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A Need for a Church Centre at St John's (June 1989 edition of the magazine) The Church is people, and in ten years St Johns has grown from twenty to one hundred regular members. It now includes many new Christians and children. Our needs are more space for worship, room to separate young and old for some services, more storage and better kitchen and toilet facilities. The DCC concluded that extending the existing building would not meet these requirements nor be cost effective. With the support of St Thomas PCC an architect was briefed to design a detached Church Centre. He conceived a plan which retains the Church as the focus and is widely recognised as innovative, attractive and meeting our needs. Derek Scattergood the architect was able to present his plans to the annual meeting, and a fortnight later to a special gathering for which all Church members received invitations. A lively discussion at both was concluded in good spirits and gracious acceptance of the majority view by those with reservations. Our centenary celebration on 14th May 1989 was identified as a day of prayer for the project and the DCC will decide upon the next step on 1st June 1989. For the project to be a success it needs to be rooted in prayer, thankfulness for what God has done and anticipation of what is to come. It will not be an end but the start of the next hundred years! St. John's Victorian Floral Celebration, 29and 30 July (October 1989 edition of the magazine) Continuing to commemorate 100 years of worship in Walton, everyone joined to make a celebration of love and fellowship. Some arranged flowers, others prepared delicious refreshments (with raspberries and cream particularly appreciated), and some were there to welcome visitors. The church was imaginatively decorated with arrangements of sweet peas to complement displays of Victorian memorabilia. Comtemporary dresses were worn. The weekend closed with a centenary 'Songs of Praise', a splendid gathering of fellowship and worship. See also Walton Mission's Centenary St. John's Treasure Hunt (October 1989 edition of the magazine) A big THANK YOU to Elaine and Wayne Measham, who organised the event on 10 September. It was obvious that the planning was meticulous, as well as devious. The 'HUNT' was very testing, requiring good observational skills, lateral thinking and team work. By the way, where is the police office at barley Dale? One thing is sure, the winners and runners-up (that is the Turners and the Birches respectively) exhibited not only the skills, but a sense of calmness,"not always apparent in some of the other frenetic teams, who were seen furtively rummaging through dustbins for ring pulls. I think it is accurate to say that after everyone arrived (everyone did arrive didn't they?) at Cromford Meadows and had their picnic, that there was a sporting event which will probably find its way into the Guiness Book of Records. Never in the history of rounders have so many played to score so few! However it was great fun and 'rounded off' a really enjoyable day. St. John's Church Centre -Revised Plans and Car Park (August 1989 edition of the magazine) A very important meeting has just taken place at St. John's when time was given to considering a revised plan for the proposed Church Centre and alterations to the present Church to increase seating by one third. We are lucky in our Architect, Derek Scattergood, who makes every effort to take on board any suggestions we make. After much discussion and placing our decision before the Lord in prayer, the D.C.C. adopted the proposed plans. With the blessing of the P.C.C. Mr Scattergood was instructed to draw up the plans and submit them for planning approval. At St. John's we take courage from knowing that we are not alone, we have the support of the whole Parish and we thank you for that. One hundred years ago this year our forbears had the faith and the courage to open a Mission Church in Walton. We owe it to them to take up the challenge, to reach out to a growing population in Walton and give them the encouragement to come to faith in the family of Christ. Car Park Spearhead for Oct/Nov 1987 contained the story of attempts to provide a car park for St. John's, ending with the statement that discussions would take place with the County Council. In May 1988 the Council prepared a plan for the diversion of Walton Back Lane to a new junction with Matlock Road A632 opposite Walton House. This scheme not only eliminated most of the verge now used for parking by the congregation but needed small areas owned by the Church, both in the field to the north and all along the Matlock Road frontage, where a visibility splay is proposed. The County Council could use compulsory powers to obtain the land so the Church Council agreed to the scheme with several conditions, requiring an equivalent area in exchange, a car park for 40 cars to be laid out with access to the new road and a drive to the church door, accommodation works including new hedges and a higher wall along Matlock Road to do away with the iron fence (featured in a Spearhead article in 1986), and cash compensation (assessed at £6,500) to be paid to the Diocese. Planning permission for the road diversion and car park was granted on 6th July 1989 and negotiations for the land are in progress so that it is hoped that the car park will be available in 1990, five years after it was requested by local residents. J.M.Smith St. John's Church Centre -Gift Day and prayer (October 1989 edition of the magazine) Sun 1st Oct 6.30pm Canon Robert Warren is preaching at St. Thomas' and sharing some experiences from St. Thomas' Crookes, Sheffield. Thurs 12th Oct 8.00pm - Midnight. An evening of prayer. Sun 15th Oct GIFT DAY. Our Gift Day Prayer Heavenly Father We thank you that everything belongs to you You are generous beyond measure You have promised to meet all our needs. We trust you to provide all tEat is needed to build St. John's Church Centre . We love you and want to show our love. Please move us all to give joyfully, gratefully and sacrificially. Show us all how much you want us to give. And may all the praise and glory go to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Please try and pray at Midday every day along with many of our Church Members. A Verse to encourage us 'My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus' Philippians 4:19 St. John's Church Centre -Gift Day Report (December 1989 edition of the magazine) Sunday 15th October, 1989 was here at last. The day that had been talked about, preached about and prayed for for so long had arrived. Our last act of Worship before GIFT DAY, took place in St. John's Church on the Thursday evening in a wonderful atmosphere of togetherness. The line that kept running round my head was, 'Be still for the presence of the Lord is moving in this place', we really felt His Spirit was with us through that time. The predictions of the outcome of Gift Day ranged from a few thousand pounds to the whole amount of £150,000. Strangely enough everyone was calm and quietly confident as a few of us waited at the Wilson's on Sunday afternoon. The count was being carried out at St. Thomas' by Phil Johnson and Carol Woodward and when Phil rang to say they were on their way 'to the Airport' we speculated about whether they were travelling First or Tourist Class. When they arrived to tell us that £54,965 had been donated in cash and cheques there was a feeling of relief, that God had answered our prayers and He really wanted us to build a Church Centre in Walton. There was an air of expectancy as we all assembled for Evening Service at St. Thomas' and the service had a special significance. When Carol announced the final figure including pledges and tax refunds amounted to £106,957 there was jubilation but also a feeling of humility and many were close to tears. That had Gift Day meant to our Parish? Perhaps even more important than the money, it has brought the whole Parish together in a great bond of fellowship. Are we disappointed that we didn't raise the whole amount? Not a hit, we know we have a tremendous task ahead of us but with our newfound strength and fellowship we can face it. Mavis Clough St. John's Church Centre -10% Given Away (June 1990 edition of the magazine) As is normal practice with the giving in our parish it was agreed that 10% of the income from St John's extension Gift Day should be given for mission. A small committee, two from St. John's and two from St. Thomas' were asked to look out for likely projects, at home and overseas. It was felt that as the money had been given for building, a project involving building would be right. After studying several worthy projects both in Chesterfield and overseas, two were selected: A Tear Fund building project in Lima, and a project at Holmewood in the parish of Heath. The Holmewood Project The parish covers two district areas: A quiet, picturesque and peaceful little residential village at Heath where the Parish Church is situated and a much larger ex-mining/industrial village at Holmewood. Bernard Sproston, the vicar, and his wife live at Heath but much of his flock and concern is in the Holmewood area. There is a small mission church right on the main street, St. Albans, and it is here that the project is planned. Due to major pit closures in the recent past and the likelihood of other local pits closing, the village has high unemployment and the worst urban deprivation in this vicinity. There are all the problems normally associated with this condition and great need of help and support. The church wants to play an active part in meeting these needs. The plan is to upgrade the Mission Church buildings which are lacking in facilities and are in poor condition. The main hall/worship area 'is a wooden structure and the rest of the building is brick built. They hope to set up an office for a part time community worker who would work on specific needs, e.g. debt counselling and implementing a credit union (a self help loan system). They envisage the church having a much greater presence in the local community, with the clergy and buildings being more readily available to the parishioners. It is possible that the Church Urban Fund would half finance the part time worker (who would be a practicing Christian worshipping in the parish) if the local church could fund the other half. The area needs all the help it can get, and our committee feels that our contribution will be used really well here. Bernard has good contact and rapport with the local people; the primary school and the village community Centre, and expects this project to complement, and certainly not compete with the limited facilities available to the villagers. There is a good community spirit, and a small band of committed and active church members who want to see Holmewood improve and grow by showing Christ's love in practical, social and especially spiritual areas. The Lima Project We are also giving about £3000 to a Tear Fund project in Lima, Peru. Over the last 3 years Tear Fund has been supporting a project to build a Bible Institute, which is used for Training evangelists in the evening; as a medical Centre and school in the daytime; and a church at the weekends. did a church at the weekends. The building still needs a roof, which will complete the upstairs. The ground floor is already in full use whilst the building is being completed. The money we are giving to them through the Fund will enable this building project to be completed. More details of the Tear Fund project will appear in the next issue of Spearhead. Please continue to keep both these projects prominent in your prayers. Alan Sheldon and Tom Humphries St. John's Church Centre -the Plans (June 1991 edition of the magazine) For everything it's season and for. every activity under heaven its time....a time to build up....a time to gather stones together ....(Ecclesiastes 3, 1 -5) We thought we knew -on 8th May '88 when the Day of Prayer resulted in a conviction that St. John's should be extended; -on 15th October '89 when on Gift Day over £100,000 was committed to the project; At the third time of asking -on 22nd April '91 detailed Planning Permission was granted and now the hard work begins! What is planned? -a hall 12 metres (40') square to seat 175 and be used for worship when the church building overflows, social activities, meetings and much more, -a lounge 6.5 x 5.0 metres (22' x 16') to seat 40 and be used for Sunday Club, Crèche, meetings and in time be opened into the main hall, -toilets including provisions for the disabled, -an office, a kitchen, store rooms. Where does it go? -north west of the present church adjacent to the existing Walton Back Lane which is being diverted around the Church, -mostly outside the present church grounds to leave them unspoilt, -with a car park for 59 cars mostly on land to the east of the present church with an entrance off the new road, -with landscaping all around to screen building and cars. What is being done? -the D.C.C. has set up two sub committees to organise the detailed planning and to oversee use of the building, -the car park will be built this summer, -the building could start later this year. What is needed? -your prayers for wisdom for the committees and harmony of purpose in bringing the new facilities into use, -in time a final injection of cash to enable the building to be completed (estimate presently £175,000 total cost, -commitment to see the building used to the full for new and existing activities, new and existing members serving God in the community, -a willingness to share, encourage and change. The thank you's -to friends in all three churches who continue to encourage and guide us, -to our architect Derek Scattergood for his patience and dedication, -to Christopher Frith for his vision and leadership, -to all who gave so generously on Gift Day and since (many promises were exceeded), -the planners at NEDDC who have been very helpful (even if we give the opposite impression). A great deal of work remains to be done. If the new building is to be used to the Glory of God new talents have to be exposed to the light of day, new members encouraged and new visions realised. St. John's Church Centre -Update (April 1992 edition of the magazine) The traveller was lost and asked the way of a passerby. "If I was going there, I wouldn't start from here." Came the reply. Where would you start? A day of prayer on 8th May 1988 seemed a good place. The parish came to a common mind that a priority was to extend our premises at Walton. A design was drawn up and planning permission sought in July 1989, and rejected. The design was changed, the building moved, the car park extended, more land purchased, landscaping added and finally in April '91 permission was granted. What about money? Not a bazaar, raffle or appeal was in sight. There were prayer evenings, teaching on giving and Gift Day, 15th October 1989. Over £100,000 pledged or given on one day seemed like confirmation that the plans were on the right track. The car park is now being built and we have received tenders for constructing the building. These are still being considered by the Architect and building committee. But, on 26 March the D.C.C. will meet to make some important decisions in principle. The Church Centre is a major commitment for the whole parish. If it is to be completed a lot more sacrificial giving will be required. Many may question if it is the right use of our resources. Could money be better spent on the poor, hungry and destitute? If we are really giving sacrificially, individually and as a Church, money will be available for these and a building and many other purposes besides. Already 100 of the Church Centre fund has been given to projects in Lima, Holmewood and Derby. 'The building is intended for the extension of God's Kingdom in our locality. If that is its' purpose and it is required, it will he built. 'To go right back to where we started a day of prayer. Before we proceed further we meet on 28th March to receive assurance that this major step forward for our Parish, and commitment for our members, is indeed God's will. The path so far has not been smooth or easy nor perhaps we expect it. The challenge is not a building but the buildings of a family of God. That challenge continues and is for each of us. Alan Wilson St. John's Church Centre -Vision, About the Centre and Gift Day (June 1992 edition of the magazine) Vision Vision is a word you can't ignore because it crops up whenever we discuss the New Church Centre. Don't say "proposed" any more because building has started! Vision, firstly, because the Church of St. John's is more visible to resident and visitor, alike. The developers have diverted Walton Back Lane to the North of the Church and an area is prepared for the Centre and Car Park. Vision, secondly, because of Ken Waddington, whose recent death we still mourn. He was Chairman of the St. John's "Committee" as it was fifteen years ago, when services were infrequent and poorly attended. He was convinced that there was a role for a faithful, visible and growing Church in Walton. He steered us through the reawakening of Church life, the building in 1985 of the porch, vestry and toilet (how did we manage before?) and early plans for the Car Park. We will always remember him with affection and profound thanks. Vision, thirdly, because of the Day of Prayer in May 1988 when the whole Parish was invited to seek God's will for us in this area. The outcome was a conviction that unless the premises at St. John's were extended and made more flexible, they would hold back the worship and service of the Church. Vision, fourthly, in the introduction of Family Services, Sunday Club, Focus, Little Fishes and the growth of Fellowship Groups, in recent years. These have seen new members join and the faith and quality of "life" of existing members develop in a way we couldn't have guessed. Vision, finally, in what comes next. God won't bring us this far to let us fail. He may let our faith be tested but that is like a child learning to ride by falling off his bike! When the new Centre is built the challenge to each of us will be to put it to good (God's) use. Leaders of the existing St. John's Church activities already have ideas about how it will help. Activities at St. Thomas' will benefit. Baptism and marriage preparation groups will find the Lounge ideal. The Main Hall is just what is needed for all together fellowship, drama or study days. But what about service to the community? ? Youth groups, Day centres for the retired or disabled, Mums and Tots groups and many more. We have trusted God this far and he is faithful. Now we need the Vision to see what his plans are for the future and how he wants to use each and every one of us in different areas of Church life. We have a Contract! It took nearly two years to get planning permission. The new Centre will be built of coursed stone under a very low pitched natural slate roof. Overall it is about eighteen metres (60') square and nestles down into a "bowl" excavated in the rising ground about seven metres (23') west of the Church. The intention is that being low it will not dominate the Church or other surrounding buildings. Our "artists impression" of the view from the New Walton Back Lane shows how it will look. Tenders for the building work were returned in March 1992. The DCC spent many hours discussing the merits of each tender. Eventually we were of one mind in awarding a contract to T.H. Stockton Ltd. of Holymoorside. Mr. Stockton will be known by members of St. Peter s and was responsible for the extensions there and at St. John's. Building starts on Monday 18th May 1992 and should take about six months. The decision to award a contract and start building without having all the money is an act of faith by the DCC, PCC and Mr. Stockton alike. It was taken in the belief that it is God's will and that he can be trusted to provide. Outside The Car Park is already partially built. It will be surfaced when the building work is finished. The cost of the car park has been borne by the developers as compensation for the disruption to our plans caused by the road diversion. It will take 59 cars, or a few more if we park tidily! The landscaping to be carried out as part of the planning requirements includes hedges all around the site, a six metre wide band of trees to mask the car park from Matlock Road and individual trees and shrubs. At the same time it is planned to develop a Memorial Garden for the burial of ashes, around the existing plots. This is still the subject of discussion and views of members would be welcomed by the DCC. Inside the Centre The Centre has rooms and facilities to meet many needs. The Main Hall is twelve metres (40') square. It can comfortably seat 160 with room, for worship, drama or other activities. The adjacent Lounge has a separate entrance but can be opened onto the main hall by moving a soundproof screen. This room will seat forty for meetings or as an overspill to the main hall. It will be carpeted to make it cosy and ideal for a crèche, fellowship or teaching activities. Toilets are provided with special facilities for the disabled and a baby changing area. The Kitchen will be fully equipped and serve the main hall through a hatch. Other rooms are reached through corridors which have provision for hanging coats. The Office will be equipped with a telephone to provide a working base where the clergy can be available in the area of Walton. The heating and locking arrangements for the building will be flexible so that different users can have the facilities they require. There is a separate chair store opening onto the main hall and an outside store for gardening equipment. The main hall will have a deaf loop and sound system, with spare ducts for future sound or lighting requirements. The whole building complies with fire regulations with emergency exits, lights and fire extinguishers stored in recessed cupboards. The church is only a few paces away and the existing facilities will complement the Centre to provide a thoroughly versatile resource for the district of Walton and indeed the whole Parish. Architect: D Scatterwood, Whittington Moor Builder TH Stockton Ltd, Holymoorside Lets have a Heatwave When I was invited to be treasurer of the Church Centre Building Fund, I readily accepted. At last, I thought, a job I was probably equipped to do ? not much need for creative thinking or profound, poetic prayers! I was quite unprepared for the emotional and humbling experience Gift Day 1989 turned out to be. As Phil Johnson and I opened up the envelopes I began to experience some of God's joy at the response of His people to His generosity to them; "Everything we have has come from You, and we only give You what is Yours already". I felt each gift was precious to Him; from the contents of a child's money box to the largest cheque, and each one vital to the final amount announced to the church family that night. I have continued to feel the warmth of God's smile since that day, as the pledges have been honoured and more gifts given. I have always considered myself to be a down to earth, logical. person ? not at all the sort to hear voices or dream dreams! Yet, as I have opened my mind to see God at work gathering the funds for the new building, I have found He is able to speak even to me. Recently I spent a sleepless night wondering how we should approach the coming of Gift Day; it seemed a tremendous undertaking to be asking for so much. As dawn came I suddenly saw a very clear picture before me. It was a large thermometer and as I looked the mercury in the bulb became the money we need. Then I saw rays gently warming the thermometer, rays of faith and prayer and love for God. As the mercury warmed it rose up the shaft until it reached the top. At last I felt at peace, knowing that God was telling me that if we trust Him enough, and if our spiritual 'temperature' is high enough, He will provide all we need. So, Please, do pray about Gift Day and your response to it. God knows how much or how little you can give so talk to Him about it before you decide! A final thought for anyone who feels their gift would be too small ? our God is the God of the impossible. He fed five thousand people with a simple gift from one small boy. I expect the boy never forgot that day, and I promise you, you'll never forget Gift Day either. Gift Day On the last Gift Day on 15th October 1989 over £100,000 was given or pledged in one day. To complete the project a further £125,000 is required. The Church continues to honour its' commitment to make 10% of all giving available for mission outside the Parish. So far, nearly £12,000 from the Fund has done to work in Lima, Holmewood and Derby. In each case it was received with a great deal of thanksgiving. This Gift Day will be 21st June, 1992. It will not succeed without prayer. Many people who gave sacrificially last time will be unable to do so again. Others will for the first time be able to express in this way their thanks for God's many gifts to them. Big or small, your gift will he your personal response to a challenge and opportunity, which we believe God is presenting to each one of those who acknowledge Him. Gift Day brochures will be distributed to all our members and further copies will be available in the Churches or from the office. Please read the details about recovering tax. The Church Centre Fund will receive an extra third of your gift from the taxman for the sake of filling in one form. All gifts will be confidential, only the Project Treasurer or Covenant Secretary will know who gave or how much. (Note: The Gift Day raised £97,000) "I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord," plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jeremiah 29:11 Carol Woodward St. John's Church Centre -Laying the Foundation Stone (August 1992 edition of the magazine) After many months of planning, with frustration over delays, a start has now been made by Mr. Stockton on building The St. John's Church Centre. On a beautiful sunny evening on 17th June the foundation stone was laid, the ceremony being performed by Joe Ward, one of the longest standing members of St. John's Church. The ceremony and service was a very happy occasion with many members from St. John's, St. Peter's and St. Thomas' attending, Christopher took the service, the Rural Dean gave the blessing and the music group played lustily. The outdoor service gave a very special atmosphere to the occasion, including "Shouts of Praise" for all to hear. It was particularly good to have Brian and Barbara Porter with us, after Brian's recent indisposition. After the service the children from St. Johns Sunday Club planted a flowering cherry tree in the church rounds. Refreshments were served to all by members of St. John s congregation. All in all this was a very memorable occasion. Later on this year we all look forward to attending the opening of St. John's Church Centre. Rosemary Reeve St. John's Church Centre (October 1992 edition of the magazine) St. John's was completed in 1916. It looked a little bleak without the trees. Who then would have imagined it as it was a few months ago? Now the Church as we have been used to seeing it, mature trees, friendly and usually full. Some 75 years on it serves the people of Walton in ways probably not dreamt of by those who faithfully laid the foundations. Progress on the Church Centre has been so rapid that the marvellous Gift Day of 21 June '92 now seems like history. The walls are complete and the roof structure erected. It may have caused some surprise to see a tin roof! In order to keep the roof as low as possible the slope is too flat for slates to be completely watertight, so we end up with both. Inside the electrical wiring is underway, floors are being laid and the plumbing started. Outside the Car Park should be surfaced during October and a start made on the extensive Landscaping work. Chairs and tables have been ordered and colours chosen for carpets, tiles and paintwork. The kitchen layout and equipment is being decided upon, and office requirements sorted out. We must not forget Tom and Alan Stockton who are devoting a great deal of skill, time and care to ensuring that we end up with a first class building. The sub committee dealing with the use of the building has started to meet again and the DCC has decided to allow a six month settling in period before accepting regular use by outside organisations. Amongst all this the bills have to be paid. Carol Woodward has done "sterling" work in ensuring that pledges arrive and cash is available when required, with assistance from Phil Johnson in sorting out the covenants. The DCC has undertaken to meet any deficit arising in the next eighteen months from general funds. Planning is also underway for the opening of the Centre which will be on Saturday 21 November 1992 at 2.30pm. Bishop Peter has agreed to preside. We hope that all those who have taken an interest in this project will be able to share in this special occasion. Well that's it! Not really, it's only the start. The Centre looks like this on the drawings, but what does it look like to God? Just as the Church building was only a shell to start with, the Centre will only have a Life when it is used by a faithful family of God. Where do you fit in to the picture? We all have our special hopes for the Centre. If we are going to make full use of it as God wants, there are three things to remember; prayer, prayer and prayer. It is certain that there will be a need for leaders. People who are prepared to offer a commitment of time and effort to ensure that each particular area of Church life grows. There will be a need for helpers who can be relied upon to turn up and support. If you hadn't seen yourself in these roles before, think again! The Bible is full of the reluctant leader and the person rejected by the world but used powerfully by God. Don't forget that the job anyone could do will not be done unless you do it! The Church does not discriminate on the grounds of age or experience. Everyone who is a member of the Church Family has a vital contribution to make, even if they don't realise it. We are living stones. If you are missing the wall will fall down! Here are three things each of us can do.
Alan Wilson St. John's Church Centre (December 1992 edition of the magazine) Opened and Dedicated 21 November 1992 There was a great buzz of excitement as the day we had planned for nearly five years approached. Sometimes over those years when nothing seemed to be happening, it was easy to think it never would! Planning was one thing but it took a considerable act of faith for the PCC and DCC to agree in March this year that it was time to place an order for building to start. At that stage only half of the money had been given or pledged. How the total cost would be met is now almost history. But the lessons of trust learnt by those involved must not be wasted as the future is faced, new developments planned and opportunities grasped. The plaque unveiled on Saturday 21st is not a tomb stone but a constant reminder of how God wants us to respond to his goodness to us. The expectation we felt when the foundation stone was laid on 17th June 1992 seems a long time ago. The last really warm evening of the summer! But the building grew in the rain and at last the car park was being surfaced and it was time to plant the 400 shrubs and trees required. About 60 people turned out on a cool November morning and the whole site, which had been looking a bit sorry for a while, was transformed in hours. The following Saturday another band of helpers set about cleaning and dusting, a job continued off and on throughout that week. Then the usual last minute hitches beloved of house movers - when are the chairs coming? - how long does paint take to dry? - and when will these people make up their minds where they want the heating controls? And most importantly, how many cups of tea can we produce in ten minutes. We had expected perhaps 250 to the opening. As numbers began to exceed 300 the contingency plan of a video link into the Church building was confirmed. In the event some 325 people were present to hear the Bishop of Derby, Peter, dedicate the new Church Centre to the service of God and declare it open for business! The Special Service started with the Bishop ceremonally banging on the door of the Centre to be admitted by the St. John's Wardens. This year we have two lady wardens, Mavis Clough and Rosemary Reeve. Beforehand, the atmosphere of thanksgiving and praise had been reflected by the songs chosen by the Sowers and "Emmaus", the new St. John's Singing Group. The service included prayers led by the St. John's Link Curate, Brian Porter, and younger members of the Church. Messages of goodwill were given from St. Thomas', the Parish Council and the Rural Dean. Two essential participants in the project were given particular thanks. Derek Scattergood had been the Project Architect right from the first sketches of plans to extend the premises. Tom Stockton had also built the porch onto St. John's seven years ago, so he was an old friend of the Church. It was a pleasure to see his skills being put to use again. Afterwards refreshments were served and everyone was able to have a good look around the new Centre and the Church to see how the greatly extended premises would compliment each other in providing for worship and service, the two aims of the project. The congregation was also able to enjoy fellowship between members of our three Churches who had supported the project so magnificently. In his address the Bishop spoke from 1 Peter, Chapter 2. He reminded us of the importance of right relationships within the family of the Church. He admired the new Building and thought people might come to it out of curiosity. However, they would only stay if they experienced a genuine welcome and the Love of Christ. Continuing with the building image he also reminded us that we were each different with varied skills but each being an important part of the whole structure. He emphasised that everyone had to make a choice about Christ. He was either our firm foundations, the capstone, or he would become a stone to trip us up. This is an appropriate end to the beginning of the story of St. John's Church Centre. The rain hadn't dampened our spirits and the congregation representing our three churches left refreshed and looking to the future with confidence. Alan Wilson Little Fishes (April 1993 edition of the magazine) This is a group aimed at Mums with young children, from new born babies up to school age. We meet once a month, normally on the third Wednesday. Meetings are from 2.pm until 3pm in the St. Johns Church Centre lounge. Each month our theme is based around a well known story from the Bible, with games, singings colouring and other activities. We finish with tea, coffee, orange and a chat. Our team consists of Brian and Barbara Porter, Sheila Turner, Julia Potter and Sue Oliver. We welcome people of all denominations, including those who are not regular churchgoers. Why not give us a try, and bring a friend. Sue Oliver News (December 1995 edition of the magazine)
Finally, after some financial anxiety (especially about the need to complete payment for the Church Centre and the Memorial Garden), the Gift Day at the end of September brought a most encouraging response. Including pledges and returned tax, the total given was over £12,500 and regular giving pledged to increase by at least £2,400. Praise God! 'Colour, Beauty and You' -A Colourful Evening (February 1996 edition of the magazine) On Monday 13th November 1995, a ladies evening entitled Colour, beauty and you' was held at St. John's Church, Walton. A large audience listened attentively to the speaker, Miss Anne Hibert, who was extremely enlightening. For the first part of the evening, Anne explained the importance of the wonderful seasons which God has created; and the enormous variance of their colours. She highlighted and demonstrated how matching correctly your own colouring to a particular season of the year can enhance personal appearance. For the second part of the evening Anne spoke very frankly about the importance of having God in her life and how this makes her feel bright, and fulfilled from within. She seemed to touch a great marry hearts. Meditive Prayer Group (August 1996 edition of magazine) The meditative prayer group has been meeting weekly now since the beginning of the year. We are a very mixed bunch of prayers -some have meditated for many years but for some, this is the first experience. Each meeting is different and therefore fresh. Sometimes we use a passage of scripture to start our discussion, or we listen to a tape, or one member will share some music, a prayer, or some writing that has been especially meaningful to them on their spiritual journey. Then we have a time of silent meditation. One of our members describes this as: "A time of surrender to God" and "A time of sharing and waiting on God together. In the stillness and quiet we are aware of much. It is a chance to listen and to release our feelings to God, relax in Him and to receive His peace." Another member speaks of: the great grace that all of us have been given -to believe in the presence of Jesus Christ in our hearts and to believe that he invites each of us into that presence." Another time of sharing and caring follows and often this is a very special time because the group experience of opening to God always seems to draw us closer together. "Come near to God and He will come near to you" (James 4:8) is very much our experience! Send a Cow (December 1996 edition of the magazine) Jesus makes all the difference to our giving. Our giving makes all the difference to others. St John's Sunday Club have chosen "Send a Cow" to Uganda as their collection project for this year, or maybe more, to reach a target of £600! We take our daily pieta so much for granted it seemed good to focus on a part of the world where the gift of a cow can be a lifeline to a family out there, providing nutrients and cash. "Send a cow" aims to help poor families in a way which respects culture and lifestyle and offers at the same time empowerment and control, especially to the women and hence to the next generation through the availability of education. A jersey cow given to Mrs Geggnjja, a Ugandan farmer in 1989 has since had 4 calves, two bulls were sold and one passed on to another family. With milk from her cow she has fed the calf and children, and with the profits from excess milk sold she has improved their housing and added more animals to the farm -the cow's name is Byakatonda which means, "All Belong to God" and in Uganda cows eat banana skins, potato peelings and maize stalks so nothing is wasted! Questions about transportation, BSE etc. are answered in the "Just What I Always Wanted Project Information - anyone interested please ask Anna Wilson . The message which goes with each cow: "This animal is presented to you through 'Send a Cow' with love from people in Britain. May this animal always remind you of God who made it and of God's kindness in what He has given. We all depend on Him for rife and blessing. We give this because God gave to us. He gives us life itself and He sent us the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, to live as our example and to die to take away our sins. We thank Him too, that His Holy Spirit enriches our lives with His purpose and power. We pray that you will be faithful in your caring and successful in your management of it. May it live long to be a benefit to you and your family, and may you be a blessing to your friends and neighbours, all to the glory of God." St John's Family Breakfast (April 1999 edition of the magazine) On Saturday 6th February seventy five members of St John's congregation met to share breakfast and to hear about the Armonia project in Mexico. This is a project which the children of Sunday Club are supporting. The children told us of the work being done by the project in Mexico City helping children and young people with housing, employment and education. Part of the presentation was an "interview" which highlighted the vast difference in lifestyles and expectations of a typical child in Mexico City and Chesterfield. The breakfast advertised as "simple" was in fact a feast thanks to the hard work of the Sunday club teachers! All present seemed to enjoy the food and fellowship. A collection was taken which will be sent to help the Armonia project. Richard and Pauline Neep Little Fishes Celebrate 100 months (August 1999 edition of the magazine) 'Little Fishes', our group at St John's for pre-school children, was 100 months old on 16 June! There was a real sense of excitement and anticipation as forty `little fishes' gathered to celebrate the occasion. The children, accompanied by parents, grand-parents and minders, were joined by many well wishers - including a generous sprinkling of clergymen and a group of friends from Old Brampton's 'Little Lambs'. As usual there was plenty to look at - 'fishy' candles, a tank of goldfish cards from friends who couldn't make it, 100th Birthday balloons, and a wonderful cake with fish swimming all over it! After singing the 'Little Fishes Song' with gusto the children were introduced to the ideas of 'fishing' and 'celebration' before hearing the story of the miraculous catch of fish. A 'fish' search followed and, once caught, the fish were pasted onto a large collage to illustrate the story. Singing and band were enjoyed by all, including an enthusiastic and energetic offering of 'Jesus' love is very wonderful'! Then it was time to be quiet as the children sat on their 'prayer rug' to say 'Thank you' to Jesus for all the good things He gives us day by day. The activities finished with everyone holding hands and saying the 'Little Fishes Prayer', and then the children (and adults!) got down to the serious business of eating the cake and having a play. The afternoon was also an opportunity to say a very big 'Thank you' to Sheila Turner, who has decided it is time to pass the responsibility for 'fishing' to a new angler. A book, filled with greetings from 'Little Fishes' present and past, was given to Sheila, along with gifts which included a garden seat and a tub of colourful summer flowers. The greetings from the children included 'God and I are thinking of you today' and 'Thank you for being the best fish of all'- a fitting tribute to Sheila's dedicated work over the past 100 months. We shall all miss Sheila very much. Carol Woodward St John's Marches On (October 1999 edition of the magazine) Many readers will have heard that plans are underway for St John's to become an independent parish. Things like this can take a long time to materialise but we hope that by this time next year there will be what is known as a "Group Ministry" with a firm commitment by two parishes to work together. They will be St John's, Walton (with Andy Broom as Vicar, living we trust in a Vicarage provided by the Diocese) and St Thomas' Brampton with St Peter's Holymoorside. It has been PCC policy, for twelve years or so, to encourage the development of St John's, especially because Walton has been such a "growth area". Two milestones on the way have been the appointment of a Curate to be responsible for St John's and the building of the Church Centre. Both of these have been wonderfully blessed. The daughter has been growing up and is now ready, not only for independence, but also the responsibility that goes with it. I can't speak too highly of the contributions of Andy Broom, St John's Wardens and the DCC. St John's Walton: A New Parish for the New Millennium (February 2000 edition of the magazine) The year 2000 sees the creation of the new parish of St John's Walton. In addition to the part of Walton which is within St Thomas', part of St Augustine's will also move into the new parish. No doubt it prompts lots of questions. Why is this happening? There are many reasons: Walton has grown enormously (the new parish will have a population of about 7000) - it is now a place in its own right. St John's has also grown and it is felt that it is able to take on the responsibilities of being a Parish Church. Most importantly it is felt it will help St John's to identify with Walton more clearly and so enhance its mission to the residents. When will it happen? The creation of a Parish is a legal matter requiring the approval of the Privy Council in London. It doesn't happen overnight! It is hoped it will occur some time in June or July 2000. Will anyone be expected to change churches? No. There is no expectation that anyone will change their Church membership just because they are now living in a different Parish. What about Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals? The new parishioners of Walton will now look to St John's for these services. However, where there are strong existing pastoral ties with St Thomas' or St Peter's we will seek to encourage those and not insist on them coming to St John's. This will remain the case for Baptisms and Funerals. Due to the legal complexities of Weddings, the decision to allow those from Walton to be married elsewhere will be reviewed after five years. Will the existing links be lost between the churches? Not at all. A Group Ministry is to be created. This is a formal acknowledgement of our desire to work together wherever appropriate. Joint activities such as Alpha and Wednesday Lunch Plus will continue; one-off events, such as the visit of Roger Jones last year, will happen; opportunities to worship together will be explored and there will remain fellowship and support for the Clergy. St John's Church Centre will continue to be available free of charge to the other churches. What can I pray for? Thank you for asking! Do pray for all at St John's as they prepare for this change, for the people of Walton that it will be received well by them and for the on going relationship between the three Churches. Andy Broom St John's Comes of Age (July 2000 edition of the Mustard Seed) On 1 August 2000 St John's Walton will become an independent parish. The Parish of St Thomas' Brampton will still include Holymoorside, as well as much of Brampton and Ashgate. Walton residents (except those who live on the South East side of Walton Road off Walgrove Road) and Somersall residents will no longer be St Thomas' parishioners. They will have their own parish church of St John's. Walton will be the first parish to be created in this Millennium. It is a relatively rare thing to happen and a cause for much celebration. Andy Broom, who will be the first Vicar of Walton, says "When we arrived from Telford, we knew there was something special about St John's. It's been thrilling to see the church grow and now be at a stage where we are becoming a new parish." St Thomas' has been encouraging this development for some years. "I feel rather like I felt when my daughter was married in St Thomas' - proud and excited," said the Rector of St Thomas', Christopher Frith. Deconstruction and Reconstruction at St John's (April 2005 edition of the magazine)
Following the ultimatum the congregation increased to such an extent that in the early 90's the Church Centre was built. Christopher Frith told of when he was taking services he was pinned in the pulpit, unable to move due to the crush of people in the church! So why am I writing about St John's in our magazine? Well, St John's is very dear to many members of St Thomas' and St Peter's. It was a daughter church of St Thomas' until the year 2000 when it became a Parish in its own right. Indeed due to the parish boundary changes a few years ago St John's is my parish church! At a time when we hear of the falling number of people attending church it is good news to see the growth that is occurring at St John's. I pray, and I am sure all of St Thomas' and St Peter's pray that the vision that Andy and all at St John's have will be fulfilled and God's Word will continue to be spread throughout Walton. We look forward to attending the opening service of the new church, which is due to be completed at Christmas 2005. Mark Hoare Deconstruction and Reconstruction...Completed at St John's (February 2006 edition of the magazine)
In between the singing, Andy Broom, the Rector, interviewed various people. These included Mavis Clough, who has been a member or St Johns for over 50 years, David Jarvis, who headed the building team, Steve Hudson, the project treasurer and two teenagers from the youth group. Andy was then interviewed. Mavis said that she had loved the old church but the new one was amazing and awe-inspiring (which indeed it is). She wants it to be the centre and heart beat of God's work in Walton. David said that although there were many obstacles the 'planners knew best'. He often thought they were a bit pedantic but now he realises the reasons for their decisions. David firmly believes that God's hand was on the project. He saw this in many ways from the harmony in the planning team through to the respect the builders showed in the way they worked. Steve was amazed at the way God had moved people to give sacrificially. Over £600,000 had been raised from an electoral role of about 150 people. His faith and the faith of many others had been increased by what God had inspired people to do. Finally what stood out to Andy were the Gift Days, the way the church had stayed together and that the new building was so different from their original ideas. His longing now was for St John's to be a place where people could find and know more about God. Andy summed up by quoting Proverbs 3:5-6: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.' What can we learn for our development at St Thomas'? (St John's was a daughter of St Thomas'. In 2000 it became a parish in its own right.) Mark Hoare |
