the Parish of St thomas' Brampton, Chesterfield

It is based on friendship.The simple meal together creates a relaxed atmosphere and genuinely warm friendships are formed. It is not remotely threatening.
It gives plenty of time to think. Because it lasts for ten weeks and includes an unhurried day away - and members are free to do the course again if they wish - there is time to let it sink in.
It gives members permission to ask questions. No-one is in danger of being laughed at because they are ignorant. Questions that have bothered members for years can at last be aired and discussed informally.
The appeal is both to the mind and the heart. The course goes thoroughly into the reasons why we should believe and trust Jesus Christ - but it doesn't leave it there. The short journey from the head to the heart is a problem for many and ALPHA addresses this. There is always, unashamedly, a short time of worship and, all the way through, an expectation of an encounter with God is built in.

These features are indicative of just how appropriate ALPHA is for our generation. It seems to be God's chosen way to reach out to people on the brink of the 21st century. We are planning further courses this year, starting in April/May and Sept/Oct.

Christopher Frith

From the April 1998 edition of the magazine

June/July 1998

My mind is buzzing, the adrenalin is flowing and it will take a while to come down to earth. We've just finished the Consistory Court (Saturday 9th May, loam to 1.15pm) and the decision is in the hands of Chancellor Bullimore. By the time this is read, it will be known whether we can go ahead with St Thomas' reordering.

I confess to having been cross about this Consistory Court. Why should the Victorian Society have such a say in the way in which our place of worship is ordered? Why do things take so long to be resolved? Why all the red tape? And frustration? And tedious meetings?

Having said all that, the Court has been a good experience, a landmark in St Thomas' history, a rare event, like Chesterfield appearing in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, that I will be able to tell my grandchildren about!

We have had to think through why we want to reorder St Thomas' on a much deeper level than before. The process has convinced me that our church building needs to be made appropriate as a centre of worship and mission for the 21st century. Our scheme is bold and imaginative, rooted in a biblical understanding of God and his dealings with us. I'm excited about its possibilities.

What if the decision goes against us? It doesn't bear thinking about, at the moment - but God will have something even better up His sleeve!

Christopher Frith

From the June1998 edition of the magazine

Read here Keith Morgan's report of the Consistory Court proceedings.

August/September 1998

Reflections on the Consistory Court decision.

I tend to say my glass is half empty when optimists would say theirs was half full! So, when I received the verdict after the Consistory Court, my immediate reaction was negative. We had lost; even worse, the Victorian Society had won!

The judge has ruled that we can do all we want to do in the nave of St. Thomas', making it thoroughly flexible. Chairs will replace pews. There will be a platform in front of the chancel step with a new communion table and preaching desk. However, the chancel may not be touched. When put this way, it is clear that we are permitted to do far more than we are forbidden to and lots of new opportunities beckon.

I still think what could have been a most impressive re-ordering has been spoilt. As Robin Dawson said during the hearing, it will be bit like having a museum at one end of the building and a living Church at the other. But, I guess that God thinks this is all we can cope with or afford or perhaps deserve.

We are still going to need many more funds to carry out the work, largely because the Garden of Remembrance - due, I trust, to be completed soon - has cost so much more than anticipated. We shall probably hold a Gift Day in the Autumn and hope to carry the work out in the Spring. The PCC have decided unanimously to proceed with what we are allowed to do.

My press statement, a week or so after hearing the verdict, was my attempt to be both positive and realistic. "We are delighted that at long last we are authorised to carry out much of the work that has been in the pipeline for over 15 years. It is very disappointing not to be able to include the chancel, though. Our architect's plans are being compromised, but we will make the most of what we are able to do. The Consistory Court was carried out fairly and with good humour and we have to accept the judge's ruling."

It's quite a challenge.

Christopher Frith

Read here Keith Morgan's report of the Consistory Court proceedings.

From the August 1998 edition of the magazine

October/November 1998 -by Andy Broom, our Curate

What's your earliest memory? Mine goes back to when I was 3 and I cut my head open and was rushed to casualty. I can't remember any pain, just the sense of panic and concern as we dashed to the hospital. In case I should ever forget - I still have the scar to remind me!

We all have memories. What varied and strange things they are. Many are unimportant and trivial, others are precious indeed; some evoke sadness, others a smile; some are beginning to fade, others are just like yesterday'.

Memories are an important part of the Christian Faith. The Bible re-calls how God has been at work in this world in the past. It tells us how he was at work in the people of Israel. It re-calls Jesus' life, death and resurrection, and how his earliest followers developed into the Early Church. It reminds us that our faith is based on real events and real people.

But that's only half the story isn't it? Faith and knowledge of God is not only about looking back, . it's also about living now. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that 'Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever'. Jesus didn't just live 2000 years ago, . . . he's alive today!

So, as we look back over our memories, as we live out the present and plan for our futures, we can be confident that we are not alone. Jesus invites us to share all our experiences with him - the good ones and the not so good. He brought peace, hope and purpose to many lives 2000 years ago, and he wants to do the same for us today.

Andy Broom

From the October 1998 edition of the magazine

December 1998/January 1999

"As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end Amen."

Are any words more typically Anglican? For centuries they have been sung or said at the end of every Psalm and canticle - and they have a wonderful ring to them.

I sometimes think that people think it is the good old C of E which is as it was in the beginning! The Church should not change at all, it seems to say.

Yet it is not about the church at all. It's about God's glory. "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit." This is the thing which "ever shall be, world without end". The Church has changed dramatically throughout its two millennia, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. In the 13 years in which I have been Rector, our churches in this parish have all changed significantly. If they stay the same, they will die.

God's glory, however, is totally unchanging. Jesus Christ is the "same yesterday, today and forever." The glory proclaimed from the heavens above the fields of Bethlehem when Christ our Saviour was born is the same glory which we glimpse every day -in the beauty of creation, an expression of practical loving concern, and most notably as a life is changed through an encounter with Jesus Christ.

Christmas demonstrates the glory of God as powerfully as anything. Look for it, sing carols about it and seek to experience some of it. "Glory to God in the highest and peace to His people on earth."

Happy Christmas, everyone.

Christopher Frith

From the December 1998 edition of the magazine

Rector's Letters 1999