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The teams are: Worship and Teaching, Caring and Sharing, Mission and Ministry, Children and Youth, Communication and Co-ordination. (Until 2006 Finance and Fabric was also a Mission and Ministry team) These are a series of articles written by the team leaders. Taken from the Church Magazine 2002 Introducing St Thomas' Church Mission and Ministry Team Leaders 2002 Children and Young People -Karen Herrick 2002 Who Me? -David Holden, Caring and Sharing 2002 So Soon? -Graham Brown, Finance and Fabric 2002 Ministry and Mission Leadership Report January to July -David Sanderson 2002 Why Me, God? -Karen Riley, Communication and Co-ordination 2003 Worship and Teaching -Robin Balch 2004 Mission and Ministry Teams -David Holden 2005 Communication and Co-ordination -Barbara Goodacre 2005 Finance and Fabric -Graham Brown 2006 Caring and Sharing -Janet Turville 2006 Communication and Co-ordination -Barbara Goodacre 2006 Children and Youth Work -Mike Barnsley 2006 Caring and Sharing -Janet Turville Introducing St Thomas' Church Mission and Ministry Team Leaders (February 2002 edition of magazine) The six teams being led by this formidable group of people are:
Ploughshare readers will be introduced to each leader and team during the course of the coming year. In the meantime, there are leaflets which explain the introduction of the Mission and Ministry Teams in more detail - available from the church office. Children and Young People -Karen Herrick (April 2002 edition of magazine)
With only 2 days to make a definite decision one way or the other, even in prayer I felt unanswered and uneasy. Then, in the midst of reading a book called "Landmarks" by Margaret Silf (which incidentally I would highly recommend) a story leapt off the page as if God was saying directly to me "This is for you. It is time to move on - to encourage and be there for others on the team in their journey with God. Help them fulfil their personal roles in ministry, just as in the past others have encouraged you in your journey and ministry.". So here I am. A reluctant team leader but well aware that my appointment is God initiated and therefore right for the moment. That role will undoubtedly change in time, for we have to move on with God not remain static and comfortable in our faith and ministry. I see my role as mainly pastoral: to minister and to support those on my team enabling them to fulfil their ministry and grow in their personal relationship with God. Inevitably, in any leadership role there are administrative duties and meetings and if I am honest, these are the parts to my new role that I struggle with because I am an ideas and a creative, practical person. So, in your prayers please pray that in my M&M leadership role I may convey what God wants of me, not necessarily what others would expect, even if this means being controversial. Karen Herrick Who? Me! -David Holden, Caring and Sharing Team Leader (June 2002 edition of magazine) We've all said it, haven't we? How many times down my years that I must have said this I can't now remember.
When the Lord calls, all too often we can't understand His reasoning, you know, Samuel didn't say "Who? ...Me!!", he said "Here am I use me" So I hope that you will join me in my prayer, Just as you call, fill me with wisdom, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, enable me to do your will. Amen. David Holden - Caring and Sharing Ministry team leader. So Soon Graham Brown, Fabric and Finance Team Leader (August 2002 edition of magazine) Baptised and Confirmed in 2000, Team Leader in 2002. It would be fair to assume I was a little surprised even to be asked.
So here I am. Full of a mixture of emotions ranging from feelings of being spiritually young and inexperienced to those of a sense of privilege: to be called to a role to which I believe I am well suited and can contribute. And from those bordering on trepidation for the additional workload and responsibility, to delight at the opportunity to stretch myself spiritually and grow closer to God. How do I see my role? One of supporting a very able team, which in turn functions to support all of the mission and ministry ac church. The key challenge? Undoubtedly, progressing the of our development project. That's not to undervalue the core roles within the team, but to recognise the need for us to grow our youth and children's work and reach out to our parish community to Share the Love of Jesus. Graham Brown Ministry and Mission Leadership Report, January to July 2002 (October 2002 edition of magazine)
It was against this background that a discussion took place about the starting of new ventures. New ventures were defined as `Long term projects which demand resources i.e. space, peo-ple and /or money'. A church must have some policy about such. Questions also need to be asked as to how such projects fit in with our overall policy and how they relate to other things we are doing. It may even be that if we begin something new, we must consider which of the things we are already doing we need to stop. Such new ventures would first have to be presented to the Mission and Ministry team by the Team Leader of that sec-tion for consideration by the Team. The proposed new development of our premises has regularly appeared on the agenda. Much good progress has been made in presenting the idea to the church and discussion will have to continue. What is clear to the members of the team is that any improvements ought not simply to be centred on our own needs, but will provide a platform from which we can serve God in this community. Preparing for the interregnum has also taken time. With Christo-pher leaving it was important to find a person who would tempo-rarily head up the Worship and Teaching section of the work. It is assumed that a future Rector will take over this role when ap-pointed. For the period of the interregnum we are grateful to Robin Balch for offering to serve the Lord in this way. There are also a number of other roles that the Rector normally fulfils which need to be covered, such as contact with fringe people and those who come for Baptism. At present we are in the proc-ess of trying to obtain cover in these areas. Please continue to support us by prayer and understanding as we try to enable the church and its members to share the love of Jesus more effectively. David Sanderson. Karen Riley, Communication and Co-ordination (December 2002 edition of magazine)
I'm so glad that I did listen and allowed God to lead me into serving him in this way. I lead a great team who between them enable God's love to be shared not just within our church family, but beyond the doors of St. Thomas' out into Brampton and Chesterfield through this magazine and Mustard Seed and much, much farther afield through our web site. Others on the team keep the services running by producing rotas and the newssheet, make sure church members are registered on the electoral roll, ensure that the legalities are completed in preparation for weddings, maintain the tape library and the bookstall. And then there is the Church Office - which I think of as like a ship's engine (sorry Julie and Anne!), a well maintained and hard working machine that uses the power of God to keep St. Thomas' afloat and moving. Actually, I feel like a bit of a fraud because the team doesn't really need leading. They are all so good at what they do. I see my role as mainly pastoral, to support and encourage those in the team in their personal ministry, but also to have regard to the future to see how we, as a team, can develop our ministry and our mission to share God's love with people beyond our stone walls. But I'm still not sure I understand why me God. Karen Riley Worship and Teaching (February 2003 edition of magazine) On Christopher Frith's leaving as Rector in September 2002 I was approached to be a "stand-in" leader for Worship and Teaching until the new Rector arrived! After 35 years of ministry this has been a real privilege to continue my ministry, and help me to ease down into retirement! I am so grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from many in the Church, and the understanding that I am only a "caretaker" for this area of mission and ministry and in no way a substitute Rector! This aspect of the life of the Church illustrates the effectiveness of the previous leadership and management skills of Christopher. St. Thomas is in a really strong position with shared ministry and trained leadership. I would want to express the Church's gratitude to all who help to make our worship so worthy and able. This includes the licensed ministers, Sam Cartwright, along with myself as ordained clergy (with the occasional help from Alex Simpson from St. Peters) together with the two retired Church Army Officers, David and Nanette Sanderson and the readers, John Goodacre, Bill Woodend, Bill Galloway, Robin Dawson and my Eileen, who with the excellent trainee Pat Clayton prove such a capable team, along with our Youth worker Neil Roper, who so ably leads our youth and children's worship. We are fortunate indeed. These are supported by a wide and committed team of lay helpers, who provide music, amplification, overhead and power point projection, lesson readers, intercessors, administrators for communion, sides persons, refreshments, healing ministry, bell ringing etc. etc. Our wardens and deputy wardens ensure smooth operations on Sundays. But none of this would be effective if it was not the underpinning of the office, especially the care given by Julie and Anne who are always there to plan, produce, appoint and guide us all. The teaching side was all in place, and although a new leader may want to experiment, we are happily continuing with the Common Worship lectionary at 9.0 am, the scripture Union SALT material at 11 am, and series of sermons for the 6.30 pm service. The Open House programme is happening all the time, with a varied menu of centrally planned and locally chosen material. I am particularly grateful to Tim Wheeler for co-ordinating the leaders, and for David Sanderson for his input before Christmas in guiding us to study renewal in our neighbourhood in preparation for the Development Project. At Diocesan direction we are committed to bringing the groups together during Lent this year to study the Course "Who do you say I am?" produced by Canon Barrie Gauge. I know some do not welcome studies that are "imposed on us" from on high. Yet we have the concerned support of Bishop, Jonathan, who is coming to St.Thomas on Thursday April 10th. at 7.45 pm to complete the series. I urge you to take this opportunity to support one another, as we look ahead to the appointment of the new Rector. One area of concern expressed by the Mission and Ministry Leaders is the corporate prayer life of the church. We are again grateful to the stimulating and inspiring prayers led for us during our Sunday worship sessions and we know many take the opportunity to pray through the requests given week by week on the Sunday leaflets, but we are disappointed by the low numbers that attend the actual "prayer meetings" that are arranged. A small group pray regularly each Saturday from 8.30 am for a half an hour in the vestry. David and Marion Smith have kept this going in the place of a Rector, together with a very small group. On the second Saturday a half morning of prayer is held in the Meeting Room, mainly led by John Goodacre, who helps to keep the World Mission programme before us. We are sad that the "Come Together" first Wednesday evening has discontinued, but we have called the Church together on occasions to pray for important events and decisions. My brief covers other areas, which continue faithfully. Thanks to Bill Galloway (Alpha) Discipleship (Pamela Gratton) Bible reading notes (Special thanks to Sian Roberts who has just retired from this) and Kathryn Shemwell (Women's World Day of Prayer). It is a joy to work among such a dedicated and competent team of Christian workers, who illustrate the meaning of "the Body of Christ." Robin Balch Mission and Ministry Teams (April 2004 edition of the magazine)
It is now part of the leadership team's duties to set the budget for each area of the church and to approve its total budget. Significant time has been expended on the Building project, Safe from Harm policy, attendance analysis, mission giving, external notice boards and new projects. The needs of St Thomas' members are of prime importance to us all and significant time is taken up discussing the needs of various groups, especially children and the elderly. This generally gives rise to the recurring discussion point of the shortage of helpers. Most of the work needing to be done does not require any special talents other than to be available, so if you can help then please tell us... Recently we have had to consider Neil Roper leaving us to go to another post. These discussions revealed to us the complexity of the task of children and youth work, leading to the fact that we really needed to split the job. This was to more effectively cover two smaller age range groups, with the subsequent appointment of Karen Herrick as the Children's worker. We continue with the recruitment of a Young People's worker. Karen will continue in the leadership team until September. Meanwhile, Pam will be standing down at the APCM after a long and significant period as Church Warden, volunteers are being recruited for this and deputy warden positions. Even these choices are getting more complex as the Safe from Harm policy requirements now mean the nominations for these positions have to have satisfied the necessary police checks. We continue to praise God that His work continues to grow. We have seen the Men's Breakfast group restart, that a new Mum's and Babies group are meeting regularly in the rectory, the new "Gateway" open house group is very successful and significant work is being put into a new "Start" course, which will replace Alpha. Please continue to pray for the necessary permissions to come through for our building project. We, as a Church, need it as well as the parish requiring the resources which we could offer. Please pray for your leadership team members, that we might continue in an effective and God inspired way to lead St Thomas' forward. David Holden Communication and Co-ordination (June 2005 edition of the magazine)
In November 2004, a new group was formed to plan future parish leaflets. Thanks to the enthusiasm and expertise of Phil Michell and Janet Turville the first issue of St. Thomas' "Spotlight" rolled off the press in March. The next issue will be out for Christmas! Alongside the planning for Spotlight, another church resource was being discussed, the Welcome Pack. This too was completed just before Easter. "But what is a Welcome Pack?" you may ask. It is simply an attractively produced folder with an inside pocket. In this pocket are individual information cards which give written details and photographs of the different activities for people of all ages, that take place in St. Thomas', both on Sundays and midweek. Have you ever asked yourself the question, "What happens to those orange Welcome Cards that we see every week in the back of the chairs? Does any one ever fill them in?" Well, here are the answers! Yes, people do fill them in. As people come into St. Thomas' for the first time and ask about our services and other activities, they are invited to fill in the Welcome Card. They are then visited by a member of St. Thomas, usually David, our rector. David is now able to leave a Welcome Pack with the people he visits. In addition, a copy of the Welcome Pack is to be given to all parents attending Baptism Preparation courses and to all wedding couples who will be making their home in the parish. Have you recently visited our church website? http://www.st-thomas-brampton.org Much time and effort has gone into the church website since last September. I am indebted to David Holden, who set up our first website and has also spent many hours updating and improving it. Last autumn a decision was taken to tap in to the expertise of our younger church members! Chris Witham and a team from CYFA were invited to build a new website. This is now up and running, with just one or two finer details to complete. We also have a new Website Co-ordinator, Mark Hoare, who updates it weekly. If you have access to the internet, there is now no excuse for not knowing what is happening at St. Thomas! In February, Julie Lomas took over responsibility for running the Bookstall. Some changes are afoot! Look out for our first Book Week 17th- 24th July. If you want to order a book at any time, please contact Julie who will order it for you from Cliff College bookshop. As this is our "local" Christian bookshop, we feel it is very important that we support them as much as we can. Cliff College bookshop will also help us, as the church will receive a discount on all books that Julie orders. Other areas of Communication and Co-ordination continue as usual, rotas are drawn up; the weekly notice sheet is produced; church records and registers are completed; the church office continues to be a hub of activity during the week; and, of course, our magazine Ploughshare is faithfully produced and has improved even more, since the front cover went into full colour last December. I am very grateful for all the advice, support and prayers I have received over these past few months. I am starting to appreciate more fully the effect of good communication and co-ordination, where everything seems to fall into place so much more easily and people are encouraged and feel appreciated. From this there is beginning to flow a real sense of anticipation and enthusiasm as we experience God at work, uniting us in our service for Him. Let us continue to remember the words of Paul in Colossians Ch.3 v.17, "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Barbara Goodacre Finance and Fabric (December 2005 edition of the magazine)
However, as we approach the end of 2005 we are forecasting a significant loss in our annual accounts in the knowledge that our Parish Share contribution to the Diocese (our largest annual expenditure item) is set to rise by some 7.5% next year. In 2001 we recorded an average of 291 people attending our Sunday services, 80 at 9am, 119 at 11am, and 92 at 6.30pm. Pleasingly we have seen a significant growth in the average number attending our 11am service (+10), but sadly fewer people now attend our other services (-13 at 9am and -28 at 6.30pm), and the cumulative average (260) is now 31 lower than just four years ago. One of my main areas of attention has been our building development project, which I can barely think back beyond, not least because progress at times has been frustratingly slow. However, somewhat to my delight, my preparations for this article highlighted that 3 years ago we had not even appointed an architect, let alone commissioned him to draw up plans for our consideration. Given that we have since reviewed, improved and agreed a scheme, convinced the Diocesan Advisory Committee that it was right for us (following a 1 year period of enforced delay during our Interregnum), submitted the scheme to the Borough Council, modified it in light of ecological, highway, topographical, tree and neighbours' concerns identified through commissioned research studies and finally secured a full planning consent, I feel a surprising amount of progress has in fact been made. Developing our commitment Looking ahead to next year we have ambitious plans to progress our development project, which you will be hearing much more about shortly. We are currently preparing for the all important next stage. Our ascent from Base Camp with much invisible activity, to lay the metaphorical foundation for our new building. This work involves mapping out in some detail the critical next steps for our project, identifying the incremental tasks within them, together with those individuals best placed to assume a lead responsibility for each. I would like to thank those volunteers who have already stepped forward to offer their services. Your skills and contributions are much appreciated. We do however have many more opportunities for individuals to get involved. The more that do the quicker we will realise our ambitions - especially in relation to marketing our project to the wider community. If you feel you could make a contribution to our project please do approach me for a no obligation discussion. As we enter this key second phase of our project it is appropriate for the whole church family to take ownership of it, both through practical commitment where possible, and regular prayer commitment. I do believe that in faith we can reach our summit!My thought for the future? That our faith can move mountains if we really believe! Graham Brown Caring and Sharing (February 2006 edition of the magazine)
As a church and as individual Christians God has called us to follow Him in caring for each other. Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd caring for His sheep and commanded us to love one another, God is our Father caring for us as a father cares for his children and Paul exhorts us all to bear one anothers burdens and to 'do good to all - especially those of the household of faith'. (Gal 6:2 and 10) The Caring and Sharing ministry teams seek to fulfil these commands. There are many ways in which we at St Thomas seek to fulfil these commands- here are just a few! Totzone which offers a Christian environment for young children and support for their parents. Meeting every Monday in term time the children have opportunities for play, a snack, bible story and linked craft activity, songs, prayer, and fun. I am very grateful to Kath Topliss and Elaine Nudd who have taken on the leading of this and for Anna Beresford and Barbara Goodacres support and weekly help in this ministry. Communion and Cuppa which is ably led by John and Brenda Trickett with willing support of a number of volunteers. This is a monthly mid week opportunity for communion and fellowship. Cakes and coffee follow a short service and a fun time of sharing is had by all. Mens Breakfast Meets monthly, usually on a Saturday morning. It is an opportunity to share with each other over breakfast, which is sometimes followed by a talk and at other times by more vigorous activity such as a walk out in the Peaks. Bernard Blanksby and Barry Thompson now co-ordinate these meetings. We have all enjoyed the work of the Social Group who have willingly organised events such as the Church Picnic, the Quiz night and the many Faith lunches. These are great opportunities for fellowship and the numbers who come along testify to the wonderful work the whole Social Group do in organising the food and fun. Thank you Katherine Shemwell, Janet Hamilton, Gaynor Roberts, Barry and Maureen Thompson and Heather Hollington, we do appreciate your hard work. Other areas of caring and sharing going on in the church include visits to residential homes monthly, prayer ministry after the 6.30pm service and home communion. There are plans in the coming year to extend the work of Caring and Sharing with the introduction of an email prayer circle similar to that which operated following the birth of David Phillips, to re-institute something similar to Friends with a group of trained volunteers available to visit the sick, bereaved, and those who though part of the St Thomas family are no longer able to get out to services and other times of fellowship. I would like to finish by giving thanks to all who have helped me with prayer, advice and timely reminders of work to be done, over the last few months. Thank you also to David Holden who held this job before me, and gave me such a good introduction to the job, giving up hours to go through everything with me. To all who help in any area of the church thank you and as Paul says let us not grow weary of doing good and if there is any one who would like to volunteer to help in any of these areas - please contact me! Janet Turville Communication and Co-ordination (April 2006 edition of the magazine)
Here are some encouraging comments I have recently received: I looked on the internet for churches in Chesterfield. Your website impressed me the most, so here I am. Now that I have discovered the website, it is great! If I miss a week or lose my notice sheet, I can still get all the information I need. Who sorts out the Spotlight deliveries? I did a road for the first time at Christmas. I just want you to know that I will do the same round again next time. You gave me an invitation to Totzone at Summer Club. We couldnt come straight away, but five months later, here we are. We are new to the area. Thank you for asking us. Yes we will come. She was really struggling with the intercessions rota and asked me if I could help out. I said, Yes. I am not on any other duty that day. It was one of my few free Sundays. Much of what happens in my area of Communication and Coordination at St. Thomas takes place behind the scenes so I cannot report on different events that have taken place! However I can highlight areas where I feel there has been significant progress and yes, I am aware of areas that still need to be improved! Notice Sheets Because of the amount of material that the office was receiving for inclusion in the weekly notice sheet a decision was taken in September 2005 to have separate notice sheets for St. Thomass and St. Peters. Following on from this, leaders of different events are now invited to hand in to the office brief reports of events that have taken place, so they can be included in the notice sheet. It is so important that dates of forthcoming events and reports of events that have taken place are circulated in this way, in order to keep all church members well informed. Website It amazes me just how much church information finds its way on to the church website. This is due to Mark Hoares commitment and enthusiasm as our Website Co-ordinator. Each week Mark updates the website with weekly notice sheets, other important pieces of information and news from home and overseas. Spotlight We were very encouraged by the success of the Christmas issue of Spotlight which was delivered to every home in the parish in early December. As I write this article, Phil Michell has the preparation for the Easter issue well underway. Ploughshare Sue Ward and her team continue to do an excellent job in producing our bi-monthly parish magazine. If you feel like reporting on a church event that you have organised or sharing how God has been working in your life recently, then make sure you pass it on to Sue. NB You may be reading this copy of Ploughshare but do you receive it regularly? Do you know of people in church who dont take a copy but should? Please see Bernard Blanksby and get your name on the list of regular subscribers! A word of encouragement to readers who are members of St Peters - if you would like more information as to how you can contribute to Ploughshare or receive a copy please see Philippa Buswell. And finally : To me, the word communication suggests more than just having the right structures and sufficient volunteers in place. Yes, these are essential to the running of the church, but there is something more- That something is prayer. Over the past few months God has continually been challenging me as to how willing or ready we are as a church to open wide the channels of communication between ourselves and our heavenly Father. Communication with God is a two way thing - as well as talking to God we need to spend time listening to Him, hearing His specific instructions for us and then trusting Him for the outcome. At a recent Derby diocesan conference on church growth, Bob Jackson, the archdeacon of Walsall said, Remember, God has a unique way forward for your church. I trust that you are all praying together to seek Gods guidance as to what is right for you. 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. Children's and Youth Work (June 2006 edition of the magazine)
Karen Herrick is the Childrens worker at St. Thomas and Gemma Machin is the Youth Worker. Between them they co-ordinate and put together most of what happens in these areas throughout the year as well as working in the local schools and visiting a variety of local childrens and young peoples groups. Discoverers, our Sunday morning teaching groups for those up to school year 9, continue to grow. Children and Young People have the chance to have some fun, learn some new stuff, and often to take part in some sort of craft activity. Parties and outings have also been organised through the year. Kidzone 627 (meeting on Tuesday evenings for school years 3 - 6) goes from strength to strength and is attracting more and more children. The group provides a safe and fun environment for church and non-church children to grow together and learn something of Jesus love for them. Last summer, St. Thomass biggest and best Holiday Club, Party People took place in July. Around 150 children attended, played games; cut, stuck, decorated and planted; heard about Jesus; memorised Bible verses: and accumulated points! For the first time, the week concluded with a family party which saw around 150 people of all ages enjoying games, fun and a wonderful barbeque. St. Thomas continues to organise and host a variety of special events throughout the year. The Big Draw, Christingle Service, and the Alternative Halloween Party are always successful and well-attended. CYFA (school years 10-13) members have engaged in much discussion relating to contemporary youth values and culture over the last year. Members are a mix of Church young people and those with no previous connections to the church, many of whom have been brought along by existing members. Social activities have included movies, games and jam sessions! Pathfinders (school years 7 - 9) numbers on Sunday nights are normally around 12 -15. Sunday evenings are normally a mix of games, discussion and interactive learning. Sunday social activities have included movies, board games and fancy dress. Saturday activities this year have included a boys' paint-balling trip and a girls Health Spa visit. The 18 25s group meets weekly for food, games, discussion and some study. Pathfinders and CYFA both had weekends away in Wales in April last year and the two groups had a joint weekend in Dovedale last month. Several CYFA members also attended the Pure weekend away organised by churches working together across Chesterfield. These weekends are wonderful opportunities for developing old and new friendships, having a great time together, playing some great music and learning some cool stuff along with being challenged about major life decisions. Unfortunately there is no time left for any sleep (or so it seems), but everyone gets back to normal after a few days. Other Pure (inter-church) youth events during the past year have included gigs, socials, ski-ing, a trip to the beach, and a Christmas Ball held here in St. Thomas. Seventy young people attended the ball and enjoyed a three course meal, live music during the meal, an Aardvarks performance afterwards and finally, a disco. A night to be remembered for all who attended Our mid-week bible study group, Rapture, has changed considerably over the past few months and now comprises three sessions. Separate Bible study sessions are held for Pathfinders and CYFA members and the evening also comprises a joint meal and discussion. Numbers: 3500 Approximate number of total volunteer hours for childrens and youth work each year! 1500 Approximate number of children and young people with whom Karen and Gemma have contact each year! 520+ Number of separate events or groups organised or visited each year! 130 Approximate number of volunteers who help out with childrens work in some capacity throughout the year! 100 Number of children and young people involved in activities at St. Thomass most weeks! Nonsense: 55000 Approximate number of hours of music listened to on headphones from mp3 players/ipods by St. Thomas young people during year! (Not in meetings!!) 25000 Approximate number of chips eaten by CYFA members 2000 Approximate number of glasses of squash consumed by children at St. Thomas during year! 200 Approximate number of litres of pop consumed by young people at St. Thomas during year! 100 Approximate number of rolls of sticky tape used each year in childrens and youth work at St. Thomas. Mike Barnsley Caring and Sharing (December 2006 edition of the magazine)
My own wedding to Kevin followed in September, which means I must now re-introduce myself as Janet Turville! Our wedding showed me yet again what a wonderful caring fellowship we have in St Thomas. Many members of the church family helped in the preparations for the reception, the music and all the other details that go to make a wedding event. A big thanks to you all for all your help, especially as we had only 9 weeks to do all the planning in! While all this was going on, other areas in the church have continued to function and grow. Totzone now regularly sees at least 11 mums and 15 under 5s, with new mums appearing every week. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve our community and to share with many mums who are not regular members of St Thomas. If you have a spare hour or two on a Monday afternoon why not come along and see what we get up to? Alongside this, the Social Group have continued to facilitate a number of events, including faith lunches, picnics and the Alternative Halloween Party. Communion and Cuppa continues to serve those who enjoy fellowship with God and others mid week, and a new home group is planned to serve the needs of those with learning disabilities in our community. I continue to be blessed and moved by the willingness of so many at St Thomas to reach and care for those around and to share the Good News of Jesus with our community. Janet Turville |
