in at the end of May ready for the patronal festival of St. Barnabas on June 11th. Said Jeff, "I have very mixed feelings about leaving. Naturally I am pleased to be taking charge and in that sense I shall be pleased to leave. But I have been very happy here and for that reason I shall be sad to go. "New Whittington presents a terrific challenge and there's great scope for building up the life of the church there. Brampton is perhaps one of the most mixed parishes in Chesterfield whereas New Whittington is a distinct community. It's an old mining and railway village but there's a lot of new housing and redevelopment going on with new, young people moving in". Married with four sons aged from one to ten years, Jeff is not your average clergyman. For he was an established family man with a promising career in a finance house when he decided to seek entry to the ministry. And that decision caused problems. The son of a Nottinghamshire french polisher he had tried clerical work and a solicitor's office before being offered the job of branch manager with a finance company. Jeff had always had strong ties with the church and, about seven years ago, he made the traumatic decision to seek to become a priest. "I was aware of the consequences and the effect it would have on our lives. At the time we were buying our own home and just getting on our feet. By and large things were going quite well". His wife Carol was a bit surprised at his announcement but recognised that Jeff felt a real sense of vocation and gave him her full backing. But his firm was less understanding. "When I told them I intended to go into the Ministry they didn't want to keep me. They didn't actually throw me out but the writing was on the wall. I knew that if someone else turned up I should be out," said Jeff. Instead of waiting on events he took the hint - he left, and worked in a factory for nine months to support his family until he entered Lincoln Theological College. Then followed two happy years, although Jeff says that after such a long break from academic study it took several months to get used to the discipline. After Lincoln it was suggested that Jeff should come to Chesterfield to St Thomas'. He was ordained a deacon - "a layman with a dog collar" - with status roughly comparable with that of a novitiate in a monastic order. In June 1976 Jeff finally made it and was ordained a priest. As one of the newer members of a 2,000 year old profession, how does Jeff see the role of the parish priest? "Everything must stem from worship. I am a priest, not a social worker or some sort of probation officer. A priest may have some of the qualities of these people but he should also have something very distinct to offer, something that inspires". John Sadler Becomes the New Curate at St Thomas' (June 1978 edition of the Church Magazine) The new curate in St Thomas' parish is to be Mr John Saddler, at present training for the Ministry at Lincoln Theological College. He is to be ordained deacon by the Bishop of Derby in the Cathedral on Sunday, July 2nd. Here he introduces himself to readers. I come from Ashbourne, where my parents have lived all their lives, from a family of five children - two brothers and two sisters, with eight nieces and two nephews; so that, although I'm not married, there are plenty of children around! I don't know Ashbourne, or Derbyshire for that matter, as well as I would like, as I went away to school when I was eight (first to be in the choir at Lichfield Cathedral, then successively, to Oxfordshire and Sussex), so that, apart from holidays, the only permanent time I've been at home was for three years after leaving school. When I left school, I worked for my father for a while, in an electrical retailing business, but then, after a year, I decided I wanted to be a teacher, However, I wanted to complete a three year course of H. N. C. Business Studies first, so the second year I worked as a lab. steward in a technical college (perhaps the most boring job of my-life as all it seemed to' consist of was sweeping floors and making tea and then one year in an old family textile firm where I was wages and work study clerk. Then to three very enjoyable years at Brighton College of Education where I studied Sociology and Maths and became a teacher. My teaching experience has ranged from a term in an open plan junior school in Ashbourne before going on V. S. O. to New Guinea where I taught Business Studies and Maths in a Catholic High School for two years, to eighteen months in a comprehensive school in Kent, and two spells of supply teaching in schools in Wolverhampton. Since then I've been at college in Lincoln. I recall being given "The Parson's Handbook" by my housemaster at school, so I must have. been thinking vaguely in the direction of the priesthood then; but I think it was my experience up to going to New Guinea, and whilst being there, that made me decide that ordination was what I should be aiming for, and also what I very much wanted to aim for. Now I've been at Lincoln Theological College nearly four years, studying for the Bachelor of Theology degree - four very enjoyable years where I've changed my ideas a great deal, and made a lot of very good friends. But now I am ready to move on. Having been to New Guinea, and come back overland, one of my great interests is undoubtedly travel; but, since that is a bit impossible these days, I am content doing a fair amount of walking, and am never averse to a quick pint and a chat at the pub. Apart from this, I take great delight in "mending" things and making things work -and if possible, taking up the challenge of trying to solve mechanical - and other - problems! I am the youngest (except by 20 minutes) of the family - my twin is in Southampton making bits for boats, whilst my oldest brother is near Ashbourne in the Textile Industry: my oldest sister is married to a teacher in Newport (Shropshire), and my other sister, Rosemary, lives with her husband only a quarter of a mile from home in Ashbourne. John Sadler Bishop Cyril Celebrates Ten Years as Bishop of Derby (February 1980 edition of the Church Magazine) Bishop Cyril has been our Diocesan for ten years. This gives me an opportunity to say a public thank you in which others throughout the Diocese will, I know, want to join. During these years he has won respect not only on his home ground but also nationally for his work on the Liturgical Commission, his clear thinking and statesmanship in other matters. Nowhere have these qualities been more' in evidence than in his championship of women in their struggle for recognition within the Church. The Diocese has cause to be grateful for that clarity in so many ways: in the Presidential Addresses to Synod; in his handling of large groups and Committees; for his flashes of humour, hints of passion and persistent striving towards an open management of church affairs. Most people see only the public face. Behind the scenes he has had to cope with a continuous deluge of correspondence and other detailed paper work. I think the pressures to which we submit our Bishops is quite immoral. It is not made any more justifiable when they cope so well, take so much care over appointments and take time to see individuals as Cyril has done. In our thanks, Joan his wife is, of course, included because of the warm support and stimulus she has provided. Derrick E. Rowland New Vicar for St Mark's, Willis Fell (April 1980 edition of the Church Magazine) Willis Fell, Curate of Clay Cross, is to be Vicar of St. Mark's Church, Brampton. He succeeds the Rev Stuart Samuel who left four months ago. Mr. Fell hopes to be instituted in May. Willis Fell is (to use his own words) 'a very ordinary person'. A Derbyshire man, he felt God's call to the ordained ministry later in life. He was on the North West Ordination Course for three years which meant that he earned his living in a secular job at the same time. He did the usual theological studies with fifty other mature students who worked in various occupations throughout the north of England, and with different church traditions. Willis served his first curacy at Bolsover before moving to Clay Cross, where he has worked with George Dunning for the last three years. His wife Lena is employed by the National Trust at Hardwick Hall during the summer season. They have two children: Suan who works in Chesterfield, and a married son who lives near Derby. Willis enjoys listening to most kinds of music and likes a bit of gardening (to enjoy it). The whole family enjoy walking, and as they have two dogs it is just as well. His football team is Southampton, but he says Chesterfield are well worth supporting! He looks forward to working at St. Mark's and in close relationship with his neighbouring parishes of Old Brampton, and Loundsley Green and St. Thomas'. He thinks that the idea of keeping strictly to your own patch is a bit old fashioned. Asked whether he is 'high or low' (whatever that means) he replies both, catholic and evangelical. "I see the whole Church as one big family, the members caring for one another and for those whom we meet day by day in our daily lives, following the example of our Lord," said Willis. Needless to say, the Ministers and members of the Brampton Churches look forward eagerly to Willis' arrival and extend to him a cordial welcome to their fellowship. The date of his starting work will be determined largely by the progress made in modifications to the clergy house in Shaftesbury Avenue. Vyvyan Watts-Jones has been Ordained for 30 years (June 1980 edition of the Church Magazine) Trinity Sunday, the third of June, 1949, was an important day in my life. I awoke early in my room at Ranmoor Range then the residence of the Bishop of Sheffield, where I had spent the previous three days in 'retreat' - that judicious mixture of sermons, silence and services which is considered essential treatment for every candidate if he is to relish the full flavor of the ordination ceremony. I put on my clothes quickly as on any other day, until the significance of one garment hit me like a bullet. I had never worn a 'dog-collar' before (Methodist ordinands sometimes wear them before ordination, but Anglicans don't) and the thought of putting one on sent me into an inner panic. It's an odd thing that the clerical collar is not, and never has been, part of the official dress of the clergyman; yet it's the one thing that marks him out most clearly in the eye of the public - how would the humourists manage without it? Malcolm Muggeridge has said it plainly: the Vicar today is a figure of fun. Here was I about to offer myself as free subject matter for the Englishman's Own Belly-laugh Book. I quickly recovered from the panic and was duly ordained deacon that morning in Sheffield Cathedral to begin my Ministry at Fulwood under the guidance of a wonderfully understanding Vicar, Laurie Sheath. I must have been more of a liability than an asset. My theology was crude and my personal style gauche.- I must have done a lot of damage. Yet there is no doubt that God used me in some ways. Visiting the hospitals - Fulwood Annexe with its skin grafts and psychiatric patients; Lodge Moor with it Polio victims (at least one man whom I visited is still there in his iron lung 30 years later); the T.B. terminal cases in Crimicar Lane sanatorium; working among the children and the young people (one of whom was working steadily on me, though I knew it not); preaching in church and visiting the people. In all these things I perceived and wondered at this surprising truth, that God is able to use the oddest people, sometimes to great effect. Within this area of life where people were aware of the ultimate things I was not a figure of fun (even if the youth fellowship did provide me with a teasing nickname) but someone who was needed - and loved. Thirty one years later, the paradox remains. The parson is an oddity, regarded by many as an anachronism; yet at the same time he is urgently needed. Many people in this country find the clergyman something of an embarassment. The Englishman, having abandoned the practice of his Christian religion, now doesn't know where he is; and to cope with his insecurity he finds it necessary to ridicule religious, symbols - not only Christian ones, like the Vicar (have you noticed how the Vicar in a TV play has to he represented as an oaf?), but any religious symbols. A particularly sick example of this phenomenon was seen recently in the T.V. coverage of the siege of the Iranian Embassy, when English counter-demonstrators, psychologically threatened by the sight of people who believed in their religion deeply enough to practice it publicly were reduced to performing a parody of the Muslims at prayer. Yes, the parson is dismissed as an irrelevance, a figure of fun; yet at the same time he is needed desperately. Over the last 30 years many of the tasks done by the Church have been taken over by the State. For example, in 1949 the Church was virtually the only agency engaged in youth work on a voluntary, and sometimes very amateurish, basis. Now it is expected that the state should take responsibility for every aspect of the community's social needs. It might be thought that the compehensive welfare services would have taken away the social role of the clergyman. Nothing could be further from the truth. The deep needs of human beings cannot be scrutin-ized, classified as cases and allocated to a - social worker. There is no substitute for the love-encounter. At this level the Christian - not only the clergyman, but the layperson too - has a unique contribution to offer. Vyvyan Watts-Jones John Sadler, our Curate, Leaves for Coventry (June 1981 edition of the Church Magazine) John Sadler leaves Brampton this month, after 3 years as curate at St. Thomas' to take up new work in Coventry. In this interview John answers our reporter's questions. Our reporter interviews J.S. Q What have you enjoyed doing most during your time at Brampton? I suppose that the things that I've enjoyed the most are the things that have been the hardest to do: Things like getting to know people, visiting, trying to put together services which really mean something, sitting and trying to write a sermon that really says what I want to say: I find all of these things hard because they can so easily go wrong, or the people I visit might not be so welcoming - so there's always a risk - but, somehow, the greater the risk the more enjoyable the experience. Although, of course, there's the other side of the coin that when things do go wrong I can get pretty down about them - but I think that's worth it for the highs. Q In what ways have your ideas about Christian Ministry changed over the past three years? Mainly, I think, as time has gone on, my ideas have become more and more down to earth; my theology has moved from a position of easy certainties and nicely labelled boxes to a much wider perspective, so that my beliefs and convictions span every single part of life. This means that my idea of ministry has changed from thinking of it as simply being concerned with people and matters within the Church, to being concerned with people everywhere ... being grounded in the secular world and its everyday issues: Which makes me realise how much I have got to thank Brampton for and all the people at St. Thomas' - because not only have we made lots and lots of friends whom we shall miss very much, but I can assure you that you have taught me more than I can ever describe. Q You came to Brampton as a single man, and now have a family. Do you find any conflict between your family life and your life as a parochial clergyman? Yes...I do...as I suspect any person, whatever his profession, finds if he is concerned to do his job well: Perhaps the hardest thing I find is coming to terms with the fact that What I do is much less a job but rather a way of life - and that my work is grounded and based at home so that its difficult to get away from it. This means that although I might see William and Judith considerably more frequently than many others during a typical day - it's only for fleeting moments when I'm on my way to doing something - or have something on my mind, which I know that Judith finds more frustrating sometimes than if I was out at work: Certainly it's a question of priorities, and the temptation is to take up the more pressing and immediate things, and take the family for granted, rather than spend more time with them. Q There must have been some painful experiences - disappointments - frustrations or other things that hurt. Can you reveal any of these? I suspect that some of my most painful moments have been on Sundays - and Sunday lunch is never the happiest occasion of the week: I recognize that the reason for this happening is perhaps quite a wrong reason, and something that I should come to terms with - but it's something to do with the fear or the realization that something that I've spent a lot of the week trying to communicate or prepare in the way of sermons of special worship has not been understood or has not communicated it- self ... or something that I have done was not successful. The reason for feeling this is the very small response (which Im similarly guilty of when I go to other churches) to what has been said or what has happened: I guess it's all to do with communication really, and being prepared to say what we think - but I'd much rather people say they didn't agree with a word I said, or couldn't understand what I was trying to get at, or felt that what I was saying didn't come across at all well, or even, that what I said was helpful - rather than leaving me in the air not knowing what people think - not knowing where I am. Q If you were staying on, what would you most like to see happening in the parish? As with everywhere, one thing I would like to see is a much higher level of comm-unication: St. Thomas' is perhaps better than many places, but I'm sure we must always be more prepared to listen to each other...how ever different our views may be from the other - and try to understand their position and where they are. Churches are often renowned for the 'backchat' that goes on and I believe that at St Thomas' there is far less than elsewhere - which is great - for I think the greater the openness towards each other, the nearer we are to the Kingdom of God: Another thing that I hope to see - and feel sure will happen is that the laity will be enabled and allowed to take over much more of the responsibility in terms of the committee work and the P.C.C. work. Q Tell us something about your new job? The job I am going to is to be Team Vicar of the Parish of Stoke Aldermoor. This means that I am to be vicar of the parish and have responsiblity for that area: But I shall also be a member of a much wider team - four people in all - with whom I can share - and call on for help if necessary. Stoke Aldermoor is an area of council housing sandwiched between the Talbot works and the G.E.C. works on the East side of Coventry - and I suspect one of my major concerns will be with unemployment. One final comment. The answers to questions are never as full as one would want them to be, but of one thing I am sure and that is that I shall always be eternally grateful to Vyvyan and St Thomas' and all the people of Brampton and the area for all they have done for me and us and for the opportunities they have given to me. And I feel honoured to have been able to start my first three years in the ordained ministry at Brampton - which I know, has given me a very firm base from which to launch out into the future, and all that that brings. Introducing Barry North our new Curate (June 1982 edition of the Church Magazine) The staff in St Thomas' parish is to be strengthened by the arrival of another curate. Barry North is to be ordained deacon in Derby Cathedral on Sunday, 4th July, and will take up his appointment here immediately. A native of the south-east, Barry was a social worker before he went to Ridley Hall, Cambridge, to be trained for the Ministry. Barry, a bachelor, has wide interests including cycling and scouting. Repairs needed to the curate's house at 1 Rhodesia Road have been delayed, but as soon as they are complete, Barry will take up residence there. Farewell Evening for Vyvyan Watts-Jones (December 1984 edition of the Church Magazine) On Monday evening 29th October and with a standing ovation, a congregation of over two hundred said goodbye and thank you to the Rector and his wife. Ten memorable years of service were recalled by Vyvyan, from the pulpit for the last time. Ten years of growth, triumphs, disappointments and most of all, love. He had inspired and seen more lay involvement in the Christian life of the parish, celebrated anniversaries, married and baptised members of his own family and many others. He had seen a new vitality in the Sunday School, the working groups and the friendships that had developed amongst St. Thomas' members over the ten years of his incumbency. Phil Johnson, churchwarden, also recalled the growth of the body of the church, typically illustrating it by the increase in our Diocesan Quota to over thirty times what it was ten years ago, statistical proof of the vigour of St. Thomas. Phil said that the ten years were certainty for him packed with memories that would never fade. After Phil and David presented Vyvyan with the farewell gift of hi-fi equipment, Barbara Inger on behalf of the flower arranging team gave Gill a book token with thanks for the hard work and inspiration that Gill had given to the ladies who enriched our worship with flowers. She recalled the not-so-gentle art of collecting greenery in pouring rain, daffodils in snowstorms, and miles and miles of transport so unstintingly devoted by Gill in just this one activity. Hilary Ratcliffe presented the Rector with a massive signed card from all the Sunday School. Vyvyan in reply thanked all in-volved, paid tribute to Gill, the human dynamo, and to Ken Scott and Sylvia incumbents at Holymoorside. A handsome buffet supper was enjoyed by all, and contributions (originally intended to help the costs) of over £250 will be sent to help the famine relief fund in Ethiopia. It was a memorable evening, after ten memorable years, and the joy and goodwill was only slightly softened by the thought of losing two friends, and apprehension about who next would guide, inspire and serve the parish of St. Thomas, Brampton. John Cook Our New Deacon Introduces Himself (August 1985 edition of the Church Magazine) I was born in Kenya, and have lived in various parts of the world and England. For the last fourteen years my home has been in Liverpool, although we are really "southerners". My family has a strong medical bias - my father is a surgeon, and my mother a nursing sister. I am the eldest of four, with a brother who is a medical student, and two sisters who are still at school. Five years of my life were spent at Repton School, so I are not a total stranger to Derbyshire. After school I read theology at St. John's College, Durham, and then went to work at Holy Trinity, Brompton - a church a stone's throw from Harrods. For the last two years I have continued my theological studies at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. As I come to Chesterfield I ask for your prayers, that I will keep close to Christ, and that I'll hear and obey His voice. I look forward to getting to know Chesterfield, and to meeting you all. John Cook Institution of Christopher Frith M.A. as Rector of St Thomas' (October 1985 edition of the Church Magazine) Wednesday 4th September saw the Institution (by the Bishop of Derby) and Induction (by the Archdeacon of Chesterfield). of Rev. Christopher Frith to the benefice of St Thomas' Brampton. A congregation of about 350 people, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, local councillors, representatives from local schools and many - clergy from the deanery assembled at St. Thomas' Church at 7.30pm. Two coaches containing over a hundred people from Christopher's old Parish at Haughton Green came to wish him well and say goodbye, and they joined over two hundred of St Thomas' parishioners to see the fourteenth priest-¬in-charge installed at St Thomas' since its beginning. The buses arrived just in time, much to the relief of the church wardens! The ceremony was very traditional, using language almost archaic to our modern ears, as Christopher was "admitted to the cure of souls in this parish", and we prayed that "God will give him grace to be faithful. to the duties of his office". During the service the whole congregation was made aware of the magnitude and scope of these duties, and also made aware that the people have duties as well. We will all need God's Help. The Bishop said in his sermon that going to church used to indicate membership of the Christian Faith. It is certainly a mark of faith, and the media tend to assess us by numbers at church, but there is much more involved in being a Christian than "going to Church". The people are the church, living by faith and love, together, with Jesus Christ. We should not think of the church as a bastion to he sheltered within, a barrier to exclude non 'club members', but as a bridge to spread the love of God beyond the boundaries of church walls and even parish. We must welcome new life, of whatever race or colour, for if we fail we are the poorer. The Bishop asked us to look on the advent of a new Rector as the start of new opportunities for service in our community. A challenge to come back closer to God, and renew our vision of Him. The ceremonies over, the songs of worship movingly sung, the congregation - as directed by Phil Johnson - collected their food and drink (well done all concerned in providing a wonderful selection) and returned to the church to share in fellowship. The happiness was apparent, good will and hope everywhere. It was raining and getting late but on-one seemed to want to go home. I was glad I had been at the beginning of a new phase in the life of the parish of St. Thomas' Brampton. Doug Inger Ken and Sylvia Scott are Retiring (December 1985 edition of the Church Magazine) The impossible has happened. Ken Scott told the PCC on November 11th that he and Sylvia have been offered a house in Wiltshire and they plan to move at the end of February. Their great joy will be the fact that they will be closer to all their children. No-one can deny that they deserve retirement but we shall miss them both very, very much. There will be future opp¬ortunities to pay tribute to their ministry in the parish (and in Holymoorside particularly). Farewell Letter from Ken Scott (February 1986 edition of the Church Magazine) "What a marvellous view", said Sylvia as Vyvyan drove us down Holymoor Road, "This is a lovely village". Shortly after we arrived to take up our duties we had cause to regret our previous euphoria. Vyvyan wanted letters delivering to every house and Sylvia and I thought it was a good opportunity to get to know the topography of the place. We finished up exhausted! Most of the houses in the village seemed to require the services of a qualified mountaineer rather than an elderly priest. Gallery Lane in particular had houses on one side of the road which could be approached much more easily by abseiling than by the steps provided. We had to put up with the usual rumours before and after we arrived. "Derbyshire folk are queer people", said our Job's comforters in Durham, "you won't settle down there very quickly". "You have to live in Holymoorside twenty years before you're accepted", said another after we had arrived. Neither statement has been true. The Derbyshire folk have proved the most friendly people that we have met. When I was ill some years ago, we were overwhelmed by the good wishes, not only from the people of St. Peter's but also the congregations of St. Thomas', St. John's, the United Reform and Methodist Churches. As I said at the time, it was like being wrapped in a warm fleecy blanket of prayer and love. We have made many friends for whom we thank God, and shall always do so. Only twice have I received a rebuff, once by a'very disturbed lady who dismissed me with the same lack of courtesy she would have shown to a brush-salesman and once by a very ill-tempered Alsatian dog. For the rest of the village we have been welcome visitors - thank you all very much. The village to which we are retiring is about the same size as Holymoorside, that is about two thousand souls, but more compact. The parish itself extends quite a long way but the outlying parts are uninhabited, mostly moorland and hills. It is a market gardening area and the villagers who do not work at market gardening commute to Devizes or Chippenham. The local Rector is fairly young and he and his wife have a young family. The rest of the church family will no doubt reveal themselves in due course. Sylvia is trying hard to hide the fact that she has ever seen, and much less laid hand on an organ. Musicians are in just as short supply in Wiltshire - in fact the Rector told us that they had had one organist who played by ear! When it comes to saying good-bye I am no better than any other man. I shall probably feel all the pangs of parting that one always gets after over ten years in one place. Some of the tasks God gives us to do are only accomplished with pain and great labour, some, like that which Sylvia and I have just completed are done with great joy. It has been fun - fulfilling, demanding, sometimes scary but so very rewarding - and fun. We shall miss you, Oh how we shall miss you! The blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you now and always. Ken Scott Thank You from Ken Scott (April 1986 edition of the Church Magazine) No move is I suppose without its snags, but even bad things come to an end - the furniture is in place, the packing cases have been unpacked and col¬lected, pictures hung, scratches on furniture wept over, life can begin. In fact church life already has. I have presided twice at Holy Communion and preached once, Sylvia has preached at the Mothering Sunday Eucharist and our names have appeared in the "Devises Gazette" (nothing much happens in Wiltshire - the advent of two strangers is an event ), and frozen almost solid during the Lent Course which takes place after Evensong on Sundays in an, almost, unheated church. We are still in a state of euphoria about the marvellous kindness and have shown to us by the congregations of St Thomas, St John and the whole of Holymoorside it was a humbling experience, as neither of us has consid¬ered ourselves as anything special. The only response in the English Language to the many gifts, cards, good wishes and love we have received is "Thank you" and this we say with all our hearts. For those of you wondering about THE SHED. It arrives tomorrow, the base is already laid, so with average luck by Thursday I shan't be tripping over my tool box every time I move. My love and blessing to you all. Ken Scott The Editor Speaks to Peter Allan, Curate at Holymoorside (August 1986 edition of the Church Magazine) Dateline: Rose Cottage, Holymoorside, 17 July:- I had a brief struggle with the iron gate, decided to lift it, and finally gained admittance to the rose-clad front door, welcomed by Peter Allan and his wife Pauline. Q. I gathered from your sermon at St Thomas' that you were the son of a clergyman. Did you always intend to be a minister? A. Oh no! I had all sorts of ideas when I was young. Maybe an M.P., a Civil Servant, a doctor. I read history at University, then did teacher training and taught for a couple of years. Then I worked in a hostel for ex-prisoners in London. It was here that I decided that I should enter the ministry. My theological training took place at Durham University, at the same time incidentally that John Cook was there. We nodded, and said hello, but did not know each other well. Q. In the short time that you have been in Holymoorside what are your first impressions? A. We have realised what a beautiful place it is. The buildings, hills and streams created a lovely first impression. (Pauline : I've realised how friendly the people are, you have to walk through the village knowing that people love to talk, so I allow time for that too, its great). Q. Peter, have you had time to establish what your professional priorities might be. A. I think that I will have to build on the foundations that Ken [Scott] laid. I would like to increase the involvement of more families and young people. There's room to grow in that direction. Q. What about relationships with the other two churches in the village. A. There is already lots of goodwill between us. We certainly aren't competitors, and I would like to be part of the mutual support and work that we all share in Holymoorside. Q. Pauline, had you any idea what it might involve, being a clergyman's wife? A. Not at all although Peter had more to go on than I did. I don't see my self as an assistant curate. Inevitably you get involved, but my main role is providing a home and a base from which Peter can do his work. Q. Despite the long hours you sometimes do, for instance you're still working answering questions at 8.30pm, what do you like to do most, in your spare time. A. We both like walking, so living here means that pleasure is on the doorstep We don't even have to take the car to get to lovely countryside. Yes, we've got boots, a backpack in which to carry Robin, but, we're not "professional" Hikers. We have explored many Derbyshire Dales, and Yorkshire, and the Lake District. Although Pauline is a Southerner, her parents hail from Yorkshire, so walking country is very familiar to us both. Editor: Thank you for talking to me, see you soon. Goodnight. John Cook is Ordained Priest (December 1986 edition of the Church Magazine) The sun was shining as we made our way to the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Derby, on Sunday the 28th September for John's ordination service. It was-good to see him surrounded by family and friends and supported by a group who were representing St. Thomas' on this day. Derby Cathedral is an unusual church, with a beautiful wrought iron screen, as delicate as lace, which stretches across the entire width of the building, mounting in the centre to form an arch over the gates which lead to the sanctuary. At the beginning of the century the east wall was opened up so that today we have light and space framing the great baldachino over the altar. In his sermon the Bishop of Retford spoke of the light bathing the church and linked this to the glory of God. I think we caught a glimpse of that glory as we watched eleven young, and not so young, men dedicating their lives to the service of God as they were made deacons or priests that morning. The whole service was most moving and meaningful - not least because the sermon with its introduction, three points and a conclusion made it easy to remember. As his final point the Bishop spoke of 'mission' and I found myself praying that John's mission here at St. Thomas' would be richly blessed, and that he would be able, in the future, to look back on his first curacy here with real affection. Christopher Frith Remembering Ken Scott (February 1988 edition of the Church Magazine) We were sad to learn of Ken Scott's death at the beginning of December. Receiving no salary beyond his pension, he was our senior curate based in Holymoorside until his retirement in February 1986. He and Sylvia moved to a little cottage in Wiltshire and were planning a trip to their daughter in New Zealand, followed by the celebration of their Golden Wedding, despite Ken's major operation for lung cancer followed by a second stroke. We send Sylvia our fondest love - we have many memories of them both. I valued Ken's friendship during my first six months in the parish and remember his unfailing humour, wise advice and deep care for the folk at St Peter's. I was pleased to have been able to attend the funeral on 10th December in order to thank God most sincerely for Ken, and to assure Sylvia in person, of the love and prayers of hundreds of her friends. Christopher Frith Staff Changes -John Cook leaves and is replaced by Johnathan Jee (April 1988 edition of the Church Magazine) The sad news, announced recently, is that our Curate, John Cook, will be leaving us later this year. His three year stint in our Parish has passed quickly and John will be sorely missed. Many - especially the teenagers in the CYFA group, but by no means exclusively them - will want to pay tribute to his ministry and friendship when his farewell takes place. The happy news is that we will be welcoming a replacement Curate, Jonathan Jee, at the beginning of October. Jonathan Jee: our Next Curate Introduces Himself (April 1988 edition of the Church Magazine) My medical friends tell me that brain cells die off significantly quicker after the age of 25. If there is any truth in that at all, this year is a good year for me to leave theological college and finish exams as I will be twenty five in the summer! Most of those twenty five years have been spent near Oxford, although I was born in London where my father was a curate at the time. People often ask me whether I've always wanted to be ordained, since dad is a vicar, and the answer is nol Quite the opposite in fact! After I left school I worked with IBM for a year before going to Oxford University to do a Maths degree, and fully intended to go back to IBM after leaving Oxford. However while I was leading my college christian union, I began to realise that I wanted to be ordained as I was enjoying my first taste of christian leadership. By the time I left Oxford I had been accepted by the Church of England, and went abroad to work in Israel for a year before going to theological college. During my three years back in Oxford] have continued to play a lot of sport with the university, particularly squash, tennis and cricket, and that_ has been my main recreation. Now I'm finishing the academic part of my training and I'm very much looking forward to coming to Chesterfield, and to getting to know a different part of the country. More particularly, I'm look¬ing forward to discovering more of God's riches available to us in Christ as I work among the three churches in the parish; and to learning from every¬body in the different congregations. Meanwhile, I've still got one or two exams to pass before I become twenty five!! Welcome to Jonathan Jee: our Next Curate (August 1988 edition of the Church Magazine) Our next Curate, Jonathan Jee, will he moving into 1 Rhodesia Road. He will then go "into retreat" at Morley for a few days to prepare himself for his ordination in Derby Cathedral on Sunday 2nd October at 10.45 a.m. He will be on duty at St Thomas' for the first time at the evening service that day. Members of CYFA who are attending the holiday in the Lake District will have an early chance to get to know him, as he will be there helping as a leader. If you would like to attend the ordination, please inform one of the Wardens. Please pray for Jonathan - and also... Pray for John Cook, our Curate for the last three years, has not been fixed up with a new appointment yet. He is patiently awaiting the right opportunity. You never know: we might be lucky enough to have both John and Jonathan for a while! They are already good friends. A Thank You from Jonathan Jee as he Settles in (December 1988 edition of the Church Magazine) So many of you have kindly asked me how I'm settling in, that I'd like to say a big "THANKYOU" to you all for making me feel so welcome here so quickly. Although I've only been here for two months, and the area is still very new to me, I already feel at home and am looking forward to being here and learning from you for the next three years. THANKYOU also to all of you who have worked so hard on improving the church house where I live, especially Phil Johnson and Harry Nicholls, and to all who have given towards making the kitchen more welcoming for Juliet when she comes in May. There is not doubt that, working from home, it's easier to work well when the house you live in feels like home. Thank you again and Happy Christmas, With much love, Jonathan John Cook is Appointed Curate in Farnborough (December 1988 edition of the Church Magazine) We congratulate John on the news, just announced, of his appointment as a curate in Farnborough, Hampshire. He is going to be missed very much indeed, all over the parish. His last Sunday will be the one before Christmas and there will be a farewell party the next evening, Monday 19th December at St Thomas'. In our next issue, there will be an appreciation of John's ministry in our parish. John Cook's Leaving Do -an appreciation (February 1989 edition of the Church Magazine) My How Times Flies When Your Having a Good Time On the evening of Monday, 19 December, a passerby could have wondered what was happening in St. Thomas'. Laughter, applause and sounds of enjoyment are not often heard in Church, especially at a farewell 'do'. With John, however, things are always different. There was a marvellous blend of sacred and secular, reminiscing and looking forward, expressing appreciation and poking fun (in love of course!). Everyone left not worrying for a change about it being late, the females treasuring a rare kiss from John, and saying "That was our best night out for years . . . what an evening . . . what a Curate!" In 3 years, John has inspired remarkable affection. The unique way in which he chooses and wears his clothes, the pains he takes to ensure he is heard and understood, his eagerness to offer hospitality, his sense of fun, his firm stand on being biblical, his promotion of 'Keep Sunday Special' and opposition to abortion; these and many other things have all played their part. He leaves a smashing youth group, the envy of churches all over the neighbourhood. You can't come to St. Thomas' without being aware of them. Teenagers are involved in all aspects of church life. It was John's brief when he arrived to set about inaugurating this and he has done it, under God. His sense of humour is another memory for us to enjoy. To start with, people take him seriously. They even believe all those outrageous stories about the Rector! Soon, however, it dawns on you that he has a highly individual sense of humour. PCC members will remember the time when he was delayed because a function over which he presided overran its time. When he eventually burst into the meeting he had to explain himself - immediately. A dignitary had been locked in the WC! These sorts of things happen, when John is around and his telling of them causes laughter again and again. We thank God for John and his fruitful ministry among us. He is already much missed - especially by the teenagers, the hard of hearing and his fellow clergy. When all other memories have faded, I guess we shall recall above everything else his clear biblical preaching - something which his former colleagues intend to try to emulate. We owe it to John to continue to pray for him, that his ministry in Farnborough will be even more fruitful than it was in our parish. By the way, Phil Johnson made an accomplished video of that hilarious farewell. Ask him nicely and he will probably lend it to you. Christopher Frith Dear "Everyone at St. Thomas', I was much amused by all the humour and frivolity at my 'Farewell'. I wasn't aware that there were so many mimics of my mannerisms and eccentricities! That was all such fun. A big thank you too for the microwave and cheque, and the scrap book. All most welcome for different reasons. Thank you all so much for your love, support, patience (not to forget humour and practical jokes) over the last three-and-a-half years. I have much enjoyed my time at St. Thomas' and I could not have had a better first curacy. Thank you all so very much for what you have been to me and for all you have taught me. Please don't hesitate to get in touch when you ate this way (and in need of a bed or a meal!). Again, thank you for everything! As aye, with love, JOHN R.M.C. p.s. 3 John verses 13 & 14a (look it up). Jonathan Jee and Juliet Morris Are Getting Married (April 1989 edition of the Church Magazine) The Wedding of Jonathon Jee and Juliet Morris: Saturday 20th May. This will be taking place in Sussex but all our Church members wish Jonathan and Juliet well. They deserve the prayers of all of us. Farewell to Peter Allan and Family (June 1989 edition of the Church Magazine) Peter has been our curate with responsibilty for St Peter's Holymoorside since June 1986. They have been three fruitful years during which St Peter's has developed greatly. Sadly the time has come for Peter and Pauline to move on. Peter has been appointed to be- Team Vicar in the parish of Halesworth, Suffolk. This will enable them to be near Pauline's mother in Ipswich. The announcement of Peter's appointment was greeted with great disappointment, as Peter, Pauline and Robin will be greatly missed. All the same, really everyone could see that we could not expect to hold on to them much longer in the days ahead. They will see that their time in Holymoorside has been an excellent training and preparation for future ministry. Speaking Personally, the Rector (June 1989 edition of the Church Magazine) First Pam and I want to thank all those who have shown us love, understanding and support after the sudden and sad death of my father on Maundy Thursday. At times like this, it means so much to belong to such a loving, caring, supportive family. Several members have assured me recently that they are still praying for my mother and the rest of the family. We are more grateful than we can express. Secondly, I want to share some of the dilemma in which I find myself. At the annual church meeting in April, I showed a drawing to indicate how frantic my life is becoming. At the PCC on 8 May I developed this and overleaf is a simplified version. Rapid growth in our churches and the development of our Ministry in various directions has thrown up predictable problems - stress, overwork and inefficiency. I ask for understanding as I seek to alter the way in which I operate. This will inevitably mean changes in the way in which our churches operate. I trust that it will be transparently obvious that such changes will be for the better. Please pray that they will be. My aim zs to carve out space - uncluttered time in which to pray, to reflect, and to seek out God's will for us. This will, I trust, make possible what have been in short supply of late: real planning ahead and effective leadership. The only way in which this will be possible is for me to become more skilled in the art of delegation. My intention at the moment is to appoint leaders who will be responsible for overseeing different departments of church life. They will in time oil the structures of our church making it clear to whom all who contribute to our life and mininstry are accountable, and to whom they should look for encouragement. This is all easier to write about than to put into practice. But, if we want to continue to grow and function properly there is no viable alternative. Please bear with me. Christopher Jonathan Jee's Ordination (August 1989 edition of the Church Magazine) Jonathan is due to be or ordained as Priest (or Presyter) in Derby Cathedral on Sunday 1st October. Peter Allan -an Appriciation (August 1989 edition of the Church Magazine) Saying farewell to two colleagues within six months has been a bit taxing emotionally, to say nothing of writing about them for Spearhead. Peter Allan left us at the beginning of July and is now installed as a Team Vicar in the parish of Halesworth in Suffolk - and the search is on to find his replacement. Already we are noticing his absence and missing him greatly. Personally, I miss his friendship, his genuine care and especially his originality. He always manages to look at things from an unusual angle which makes him an unusually stimulating and creative colleague. In February 1986, a time of deep snow, when Peter wrote to accept the post of Curate, he added, "perhaps the PPC might undertake a feasibility study on the installation of a ski lift up to St. Peter's". Not all his imaginative ideas have been adopted! When I had to write a reference for Peter, this is part of what I wrote: "I had enjoyed working alongside Peter since June 1986 and have come to appreciate his gifts, his approach to ministry and him as a person increasingly as time has gone by. "He is very intelligent and shrewd and yet manages to seem ordinary.* He likes to know clearly what is required of him and endeavours to follow that. He encourages us constantly to be clear about our aims, short and long term, and to stick to them. If he thinks that changes are necessary he does not hesitate to say so - but privately, in the right place, at the right time. "He has immersed himself in the small community of Holymoorside and under his ministry the small church has doubled in size. The whole mood there is now optimistic - a remarkable transformation... "Peter has also contributed considerably to the parish as whole, where there has been scope to use his other gifts, working particularly with young families in Family Services and leading the Healing Ministry Team. In the staff team he has contributed greatly, making it a real advantage to have been a bit "on the fringe of things", so that he can help us to see the wood for the trees. Often his ideas have been the ones that we have adopted..." He has done a first-rate job here. He shall remember a good preacher, a good story-teller, a good counsellor, a good husband and father, a good friend. We pray that God will bless Peter, Pauline and Robin and make them all really happy and useful to Him in Suffolk. Christopher Frith * When Peter saw this, he thought it should be the other way round: "He is very ordinary, and yet manages to seem intelligent and shrewd"!! Brian Porter will be the next Curate at St Peter's (October 1989 edition of the Church Magazine) We are delighted to announce the appointment of the Revd. Brian Porter to be our Curate based in Holymoorside. He hopes to move to Chesterfield by the end of the year, with his wife Barbara. Thus far, he had been a "non-stipendiary" minister at the same time as running a firm of builders and funeral directors in Plymouth. Brian and Barbara are youthful grand-parents. We await their arrival eagerly. Brian Porter Our New Curate Looks Forward to Coming to Holymoorside (December 1989 edition of the Church Magazine) ..It is an ordinary Working day in the middle of June. The weather at 7.OOam on the South Coast of Devon is already warm and sunny. The postman drops a couple of letters through the front door and passes on his way. "H'mmm... a letter from a Rector in Chesterfield....sounds a lively parish where is Chesterfield?...." So it was we first heard of the possibility of being part of God's work in Derbyshire, and this is usually how God communicates and calls and guides: in the, ordinary, in the routine, coming to. us where we are, perhaps when we least expect it. Encouraging, isn't it? The difficulties were to follow and in fact still continue: those of winding up a successful family business, begun three generations ago in 1908, and disposing of our family home; but we believe in God's time all the details will fall into place. Barbara and I were in our thirties when we were prompted to respond to God's love and place our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Radical changes occurred in our family life together. Eight years ago I was ordained into the non-stipendiary ministry at Exeter Cathedral and served in the large city-centre church where we had first come to faith. We are now part of the church family at St. Barnabas, Devonport, a lovely group of people who are a great encouragement to be with. Barbara, having been in banking in earlier years, is now a housewife - and proud of it! We have a daughter, Alison and a son, John, both married and each having baby daughters, so we have been sampling recently the joys of grandparenthood. We believe very much in the concept of the church being the Body of Christ, the family of God: a group of people called by God into community with all the joy and the pain of growing together; and together being a sign of God's Kingdom, present in a needy world. We look forward to being a part of your church family and of having the privilege of bringing our perspective of God's love to complement yours. Brian Porter Brian and Barbara Porter arrive at St Peter's (February 1990 edition of the Church Magazine) As we go to press, St. Peter's are at a highly significant stage. Brian and Barbara Porter have arrived and their ministry starts on Sunday 28th January. The Bishop of Derby is due to come to St. Thomas' on Thursday 1st February to license Brian. From Bishop Peter, Bishop of Derby (February 1992 edition of the Church Magazine)
It has put an immense amount of work on Bishop Henry, the other members of my Staff and my office, who have rallied round magnificently, to say nothing of my wife, on whom the heavy end has fallen. Please continue to support them. The Bishop's House is now on an answerphone as my wife is spending much time with me. The office will pass on to me any personal messages. My love to you all for Advent and my grateful thanks for all your concern, which has deepened the ties which bind us together in Christ. May God bless you all. Yours ever, Peter Derby Sheila Pite –Our Next Curate (April 1992 edition of magazine)
Trying to sum up 32 years in around 300 words is difficult but I'll attempt to give you some ideas about myself. I was ordained deacon on July 3rd 1988 in Derby Cathedral (3 months before Jonathan) and have worked since then at St. Augustine's in the multi cultural, inner city area of Derby. I've enjoyed mixing with people of all ages and backgrounds. Before Derby I lived in Stepney Green and went to a small church in Bethnal Green, while working in the civil service at West Ruislip. Yes I commuted for 3 years across London. From my involvement in that church I offered for ordination and trained at Oak Hill College, North London, (another 3 years). However, I'm not a Londoner and grew up in Worcester, where my parents still live in the house we moved to just before my 5th birthday. When I left school I went to West Kenya for a year as a volunteer teacher with CMS. Then I was at Durham University where I studied geography. John Cook and I were contemporaries at St. John's College, leaving in 1982. I like travelling and spent 16 weeks in East Africa in 1987, 5 weeks in India December 1990 January 1991 and 7 wet days in Israel this January on a pilgrimage. My sister and her family now live in Malaysia and I'm hoping to visit them as my holiday before starting in Chesterfield. Other likes include classical music (singing, playing the flute) reading novels, swimming, walking in the countryside, cycling round town, tea (weak) and most food. I call myself a low meat eater and I don't drink coffee and dislike cucumber and celery. Now isn't that just what you wanted to know about your future curate? It's going to be quite a change for me to become part of a large church fellowship but I'm looking forward to the move and to joining you all in September. See you then Yours Sheila Pite Jonathan Jee -an Appreciation (August 1992 edition of magazine)
As a colleague and friend, I shall miss Jonathan greatly. His teaching. His sharp brain. (Peter Allan, our former Curate, once shrewdly observed, "John Cook reads a lot. I think a lot. Jonathan seems to do both!") His sense of fun. His support during times of stress when I felt hopelessly over stretched. His greatest achievement, arguably, was the capture of Juliet. Just by being around, she has made such a lovely contribution to our church family, whether playing the oboe helping out in the office, teaching French, laughing at Thomas’ antics, washing up (she is undoubtedly the best washer up I have ever known) or just begin alongside Jonathan. Thomas, his son and heir, is unmistakably his. He has the same colouring, quick reactions, mischief, strong will and sheer lovability. We must be positive. It has been great having them. Rather than mourning their departure too much, we thank God for Jonathan, Juliet and Thomas and look forward to news of great things in Hinckley. Christopher Frith New Faces -Sheila Pite and Judith Henderson (August 1992 edition of magazine) On Sunday 6 September, we shall welcome two new members of Staff. Sheila introduced herself in our April/May issue. She will have the responsibility for overseeing all our children's and youth work. Judith is joining us as a Non-Stipendiary Minister (NSM). She will be primarily involved with St. Peter's and work among the elderly. Judith sends this introduction.
After a season of lodgers from Norway who were preparing for missionary work in Japan and South Africa, we were challenged to make something more of our freedom. (By this time neither of us had parents or dependent relatives). We went back to Pickenham the Eastern counties base for SU, to work for the Bible Ministries Department on a special project to build a relief map of the Holy Land on a piece of land behind the conference centre. We not only physically built it - cement mixing and all(!) - but we wrote illustrated guides for journeys through the land. During this time I returned to Cambridge, one day a week, to finish the diploma in Religious studies, I was not certain where it was going to lead, but my college principal was convinced that I ought to be ordained. I discovered that I was as old as you could be in the Norwich diocese, (to train!) - so it was a mad rush to get me through the system. Because of the diploma I was exempted from all but a few courses and I went back to Cambridge again for a one year residential training. I was ordained in 1989 and came to Sheringham as NSM curate. I have had a wonderful time in my three years here in Sheringham and I very much look forward to returning to Chesterfield. I have been involved with both ends of the age spectrum here, Mums and toddlers and the elderly (mostly those in residential care and nursing homes). The thing I will miss most is the sea! Last summer, for a brief period, we managed to swim every day. This year we swam several times before the end of June but the weather has defeated us so far in July. Judith Henderson Jonathan Jee says Thank You (October 1992 edition of magazine)
Thank you most of all for your love and friendship over the last four years. It really was a very happy curacy, and time will reveal just how much I learned from you all. Juliet and Thomas join me in sending our love. Do come and see us when you can. Thank you again, Jonathan A Lot can Happen in Thirty Years -Brian and Barbara Porter (March 1993 edition of Mustard Seed) In 1963, Brian Porter was happily involved in a small family business in Plymouth as a builder and funeral director. Barbara, his wife, had recently stopped work in a bank, looking after their two small children. Little did they guess what the future held. In 1973, Brian's father became Lord Mayor of Plymouth. All the family went to the Civic Service at St Andrew's church, which marked the start of his term of office. That triggered something off. Brian, Barbara and the children went back to church that evening and what impressed them particularly was the wonderful crowd of young people. Brian even gave up his Sunday morning golf in order to attend in future. Within five months, he had come to a decisive, personal faith in Jesus Christ. Barbara was more cautious. "We joined an adult confirmation group and were confirmed together," she explains. "But even then I wasn't quite sure. When we joined a home group, I could see how real Christianity was for the different members. I think that was what really helped me. It was a very gradual process of coming to faith." Brian and Barbara were soon roped in to help with the large Pathfinder group. Memories of that make them chuckle. "Within two or three months, we found ourselves in charge of the group, after the main leaders had left to be missionaries. We knew practically nothing about the Christian faith. We were literally just one step ahead of the group, teaching 70 or so eleven to fourteen year olds. Still, that's the best way to learn," says Brian. By 1983, there had been another major change. Brian had already done two years as an ordained, Church of England minister. He was non-stipendiary, continuing his building and funeral directing, while preaching and leading worship on Sundays. It was a busy life. Brian soon felt a strong desire to devote himself to serving ‘full-time’ as a clergyman. In 1993, Brian and Barbara are living and serving in Chesterfield. They moved up from Plymouth in January 1990 and Brian took on the role of curate at St Thomas'. He was based in Holymoorside to start with and now has main responsibility for St John's Walton. "It certainly is a very different life," says Brian. "I used to wonder how ministers managed to fill their week. Now I know! Time passes so quickly. There's so much happening, so much variety. Life in a building firm was varied, but this is even more so. I can honestly say that our three years in Chesterfield have been the most fulfiling of our whole lives." Looking back on their decision to accept the invitation to come up to Chesterfield, Brian and Barbara remember their conflicting feelings. On the one hand, they were excited and felt sure God was calling them. On the other hand, it meant stepping into the unknown and led 'to feelings of uncertainty and insecurity. This wasn't helped by the fact that Derbyshire is land locked and one of Brian's greatest joys was dinghy sailing in Plymouth Sound. However, with married children living in Plymouth, opportunities to sail are still available from time to time. Parishioners are delighted that Brian and Barbara, despite their cold feet, did agree to come. They bring an important fresh dimension to the life and witness of the churches. Responding to a Need -Brian Porter Seconded to Holy Trinity (October 1993 edition of magazine) Holy Trinity, Chesterfield are experiencing a prolonged vacancy and there have been difficulties over the appointment of a new Rector mostly stemming from the unsuitability of the Rectory. The Bishop has asked me if we would consider seconding a member of our staff, from September to December this year, to Holy Trinity. Our Staff Team and Standing Committee have unanimously agreed that we should respond positively. After much prayer, thought and discussion it has been agreed to release Brian Porter on temporary secondment to Holy Trinity, from Sunday 26th September for the rest of the year. It will be possible to "staff' all services in this parish, largely through the constant and generous help of Geoffrey Wilbourne. For the period of Brian's absence, Sheila Pite will become much more involved in the life and worship of St John's. The Bishop has expressed his gratitude to us, stressing that we must remember that God is no one's debtor. He can be trusted to provide all we need, as we seek to help a Church in great need of encouragement and support. I am confident that all our members will agree that we have made the right decision, especially as God has blessed us so richly. Please pray for Brian and Barbara, as Brian bravely launches out in response to an exciting challenge, and for our brothers and sisters at Holy Trinity. Christopher Frith Was this the Winter of Discontent? -Not for Brian Porter nor Holy Trinity (April 1994 edition of magazine) On the last Sunday in September 1993 as I prepared to lead worship at Holy Trinity Church, I stood at the front of the church looking at a congregation, most of whom I had not met until that morning . I remember asking the question: 'Here I am newly arrived in your midst, what aspect of your life together is likely to encourage me most during the months ahead.' Their answer was clear: love, they all said, our love for one another through God's love for us. So it proved in practice right from that first Sunday, I was welcomed warmly and very quickly drawn into the life of the parish: painting and decorating at the Church hall. ( within a fortnightly, visiting and enjoying fellowship at the various housegroups which meet week by week around Chesterfield and in everything being encouraged more than being an encourager. Perhaps the most memorable aspect of these months at Holy Trinity is the great enthusiasm of the people there for the Bible. God's Word is honoured; beautifully read in church; avidly followed during sermons; diligently searched in house groups and at prayer meetings and so obviously well known by so many. Out of this love of scripture flows a freedom in prayer. As I have reflected on this, there does seem to be a dynamic of prayer that as we pray back the scriptures together, we find we are listening to God at the deepest level of our hearts and I have enjoyed the privilege of rediscovering the joy of being drawn deep into the presence of God simply by listening to others praying in this way. Opportunities to share in a wide variety of informal activities during the Winter have been a delight. Monthly Wednesday Fellowship meetings (Prayer and Praise to us) at the Institute have been good times of learning together. On another level, the parish production of the pantomime - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs ( at least one was 6'-4") was brilliant and had the audience rolling in aisles, especially at the sight of the ladies of the parish (high kicking?) Chorus line! Everyone who took part was clear that the hard slog of preparation had drawn them closer together in a way that truly complemented the more spiritual activities in the life of the Church family. These months have been something of an emotional roller coaster: being removed from St Thomas' and St John's, becoming deeply involved with and committed to a group of people who are holding on faithfully until a new leader appears, and now, again being removed as they continue to wait. There are so many unresolved aspects in this whole episode that it is not possible to say 'mission accomplished! For me the next questions are how far have St Thomas' and St John's moved on in my absence and how long will it take to catch up? Perhaps we all need to turn back to scripture for reassurance. In my farewell letter to Holy Trinity I quoted from Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians: 'the God who calls you is faithful and he will do it.' (1 Thess.5 24) Can I encourage you to continue to pray for our brothers and sisters at Holy Trinity as they hold onto this promise. Brian Porter Thank God for our Retired Clergy (April 1994 edition of the Church Magazine) Three delightful and willing clergy are spending their retirement locally. They and their wives are all valued members of our congregations and they help us out frequently by leading services. Without their assistance it would not have been possible for Brian Porter to be loaned to Holy Trinity to help out during their long vacancy. Canon John Rollinson and his wife Evelyn have been with us since 1981. John was ordained in 1949 and has served parishes in the Diocese of Derby. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists and his playing has delighted us on many occasions, even on the little organ at St John's! They have 2 sons, 3 daughters & 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
We are so grateful to have them all with us. A warning: as the wives all have names beginning with 'E', take care not to muddle them up and pair them with the wrong husbands! Reflection on Three Short Months (August 1994 edition of the Church Magazine) Christopher Frith's Sabbatical, April to July 1994
1. Domestic Life Pam and I started with a wonderful holiday, celebrating our silver wedding, my 50th birthday and 25 years in the ordained ministry. We went to Antigua (as everyone seems to have heard!) and, yes, I was there when Brian Lara scored his historic 375 runs. He is a good batsman; if only he were English! Another highlight for us was attending Ruth and Jonty's graduation ceremonies. Like their father, neither of them looks entirely comfortable in robes, gowns, hoods and such like encumbrances! Sabbaticals give the opportunity to learn a new skill. Mine seems to have been supermarket shopping and operating the washing machine! Pam has had to continue struggling with her chronic post-viral fatigue, which started back in September during the Church Family Weekend, and it has been providential that I've been around more than usual. As I write, Pam's health seems to be improving slowly but steadily, thank God. The artistic ingredient has been fun. I've done a bit of sketching and Pam and I have had some water-colour lessons. We're slow learners and are still beginners! 2. Study First, I'll come clean: I didn't work as hard as I though I would. I found I couldn't study from 9 to 5 and I didn't find it easy. Having said that, however, I can say that I have loved my time in John's Gospel. I've listened to tapes of it being read when driving, unless there was a Test Match or Wimbledon to rival it. I've had four commentaries, chosen from literally hundreds which have been written. I've had a stimulating supervisor, Dr Mark Stibbe in Sheffield. I am still only scratching the surface of a profound, majestic book, but it has really been worth while. Two quotations have influenced my approach: "The mystery of Jesus Christ is the theme of this Gospel; always beyond us, yet always summoning us to explore it more fully." Bruce Milne "Ought we not to curb our self-interested desire to interrogate the text, and instead let the text interrogate us?" Stephen Barton The author of the Gospel gives his statement of purpose near the end. "These are written that you may BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have LIFE in his name" (John 20:31). I have sought to pursue these two fundamental concepts of belief and the life which results from it. Before long, I hope to preach a series of sermons on these. 3. Work Shadowing I gave a week to seeing what life was like at work for various church members. I had nearly twenty invitations but could only accept seven. I sought to find out what gave them satisfaction, what particular pressures they felt and of what kind of support they felt in need. Each one was doing an impressively conscientious professional job and I find I have an increased respect for them all. Nearly all are required to work too hard -a sign of the times when people either have no job or that of at least 1'/2 people. There is an unhealthy "over-competitiveness" about. Finance looms large for most. I have written a fuller report and would gladly show it to anyone interested. 4. Worship I have been able to attend 13 churches of various denominations and have found this stimulating. Most Sunday evenings I have worshipped with the same congregation - Christ Church, Fulwood, Sheffield - and the best thing about that has been to hear the Bible so well and clearly expounded. That above all is the key to Fulwood being such a large church, reaching out to so many and sending a huge number of mission partners all over the world. In each church which I attended, I looked for two dimensions in the worship, asking how real and how newcomer-friendly it was. In addition, I noted particular features and evidence of on-going church life. I now look forward to worshipping God in our own churches again. On my visits, I rarely heard the Scriptures read as well as they are at home; neither were there as many lay people involved in leading and contributing to services. I went on a quiet retreat at Launde Abbey in Leicestershire. The beautiful surroundings and glorious weather made the experience a delight although the corporate worship was uninspiring. I have not found that prayer has become any easier. Undoubtedly, the biggest problem is not that of finding time to pray. Why am I so reluctant to pray when I find it such a blessing? There is more to this than meets the eye. Talk of spiritual battles and "his infernal majesty" makes more sense than it used to. Before the sabbatical, the Diocesan In-Service Training Advisor wrote to me saying "I hope you will give God a chance to reach you in all of this". Looking back over 13 short weeks, I think he has refreshed and renewed me. I am profoundly grateful to Him for that. Many, many thanks are also due to my colleagues Sheila, Brian, Judith and Philip who have covered so many extra responsibilities, to Julia who has dealt with all the correspondence, to the whole Church family who have given me the space I have needed and never pestered me and especially to my own family; Pam, Sarah and Daniel have answered all the phone calls and saved me from getting sucked into the old routine. I am grateful. Christopher Frith Welcome Back Brain and Barbara Porter (December1994 edition of the Church Magazine) Will Brian and Barbara Porter have picked up Australian accents? We look forward greatly to having them with us again from Sunday 11th December. It will be good to hear about their experience in the Sydney Diocese. Bishop Peter, Bishop of Derby, is to Retire (April 1995 edition of the Church Magazine)
It will be a great wrench to retire. My wife and I came to the Derby Diocese and Derbyshire hardly knowing either well. We have been made very welcome, and the ties for our part have become very close. Clergy retiring in good health have the privilege, not usually open to others, of continuing the ministry for which they were ordained. In most parts of the country, including Derbyshire, there is scope for retired clergy to help without holding any official office. Meanwhile, there are still six months to go and, while I start to consider all that goes with retirement and moving house, I intend to seek to fulfil the commission given to me at my Consecration during this time. The search for my successor begins immediately. The most important way in which everyone can participate is to make this a matter of constant prayer." Peter Derby Our New Curate, Peter Wilkinson (June 1995 edition of the magazine) Peter Wilkinson writes:
Julia works for Christians in Sport co-ordinating all their student work, which she'll continue to do part time for at least another year. We both look forward to joining you in July. Peter The True Story of Sheila and Don (June 1995 edition of the Church Magazine) I'm not really a 'dark horse' but I wanted to get used to the idea myself, as well as give you all a surprise on Easter Sunday when my engagement to Don Stevenson was announced.
To return to the story, Don came to Tideswell last May and was at the ordination celebration in St. John's Church Centre afterwards. However, it was only later in the summer -September, to be precise when we began to correspond and our first weekend together was just before I went to Nepal for nearly four weeks. Due to our work, our time together since then has been limited, but we thank God for the way He has brought us together. Now we are excited about the future and are very much looking forward to our wedding day, Saturday the 22nd of July. We hope that many people will join us for the service at 1pm in St. Thomas' and to praise God together -so please come. Once in Bedford I expect to be attached to a parish as a non stipendiary minister and do some further studying, as well as continuing as a tutor with St. John's Extension Studies and being involved a little with Don at Bedford School. Much has happened these past twelve months and we continue to look to God to lead us in the coming months and years ahead. Sheila Pite Comings and Goings (August 1995 edition of the Church Magazine) Welcome to Peter and Julia Wilkinson
Brian and Barbara Porter Are moving to Amsterdam. Brian has been appointed Assistant Chaplain of Christ Church. Amsterdam with Heiloo, to start in the middle of September. After lengthy convalescence, following a successful operation. Brian is making excellent progress and should resume work in August. Sheila and Don Stevenson Following their wedding on 22 July, will be in the parish on Sundays on 13th and 201h August. Then they will living in Bedford. If you can't get used to her new surname Sheila won't mind; she is rather attached to the name Pite! There will be a farewell to Brian and Barbara, and Sheila and Don on Sunday 20 August, during and after the 6.30pm Service. A New Curate, Peter (and Jules) Wilkinson (September 1995 edition of the Mustard Seed) From the dreaming spires of Oxford to the ferment of South Africa, then on to a hospice in London and a filling station In Derbyshire. Add three years of training at Theological college in Cambridge - and you have had the many and varied experiences which have prepared Peter Wilkinson for the new life he and his wife Julia hive been called to in Chesterfield. For Peter, the move to Brampton as the new curate at St Thomas' marks a return to his Derbyshire roots, having been brought up in the south of the county. He is delighted to be back in his native Shire - and Derbyshire's central position should also be a useful base for Julia's work as student co-ordinator for Christians in Sport. She travels to universities and colleges all over the country with the organisation which encourages and supports athletes and sports people with a faith in Jesus. But while Julia and Pete share a love of sport, they see their main goal as making the Good News of God's love and compassion known among the people of our parish. "At Oxford, people had all kinds of opinions about what God was like but they were really just guessing. I was struck then that if Jesus is who he claimed to be - God - then the guessing is over. God has made himself known to us through Jesus - and He wants us to know Him, too," Peter told Mustard Seed. That deepening conviction about the truth of the Christian message while he was at Oxford started Peter thinking about his future. "I began to think about doing Christian work full time - partly because for me, maths and philosophy didn't seem to lead anywhere at all !" After graduating in 1989, Peter took up the opportunity of a year's Christian work among students in Johannesburg. And what a year! Nelson Mandela was released from prison, the first glimmers of the end of apartheid were beginning to appear and Peter was in the stadium when the ANC held it's first major rally for more than a decade, in the black township of Soweto. "At the beginning of that year the Botha regime was clamping down with riot police and tear gas, it was very exciting having come from staid Oxford. And later on, when Nelson Mandela was welcomed at the Soweto rally, it was an emotional occasion, certainly for me, but much more so for the South Africans." At the end of the year Peter had decided that full time Christian work was for him and, back in England, he made the first moves towards applying for training for the Anglican ministry. While going through the stages of being selected for training, he worked in a hospice at Clapham in South London and then earned his keep in a petrol station at Glossop so that he could help out in a local church. Then it was back to studies, three years at Ridley Hall Theological College in Cambridge, during which he met and married Julia, who was by now with Christians in Sport. Bristol born and bred, Julia first came into contact with CIS during her PE training at Exeter University. A good all rounder at most sports at. school and a junior county squad tennis player, she was asked to start a CIS group at Exeter but wasn't at all convinced it would work. "I thought Exeter was just too pagan a place! I remember praying “If I have to do this, God, you have to provide someone to help me'. I thought that would get me off the hook because there was no obvious person to do it." God's answer came pretty quickly- in the burly frame of a rugby player who said he would love to help Julia to set up a group. They hired a room for a meeting and to Julia's amazement 20 people turned up. Her experience in setting up the group, Bible studies and "learning masses about God and being a Christian" prompted Julia, towards the end of her training course, to question whether she would go straight into teaching or take some time out for Christian service. She sought advice from various people, among them Andrew Wingfield-Digby, director of Christians in Sport. He told Julia he would love her to work for CIS - and for the past four years she has overseen the organisations links with around 500 members in 50 different colleges and universities. But when she's not on the road Julia sees herself as " a normal member of St Thomas', struggling along with everyone else to be holy and learn more about God. I hope to make lots of friends, play plenty of squash - and I hope it soon feels like home." "We're Following Jesus" -Brian and Barbara Porter (August 1995 edition of the Church Magazine) "Where is Chesterfield?'' I remember writing these words from Plymouth as we introduced ourselves to the parish in the Autumn of 1989. Now almost six years later, the question we have had to ask is "Heiloo Where is Heiloo?" Many of you will know by now that we are to move to the Netherlands shortly where I am to be a Chaplain to the English speaking people in Amsterdam and North Holland, an area 25 miles north of the city which includes the towns of Heiloo and Alkmaar. We expect to be living in Alkmaar. The initial invitation to join the Chaplaincy came as long ago as January but had to be placed on `hold' due to the surgery that I suddenly and unexpectedly required. We are grateful to the Chaplaincy Councils in the Netherlands for being prepared to wait for me to get fit again. We shall be working under the aegis of the Intercontinental Church Society. Intercon, as it is known, has had a ministry among English speaking people abroad since 1823 and it will be a privilege to be part of this ongoing evangelical ministry. Our feelings as we prepare to leave St Thomas' are inevitably mixed. We arrived in the parish from Plymouth where I had been a non-stipendiary minister for ten years, a role which had run parallel to being a director of our family building business. We came to Chesterfield very conscious of God's Calling. Now as we look back over the five and a half years we feel confirmed in that calling, even though in many ways God's plans for us proved to be quite different from our expectations! We have learned much; enjoyed real warmth of fellowship in many areas of the life of the parish not least within the Staff Team, where life with Christopher and Pam has always been refreshing and fulfilling and sometimes hilarious. Leaving a place such as St Thomas' where above all else the name of Jesus Christ is exalted and where we have been privileged to make many friendships brings a sense of real sadness. We believe, however, that God has placed before us a new opportunity to serve, to which we have to respond. So off we go, thanking God for each one of you, for your support and encouragement of our ministries and asking Him to bring rich blessings upon all you seek to do in His Name. Brian and Barbara Porter Fond Farewells (October 1995 edition of the magazine) Losing one member of staff is unfortunate. To lose two on the same day seems careless in the extreme! Yet, St Thomas' is used to the coming and going of assistant clergy. We learn to treasure them while they are with us and rejoice with them when they are called to other things. Brian and Barbara Porter did not have the easiest of five and a half years with us . Both of them had considerable ill health. They had a somewhat unsettled time, moving about from Holymoorside to Walton, from Holy Trinity, Chesterfield to Durai, Sydney, N.S.W. However, in each situation, there were those who were blessed by Brian and Barbara's ministry together and especially in St Thomas', where the 6.30pm congregation especially appreciated Brian's sensitive leading of worship, Barbara's musical contribution and their prayer ministry together. They leave many memories and many friends - and we rejoice that Chesterfield is still their home and they hope to return in three years time. Sheila Pite, now transformed into Sheila Stevenson of course, likewise made a considerable mark during her three years with us. It wasn't just the red shoes, the brightly coloured stoles and the bicycle. It was her unique approach to ministry and to life.
Our love, gratitude and prayers are with Brian and Barbara and Sheila and Don as they face new challenges. Christopher Frith Welcome Bishop Jonathan (December 1995 edition of the Church Magazine)
Introducing Tina and Andy Broom (February 1996 edition of the Church Magazine) Andy is to be our new Curate responsible for St John's in May.
I continued to live nearby in Stoke while Tina finished her degree. I was unemployed for a while, then worked with Social Services and in a couple of youth Centres. I also had a year as a Lay Assistant in a Church there. After that we moved down to Bristol, for 3 years at Trinity College. We both enjoyed our time there. I learned a lot at College not only about theology but also about myself. "And did you work in Bristol, Tina?" Yes, I did for a charity called Community Service Volunteers. The job involved placing young offenders on voluntary work schemes. "And then to All Saints Wellington in Telford as their Curate, Andy." All Saints has been a good place to be a Curate. It's a growing Church with a varied life and ministry. The parish itself is very mixed -based on the old market town of Wellington but with considerable new housing. I've had a good vicar who's given me the opportunity to have a variety of responsibilities and experiences. It's been a very happy three and a half years. We shall be sad to leave but are very excited at the prospect of moving to Chesterfield and to St. John's in particular. "Tina, how do you both like to spend any spare time you have?" The children seem to take up most of it! I do attend a dance class and enjoy having a go at patchwork, quilting, embroidery, that sort of thing. I'm no expert though. We enjoy getting out together to the cinema or theatre. Andy enjoys sport, especially watching his beloved Norwich City! "And what about the children -do they have anything to add?" Daniel: I was 3 but now I've finished being 3 and I am 4. Chloe: Daniel go to school in Chesterfield. Welcome to the Brooms (April 1996 edition of the magazine) Our long awaited Curate responsible for St John's is coming! Andy, Tina, Daniel and Chloe Broom are assured of a big welcome. In fact, many can't wait for them to be living and working amongst us. There will be a WELCOME SERVICE for them right in the middle of the Cup Final at 3.30pm on Saturday 11 May, in St John's Church Centre. It wouldn't have happened then if Norwich City had been in the final! We do believe in miracles but that might have stretched even Andy's faith, anyway! We look forward to welcoming a large contingent from All Saints', Wellington on this occasion, as they come to say their sad farewells and to see something of Andy and Tina's near challenge. We shall have a special speaker, the Revd Tom Johnson from Ashover. The occasion will usher in a new era in the life of our parish. Pete Wilkinson is to be Ordained (June 1996 edition of the Church Magazine)
Remembering Revd. Vyvyan Watts-Jones (August 1997 edition of the Church Magazine) I first met Vyv when he was in the final year of his ministry at St. Thomas'. There will, therefore be many here who knew this part of his life much better than I and will have so many reasons to remember him with affection and gratitude. For example, several people have told me that he "brought a breath of life to the Church", that he encouraged lay participation, and that he instituted 'special' services like Healing, Youth, Memorial, and Mothering Sunday. He started a number of pastoral support and prayer groups. After much research, he introduced the Australian Hymn Book we still use. He was, as one lady told me, "keen on outreach", particularly to the young. He left a lively and viable church, a foundation on which Christopher has been able to build. Denys and I have been close friends of Gill and Vyv for the last thirteen years -the years of his retirement, and it is of: those years I would like to write. Perhaps retirement is the wrong word for Vyv. He worked tirelessly during this time for 'Cruse' being President of the Chesterfield Branch for some time. He wrote many articles, he attended a wide variety of courses. He wrote and preached many sermons. He was always available to help anyone in distress. He had a passionate sense of fairness and justice, and campaigned vigorously for individuals and institutions he felt had been treated unfairly. Vyv was a witty and extremely well informed conversationalist. Like many such, however, he had little 'small talk' and some may have thought him rather distant. Nothing could be further from the truth. He was a warm, generous and friendly man who listened when you talked to him and then gave a considered answer. But music was Vyv's great and abiding joy. Almost to the very end he (sometimes with great difficulty) attended concerts of every kind. One of my last memories of him was when we took him in his wheelchair to the City Hall in Sheffield to hear the Halle Orchestra. Towards the end of his life, he found he could no longer physically play his piano and this distressed him. Retirement did not give him good heath. He suffered many afflictions (some grievous). He was in and out of hospital many times. He was often in great pain and discomfort, but he never let this prevent him leading a very full life filled with friends who enjoyed being with him. In this he had one priceless advantage, the deep love and constant support of Gill. Gill has many gifts denied to most of us. Her warmth, her amazing energy, and her single minded devotion enabled Vyv to enjoy a fruitful and very meaningful retirement. Despite the years of pain, Vyv was granted a wondrous boon at the very last. He died reconciled, peacefully, without pain, and with his family present. Joyce Crowther Christopher Frith's words about Viv can be read in his August 1997 Rector's Letter. Pete and Julia Wilkinson are Leaving (June 1998 edition of the Church Magazine)
Julia's tremendous gift of hospitality will be remembered for years to come, as will her befriending of some of the younger wives and perceptive Bible study with them. We really will miss Pete and Jules as well as Ellie and Barney, their gorgeous children. We thank God for them and commend them to Him as they go forward to and exciting opportunity. Christopher Frith From Our New Curate, Petra Owen (June 1998 edition of the Church Magazine)
I am looking forward to getting to know everyone, sharing our lives together and working as one for the sake and love of the Lord our God and His people. Yours in Christ Petra Owen Petra is to be ordained in Derby Cathedral on Sunday 28 June at 10.45am. Revd C J C Frith as an Honorary Canon (April 1999 edition of the magazine) The collation and installation of the Revd C J C Frith as an Honorary Canon of Derby Cathedral
The Bishop sat on his throne in front of the chancel screen and told us that the cathedral did not have an OHP and that we would be asked not to join in when the choir sang an anthem. He had obviously reached the conclusion that an OHP makes a congregation madly participative. Christopher arrived under heavy escort, two men with sticks (cathedral wardens) and a man and a lady with sticks (St Thomas' warden and assistant warden). Assisted by a legal gentleman with a wig, Christopher had to make a number of promises relating to helping the bishop through the work of the cathedral and he was then allowed to go and sit with his family. Evensong started with the cathedral choir leading us and including in the service some of 'our' more modern hymns/songs. The lessons were those for Lent which related to penitence, but also to following God's way more closely. During the service the Bishop informed the Provost (why does Derby Cathedral have a Provost and not a Dean?) that Christopher was quite a good chap and had made a number of promises. Christopher then had to come out and make some more promises to the Provost, many of which appeared to have to do with looking after the rights and privileges of the cathedral. Two splendidly robed residentiary canons then seized Christopher by his elbows and took him to his very own Canon's stall in the cathedral as if to show he was one of the boys now. At some stage in these proceedings Christopher had received his canon's cloak, a rather splendid affair slightly on the olive side of British racing green. He has to keep it at the cathedral though. The Provost preached about how Christopher's position as canon would be both of benefit to the cathedral and to St Thomas through better communication of ideas and cross fertilisation of the things we find helpful. He did also say that the cathedral was looking towards revising the promises canons have to make so that more is said of the cathedral's function in service and less of its rights and privileges. But it's the Anglican church and these things take a long time. So at the end of the service we were presented with Canon Christopher Frith duly collated and installed and we were able to give him a round of applause. The cathedral went out of their way to make us welcome, the music (of all traditions) was great and a good Anglican cup of tea was provided at the end. We all enjoyed the service. It's ritual was fascinating, if sometimes arcane. It revealed the complex workings of the Anglican church and the rather odd relationship between a diocesan bishop and the semi independent group that runs his cathedral. And it gave Christopher an ecclesiastical pat on the back which is richly deserved. Robin Dawson Judith Henderson to Retire -Quite Soon (October 1999 edition of the Church Magazine)
An Amazing Ministry (December 1999 edition of the Church Magazine)
Secondly, Judith has been devoted to the church - the body of Christ working, praying, and teaching so that it might be built up. The steady growth of St Peter's bears testimony to this. Thirdly she has been part of the village community of Holymoorside, a friend to everyone, involved up to and over her eyebrows. Children at the school have particularly loved her, and so have parents and tots, so have elderly folk - and so have I (from a couple of miles down the road). I know no one like Judith. Like many in our parish I praise God for her. May her retirement to Dorset be long, happy, fruitful - and not too busy! Thank you so much, Judith - God bless you.
Salute to two Archbishops (October 2000 edition of the Church Magazine) In recent months the Church of England has lost, as far as this world goes, two distinguished Archbishops of Canterbury. We do well to honour their memory, for in their very different ways they both served our Church exceedingly well in the last quarter of the twentieth century.
Thank God for Donald Coggan.
Thank God for Robert Runcie. May they both rest in peace. Michael Perham, Dean of Derby Geoffery Wilbourne -Moving On (June 2001 edition of the Church Magazine) Not only is our Curate, Petra Owen, leaving us. One of our much valued retired clergy, the Revd Geoffrey Wilbourne, is also on the move.
From North Wales to Holymoorside -Alex and Pat Simpson (October 2001 edition of magazine)
After 3 years rest and only being used occasionally in local churches he was beginning to feel fit and a little frustrated. Mary then asked had we considered a House for Duty post. We had never heard of this. So the following day we ordered the Church of England newspaper, and there was the advert for St. Peter's. I persuaded Alex to ring and ask for a job description and application form. Pam Frith answered the phone and said Christopher would be in touch. A few hours hater Christopher rang and spoke to Alex. Things seemed to be moving at a very fast pace. We were invited down to meet Christopher and Pam and a few people from St: Peter's. After talking to Christopher and Pam, we made our way over to St. Peter's to meet the "DCC". We were both feeling quite apprehensive - no need - we were met by some of the friendliest people you could wish to meet. They made us feel so welcome and asked us about ourselves and why we wanted to come, but in such a friendly way. The following morning on our way home before we arrived in Wales we both knew that St. Peter's was where we were meant to be. Christopher and St. Peter's must have thought so too and we were offered the job and accepted. The people of St. Peter's had been working very hard on Rose Cottage so that we had a delightful home to move into and so on 28th April 2001 we arrived to be greeted by Joy with tea, coffee and biscuits. There is not much more to say except that this feels like home. We can hardly remember living elsewhere and have decided to live here forever - God willing - and we would like to say a great big THANK YOU to St. Peter's for welcoming us so warmly. We have arrived home to so many friends. Pat Simpson Moving to the USA -Petra Owen (July 2001 edition of Mustard Seed) Petra Owen has been a much loved Curate of St Thomas'. With her Welsh lilt, long hair, infectious laughs and genuinely loving concern for everyone, she is an asset to any community. After three years she is moving on. She has been appointed to a post in Federal Way, Washington State, USA. She will be responsible for the youth and children's work, and the teaching of all age groups, of a church there. Many will miss her greatly. Introducing Robin and Eileen Balch (February 2002 edition of the Church Magazine) An interview by Julie Lomas
Robin: In 1976 we moved south to a parish in S E London and served God and the people of the Parish in the district of Erith for 17 years - not dissimilar to the situation Christopher and Pam have found themselves in! Our eldest daughter, Katherine, came to Sheffield to study medicine, followed two years later by Jenny, who is a chip off the old block and trained in chemistry like her father. Sine the late 80s then, we have been travelling up and down the MI to Sheffield. We reached a point where we knew we needed to move on, and spent a while looking around, considering different ideas, until out of the blue we received a phone call from the Bishop of Lewis asking us to consider something quite different - could we go to Sussex to minister in the Fairlight area, a country area of mainly retired people, there were 5 buildings and 3 different parishes. It was very hard work to start with but we saw the Lord bless the work as children s work grew, building were reordered, we ran Alpha courses, people were added to the church. Julie: you say that 1999 was a significant year for you - what happened? Robin: In 1999 two things happened on the same day which changed a lot of things - firstly, our first grandchild was born at lam on at 23.8.99, and later that day her great -grandmother (Eileen's mother) passed away. The sale of her house enabled us to think about moving closer to the family, and so we looked at returning to Sheffield. But God had other plans! He brought us instead to Chesterfield, where we stumbled upon St Thomas' (although we had heard of it, and knew of the Friths but had not met them before), and bumped into Christopher - and so began a process which took nearly two years of "unpicking" ourselves from Sussex, buying a property and then finally moving into Whitecotes Park in November 2001. Julie: Eileen, having experienced so much over the years, how do you find God speaks to you? Eileen: in a variety of ways - certainly through His word as I read the Bible, but also as I walk along and am contemplating something, or through my conscience. Often God speaks to me through other people, and there have been a few occasions during my life when I have been aware of something at a specific moment of need. Julie: We had fun with my next question - I asked you both to imagine you were on a desert island, and your Bible had been torn apart in a storm, but three books remained intact - one from the Old Testament, a Gospel and a New Testament book - which would you want and why? Eileen: For me, I would want the Psalms, because they are poetry and I love poetry. My Gospel choice would be John's gospel, because I think I can remember a lot from the other three, but Johns would give me a lot to think about, especially the °I am" sayings. And I would love to have Paul's letter to the Philippians - it is so personal, loving and encouraging. Robin: Well, I too would want the Psalms, and John's gospel (no we didn't collaborate on this answer!) and I would love to have the letter to the Romans as for me it captures the heart of the gospel. Julie: How do you spend you "free" time? Robin: I have lots of interests, music (I play keyboard and accordion), sport (one of my son - in - laws is very interested as well) and I paint, mostly oils but I am also exploring watercolours. Eileen: I am currently involved in getting the house how we want it; I am making the most of now being just half an hour from my two grand-daughters (Rebekah - 2 and a half, and Abigail, - 4 months), and I enjoy poetry. Julie: My final question - how are you (and Henry the cat!) settling in, and what do you think God wants now? Eileen: It has been hard moving again - it doesn't get any easier! But I am getting to grips with where things are, who to contact, and enjoy exploring the area. As for next steps - I am a Lay Reader, and enjoy that ministry, and you may well see me in that role here, but I am taking things very slowly for at least our first six months to settle in, and work out what is right. Robin: I love the house; it is great being nearer the family, and lovely to have found fellowship in the churches in the area. I feel God has brought us here for a purpose and I am happy to do whatever I can to support His mission. As for Henry the cat - he is just fine - he is a very large cat, with a very large personality and he has made himself quite at home! Julie: thank you both for answering all these questions - we are so pleased you have moved here and look forward to getting to know you both much better. Farewell Interview Christopher Frith (July 2002 edition of Mustard Seed) Christopher Frith says goodbye to St Thomas' Parish on Sunday 1st September at a special farewell service at 6.30pm. Ten days later, he will become a Vicar in Derby at St Michael and All Angels, Alvaston. Mustard Seed has some questions for the departing Rector of St Thomas'.
We have a hunch that it is what God wants, having prayed quite a bit. If that's the case, we want to go with it. A number of people agree it's time for a change. If we don't move now, I will have to stay on till I retire. That would mean St Thomas' having the same Rector for 25 years - rather too long in this day and age. The Church needs the stimulus of fresh leadership. They have had 17 years of me as it is! And there are those who think I need a fresh challenge and so common sense indicates that a move is a good idea. How does your wife feel about it? Like me, very sad. It will mean leaving so many friends behind - and the wonderful countryside. But Pam, as always, is such an encouragement and she gladly accepts that it is right to move to Alvaston and like me is rather excited about the fresh challenge. We wouldn't be going if it wasn't a joint decision. Pam has had to battle with M.E. for much of our time in Chesterfield and it hasn't been at all easy. She is quite a bit better now and we pray that the upheaval and hard work of moving won't set her back. What outstanding memories will you have of St Thomas'? First it has been amazing to have shared in the special, deep experiences of so many families, especially the grief of bereavement and the joy of marriage. Regarding St Thomas', I will always think of the wonderful people - it's been a privilege to live and work among them. We have seen many of them come to faith in Jesus Christ during our time here and that has been very special indeed. I have never come across a church containing so much-variety. There is the traditional part although it isn't quite as solemn and dignified as some would like. There is the contemporary part but, likewise, not as up-to-date as some would choose. There is plenty for the young and young at heart and yet older people are so much part of St. Thomas'. There are connections all over the world and a real heart for what we call "world mission". I shall always treasure memories of tremendous generosity. When there has been a project requiring finance, we have had a gift day. I'm bad at maths but I guess that over £1m have been given in the last 15 or so years. The outstanding thing so far has been the building of the Church Centre at St John's, Walton, but we have also extended St Peter's, Holymoorside and that is beautiful completely reordered St Thomas' and created a new Garden of Remembrance. It has all stemmed from direct giving. Now, St Thomas' is about to grasp the nettle of replacing inadequate portacabins with a permanent extension aiming for much better facilities for children and young people, and much more community involvement. There are at least two other things that I must mention . First, St John's, Walton growing so much that it is now independent rather than part of St Thomas' parish. Secondly, the inspiring Vision Statement we have had for the last two years "SHARE THE LOVE OF JESUS" Has it been an easy job being Rector of St Thomas'? No. Why not? Well, I am acutely conscious of not doing a good job at all. There have been two main problems. One has been sheer busyness - there has usually been too much to do. The other has been the way in which St Thomas' has, from time to time, found it hard to agree. It stems from a real strength: such an extraordinary range of people makes up the church. I have striven hard to hold varying ideas, approaches and people together but there have been times when it has led to failure. That is acutely painful. I guess there has been a third problem there are a lot of things I'm not very good at and people expect a Rector to be omni-competent! Through it all, however, God has continually provided renewed energy, comfort and encouragement by being so very real. Whenever there are problems, there is Jesus Christ right in the middle. It makes quite a difference! What are your family up to now? For a change, none of them are in Africa and they are all in England at the moment! They're all serving God in different ways. I'll start with the youngest. Dan is studying music at the University of Surrey and involved in leading musical worship in a large church in Guildford. Sarah is about to graduate in Law with French at Birmingham and will be at Law School there next year. Jonty has just become a father and is a clergyman - the 7th consecutive generation of Friths to be ordained! He is Chaplain of Cranleigh School, near Guildford. Ruth is expecting her second child any day now, and lives in Reading. Her husband Paul works for TEARFUND, being responsible for much of its development and relief work in Africa. Finally, how do you think you will adapt to life in Derby? We started married life in Crookes in Sheffield, and then lived and worked in Manchester for 14 years. So we're used to city life. But the upheaval of moving and leaving so many friends in Chesterfield will be hard. It would be great if readers would pray for us. With God's help, it will be ok! From the Frith Family (October 2002 edition of the Church Magazine)
We continue to praise our God "on every remembrance of you". We love you, Christopher, Pam, Sarah and Daniel Hello from America -Petra Owen -former curate in our parish (April 2003 edition of the Church Magazine) Wow! Hasn't time flown by. I have now been in the States 18 months, incredible to believe eh? And at times it has felt like an age, other times I feel as if I will return to St. Thomas' after a holiday.
I am also involved in some diocesan work. There is a full youth program for the youth of the diocese to come together for weekends. I have been asked to join the diocesan evangelism team. I am also working with a woman pastor from Chicago on a new church for the generation x and y. It is slowly making progress but is innovative and much of our work is to educate the churches about change and provision for this absent group. I have also had the chance of being involved in a televised Eucharist for the home bound. Preaching to a camera and imagining that it is a congregation was quite a challenge but a great experience none the less. So much is happening and it is a privilege to see God working in the lives of His people. A highlight of my time here has to be when I get friends from home coming to stay with me. How great it was to spend time with Yvetta and Sophie Jacques, Claire Simmons, Lindsey Leteve, Diana Mellor, Amanda Lamb and Jonathon Ralphs.To have James Pyatt and Suzanne Foan with me for many months was awesome. It was great to see what God is doing in their lives too and the Church of the Good Shepherd Family consider them very much part of the family too and miss them. To try and see what God is calling people to do and to discover their gifts and enable them to use them is SO important to the lives of God's people and the health of the body, the church. Training up some of our youth here has been a joy, and Brandon Brewer having the opportunity to come to the UK and be with you has been wonderful. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for looking after him so well. I knew I was sending him to a safe, warm, loving family, my family. And that is what you remain to me. I know there have been many changes and will be in the future but whatever comes to each one of us, you will never fail to be dear to my heart and I still miss you VERY much. Remember if you ever want to come and see the BEAUTIFUL North West, with its mountains, islands, whales, and so much more then feel free to come. It would be so cool to have you here. A big hug, lots of love, laughter, and prayers, Petra Alex and Pat Simpson are Leaving (April 2007 edition of the Church Magazine) Alex is our Non-Stipendiary Minister at St Peter’s Holymoorside After six years of ministry at St Peter’s, Alex and Pat will be leaving to move to Norwich. Alex says: “As some of you know, Pat and I have been thinking of moving to Norwich to be near our family. Without really looking for it, a property came up in Norwich that is perfect for our purposes. We have enjoyed our six years at St Peter’s and in this village very much, and people have been very kind to us. It will be sad to leave so excellent a congregation and we would like to thank you for your generous friendship.” Alex and Pat Thank you Alex and Pat for all you have done at St Peter’s and in Holymoorside. May God’s blessing be on you both. Six Years at St Peter's and in Holymoorside (June 2007 edition of the Church Magazine) Alex Simpson looks back at his six years in Holymoorside and forward to starting life in Norwich.
I have preached more frequently in this House for Duty job than I ever did in my last full time post. I have counted over 450 sermons in the six years. How can a person have so much to say, and how can the same congregation carry on listening. Then I think of the way that attitudes can change over time and after much pastoral contact with people. I will not miss all the nervous tension that I always feel when conducting services and preaching and with the thought of impending retirement I am already sleeping better. In St Peter’s we have received far more than we have given, friendship and fellowship are really good at St Peter’s and Pat and I have been offered lots of both, for which we are very grateful. For a townie, having worked and lived in East and West London for 67 years I have found village life wonderful. Such a contrast in atmosphere and the fact that there isn’t much about your life that is not known by everyone is, to me very comforting, a bit like being known by God. Another aspect of this village compared with a church I had in East London is that here, people want to stay, indeed Holymoorside is a very popular village and many others would come if there were houses for them. In Hackney, East London I served on a housing estate where 90% of the tenants had requests in for a transfer to somewhere else. It is not easy to build a church in such a place where everyone wants to leave. Hackney is where I was converted and my then Vicar actually did it, he built a thriving congregation in which I became a Christian, a Warden, a Lay Reader and then an NSM and finally an incumbent. John Pearce drew more people into the ministry than any man I know. Pat and I are at that time of life when we think it would be good to live near one of our children. My ideal would be to live in the same street as all my children and grandchildren, but circumstances have moved all four of them in different directions, to Hitchin, Bracknell, Huddersfield and Norwich. We will also be free of a mortgage again when we move, which means we will not have to think each month about interest rates. I aim to finish my autobiography, not for publication but just to let the grandchildren know something of their origins. I also want to try my hand at cooking. I am sure it will be successful with my able assistant Pat. I also intend to join the Julian Society and Douglas my son, wants me to help him build a workshop. I have recently been told that the parish I will be living in, and the Anglican church that I will probably attend has lost a clergy person who will not be replaced. Pat, my manager as well as my assistant cook has already said that the first words on our lips are going to be ‘no’! We shall see. One has to keep one’s hand in. St Peter’s and the people of Holymoorside have been very good for me and very good to me. I should like to thank them and let them know we shall miss them very much. Prayer will continue. Alex and Pat Simpson Thank you Alex and Pat (June 2007 edition of the Church Magazine) Adrian Marsden-Jones writes on behalf of the members of St Peter’s. It is difficult to write about Alex purely as our minister at St. Peter’s for the past six years, for in truth his ministry is much wider than this. Because he is so approachable and recognises the good (and faults) in each one of us he is loved and valued by the community as well. Who else could start the morning service with “Hang on a minute, I’ve forgotten my specs!” or “Welcome on this lovely day. Well, at least it was a just few moments ago!” “If you really want to experience true worship, then go and watch Arsenal playing!” We can all relate to this. The children are enthralled by their few special moments with him each Sunday and will miss his scruffy, loveable Edward the bear greatly, but in truth his message was often more pertinent to us grown-ups. This typifies his all-embracing ministry. Let me give you some more examples: -After our last ‘Miracle Play’ in church on Maundy Thursday evening, Alex asked those of the cast who wished to share in the bread and wine to join us. Many did so and this made a great impression on me, I’m sure this is what Jesus would have wished us to do. You don’t have to worry now Alex; they can’t defrock you in retirement! -Our ecumenical Bible Study in the village now has three regular new members aged 10-12 years; very humbling for us elderly codgers. How did this happen? Well, it's Alex again, he met them in the street on his way one evening during Lent and invited them to come and join us. We now need to build on this opportunity he has created. Alex’s ministry always contains a challenge and he hates complacency. The greatest way in which we at St. Peter’s can acknowledge his commitment and ministry is to follow his lead to ‘encompass change’ and appreciate ‘that churches grow when they do new things’. We have a strong faith at St. Peter’s, but if this is to grow numerically it will entail commitment leadership, teamwork, encouragement and above all prayer to strengthen us for the new challenges ahead. Pat has been our Treasurer throughout these six years for which we are extremely grateful, but even more valuable she has provided the family foundation for which Alex will now have more time. Finally I recall the time when Harry Martin and I were decorating Rose Cottage for what seemed the umpteenth time and Alex was visiting his new home; we asked him if he had ambitions to change our style of ministry. Definitely not, was his response. Well, he needs to know that he has, for we now sense the meaning of true love amongst us. Thank you Alex and Pat for being with us. Adrian Marsden-Jones New Bishop of Repton Appointed, Rev Canon Humphrey Southern (August 2007 edition of the Church Magazine) The new Bishop of Repton is the Rev Canon Humphrey Southern. He succeeds the Rev David Hawtin, who retired in October 2006.
Canon Southern began his ordained ministry as a Deacon in 1986 and a Priest in 1987 in the Diocese of Rochester. He was Assistant Curate in the parish of Rainham, Kent for four years, and then moved to the Diocese of Liverpool, where he was Assistant Curate for two years in Walton-on-the-Hill and a part-time Hospital Chaplain. In 1992 he became the vicar of Hale, Surrey, in the Diocese of Guildford. He stayed there for seven years, during which time he was also appointed the Guildford Diocesan Ecumenical Officer, promoting relations between churches of different denominations. In 1999 Canon Southern moved to the Diocese of Salisbury where he was Team Rector in Tisbury. His responsibilities expanded from eight to 12 villages, which became the Nadder Valley Team Ministry. During this time, he was appointed a Rural Dean, leading local clergy of several churches within and around the Chalke area. Last year, he was appointed Canon and Prebendary of Salisbury Cathedral. He is also Chair of the House of Clergy in the Diocese of Salisbury. Humphrey is married to Emma, a District Nurse, and they have two daughters, Laura, aged nine, and Kate, aged seven. They are all looking forward to getting to know Derbyshire better. They will live at Repton House in Lea, Matlock. Humphrey said: “The Peak District was our first holiday destination after becoming a family (it was the first summer of Laura’s life) and so we have had some insight of the treats that are in store. What’s more, my great-grandfather was a GP in Derby at the turn of the last century, so it is clearly time for the family to re-establish its roots in this beautiful county at the heart of England!” As well as spending time with family, Humphrey enjoys cooking, contemporary fiction, travel and socialising. He has a love for Africa, particularly the Sudan, after two periods of ministry there. The Bishop of Derby said: “I am pleased to welcome Humphrey as a colleague. He brings a wide range of experience in parochial ministry, the work of ecumenism and roles of leadership. We are fortunate to be blessed with such an exciting appointment.” We look forward to welcoming Bishop Humphrey to St Thomas’ in the near future. Thank you David [Mouncer] (December 2007 edition of the Church Magazine) Sue writes a tribute to David Mouncer. I am sure all of us echo Sue’s sentiments. David displays tremendous faith, courage and passion. As a parish, we have benefited from his energy, leadership, teaching, prayer and love. He is also a great family man, and has many times told us of his love for Lisa and his four children, Ben, Elizabeth, Joshua and Samuel. The whole family have made a big contribution to our church life. We will miss Lisa’s care and compassion and her wonderful, lilting Welsh voice. We thank the children for their different contributions in services, church life, Sunday Club, Pathfinders and CYFA. David has given us a sense of direction as a church. He has led us to grow closer to God, and has always been available to those who need his special care and guidance. I am sure that every church member will have a favourite sermon or word from David. I have never heard him preach a sermon that has not been thought provoking and challenging, even when I have not agreed with everything! He has shared of himself with us, and bared his soul, as well as imparting his wisdom and learning. He has never flinched from delivering difficult as well as comforting messages. From the day he arrived, David has always emphasised the importance of prayer in his life and for us all, individually and corporately. We have not always been quick to take this on board. We cannot do better than strive to follow his prayerful example. Many of us have been blessed by David’s pastoral care and love in times of trouble, illness, joy and a whole variety of needs. He is, despite the large size of our congregations, very quick to spot who most needs his attention and friendship. Even when he has been weary, he has always pushed himself to serve us as a parish. We have been very blessed by the four years of David’s ministry as our Rector. We will miss him greatly. Thank you David. Sue Ward  Listen to David Mouncer's leaving service Thank you David [Mouncer] (December 2007 edition of the Church Magazine) St Peter's write a tribute to David Mouncer. “We asked a hundred people ...“ Well, not quite a hundred, just a selection of people at St Peter’s, what they would remember most about David’s ministry among us. Not surprisingly, the most-mentioned aspect was David’s preaching. “Excellent sermons”, “his wonderful preaching” was a well-worn theme, with individual sermons singled out for special mention including: “The first sermon we heard David preach was in response to the tsunami. We were enthralled with his wonderful preaching and have remained so.” “David’s last sermon was his most personal and, as such, was very moving.” David’s letters in ‘Ploughshare’ were also much appreciated: “They were thoroughly uplifting, revealing, informing and amusing,” said one member, “and I always really looked forward to reading them.” Then there were the special blessings he gave to children at communion, assuring them that God was “bananas” about them. Or the prayers that included the dolly or care bear which had accompanied the child to the communion rail. “Children up the front!” is something else quoted by several people. One child told me that the thing she would most remember about David was his sitting at the front of the church, wearing a swimming hat and eating cheese and onion crisps. Perhaps more impressively, she remembered why he had been doing that and the application. And a teenager was heard to refer to David as “the cool vicar with the smart car”. Other highlights included “a lively away-day”, “well-chaired and efficient meetings” and “getting a kiss from him at a christening”. In other words, if he wasn’t all things to all people, David was certainly many things to many different people. The comment, “He’s a nice bloke,” seems a pretty accurate summary. At his last morning service at St Peter’s, during the sermon, he said that he prays for us and will carry on doing so. David can be assured that we at St Peter’s will be praying for him as he continues his ministry in Walton. God Bless, David. Thank you David [Mouncer] (December 2007 edition of the Church Magazine) Three members of CYFA write about the effect David Mouncer and his ministry has had on them. Thank you David –from Laura Clayton David’s time here has been very special. I believe that God has used him as a light for us here at St Thomas’ and he will be sadly missed. When I think about how I was as a Christian before David came and how I am now, I can see huge differences in my attitude and behaviour, which can only be God working through David to achieve this. As a member of the music group, I have found David to be extremely encouraging and it has been a pleasure to be involved in his services. He has constantly encouraged me in what I do, both inside and out of church and has taken a keen interest which I value very much. David is everything that a Rector should be and more. I have never failed to be amazed at the enthusiasm and energy which he has displayed constantly throughout his time with us. His sermons have always highlighted to me the areas of my life that need changing and pushed me to develop my faith further. David delivers his sermons with honesty, humour and an uncompromising attitude to following Jesus, which will stay with me forever. I will remember David as a kind and humble man, one who I can always rely on and trust, but mostly as a friend. I count myself lucky that I have been a member of this church with David as our Rector. I think that with his life he has shown us what it truly means to follow God and to do His will, which is the best example for all of us to follow. Thank you David –from Nick Riley I first met David the day the Mouncer family moved into their house, and from the off I've always thought he was a really nice guy. I remember he was putting together the computer chair at the time and within the first minute of meeting him he'd come out with a one liner which left me laughing. But aside from being a funny man, he's also been a great Rector. He ran my confirmation classes and really helped me learn a lot about myself and God in those weeks through the summer. Plus, his sermons are priceless. Each one that I listen to makes me laugh, makes me think and makes my brain work a little bit, fitting in the things that I have learnt during his three point, twenty minute masterpieces. Hopefully I'll see him every now and again to have a chat about whatever; but overall his leaving is going to affect me in numerous ways because I'm not only losing a great Rector but also a great friend. Thank you David –from Miki Vyse David; what can I say other than, this guy is an utter legend. He makes me laugh at the wrong time, he makes me laugh at the right time, well, he just makes me laugh all the time. The jokes he tells me when I'm sad are just immense and when I'm in a giggly mood and he jokes some more, I get uncontrollable. I'll never forget the first time I went to a communion service at St. Thomas'. When I walked up for a blessing. David smiled, laughed and then blessed me. Every time I now go up for a blessing David and I always share a chuckle. This guy is seriously one of the best guys to talk to. I really feel like I can talk and pray with him about anything. He's taught me so much in my journey of faith. David, I wish you all the luck in the world with the future, and I'll pray for you. Thank you David [Mouncer] (December 2007 edition of the Church Magazine) Sunday Club said thank you to David in pictures. See some of them here. Coming Soon our New Rector Matt Barnes (April 2008 edition of the Church Magazine)
Although originally from Manchester, Matt studied in Huddersfield and is a Huddersfield Town supporter –I think he will be the only one in our parish! Please pray for Matt and Mel as they prepare to join us. Also pray for the people of St Bartholomew's as they are loosing a good friend and respected minister. Read about Matt's Induction Service here The Licensing of Rev Audrey Smith, our New Minister at St Peter's (June 2008 edition of the Church Magazine)
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