Page 35 - link magazine

The Link Magazine *August 1997
35
Building comes alive again Memory of martyrs behind local project

with Toothill Church The Swindon Bahai community commemorated the death of nine
martyrs in June 1983 by launching a project to spread understanding
After being closed for almost a year for major structural repairs, of their faith over the summer months.
members and friends of Toothill Church rejoiced at the re-opening Shala Davapanah from Middle- never thought she was under
and re-dedication of the church building on Saturday 28 June writes leaze especially remembered the threat, but persecution of Baha'is
Ann Hall. day fourteen years ago when she increased and she was arrested and
Church leader John Trebble We were pleased to welcome heard that her sister Shirin had imprisoned for 8 months. We
handed the key to the Superin- leaders of our four denominations, been hanged in Iran for refusing to never saw her again."
tendent of the Upper Thames cir- Anglican, Baptist, Methodist and recant her Baha'i faith. The Baha'i faith was founded
cuit of the Methodist Church, Revd United Reform, and the Mayor of "Shirin had come to Britain with during the last century in Iran.
Roger Faulkner, who unlocked the Swindon. We were very glad to the rest of the family but decided Based on the teachings Baha'u'llah,
door. We all processed in singing have George Gibson, our Minister to return to Iran to complete her it emphasises the unity which
'All people that on earth dwell'. until February, to give the address university exams," said Shala. "We crosses boundaries between men
The church looks beautiful once and also to see Ian Handscomb, and women, cultures, races and
Shala holding a photograph
more. A new dark blue velvet our Minister from 1978 to 1992. of her much loved sister Shirin religions. It draws on the funda-
curtain covers most of the south We were happy meeting in mental principles of all the major
wall and shows up clearly the large Toothill Community Centre for a religions and sees people as citi-
wooden cross which hangs above year, and are very grateful to the zens of the world, then of their
the alter. Six colourful banners, staff for their helpfulness, but are own countries.
made by church groups, brighten glad to have our own building once Members of Baha'i communi-
up the plain brick walls. more, not only for Sunday serv- ties across Europe will be in Swin-
ices, but also for Girls' Brigade, don during August spreading in-
Boys' Brigade and our Youth Club, formation about the faith. There is
and for the use of community an exhibition in the Link Centre
groups. and a series of public talks on top-
Several times during the service ics of social and spiritual impor-
the question was asked 'What are tance will take place every Mon-
we here for?' The answer was day evening at the Goddard Arms
given 'To worship Almighty God Hotel in Old Town.
and to serve the people of this com- Weekly social meetings will also
munity'. Our Mission Committee be taking place in West Swindon
is at the moment exploring ways homes of Baha'i believers. To find
of serving our community. out more, call 876206 for venues
and times.
Left: Prayers of thanks on 28 June

Missionary family flies in for long visit

Mike and Julia Black and their three
children return to East Africa in
August after six week's leave visit-
ing friends and churches. "0 Friend!
The Freshbrook family have In the garden of thy heart naught
lived in central Tanzania for the but the rose of love, and from the
last three years where ex-RAF nightingale of affection and
Lyneham squadron leader Mike desire loosen not thy hold"
flies light aircraft carrying health
workers and missionaries for the The Baha'i faith is the second most
widespread religion in the world
Mission Aviation Fellowship. and is working towards universal
On their return, the family will
peace and harmony
move to the Kenyan capital Nai-
For more information,
robi where Mike will take on pilot
contact the Swindon Baha'is
training duties for MAF.
Community on 01793 421615
Mike and Julia with Joshua, Elliott
or 01793 872853
and Jordon wearing pilots uniform
Freshbrook SWINDON
OCAL CHURCHES Evangelical FAMILY CHURCH
Church

All Saints'Lydiard Millicent - 10:30am Revd Peter Knight Live with integrity
Worsley Road
772417 (for the Village and Roughmoor) Love wholeheartedly
St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze - 9:00 & 10:30am Revd Rob Bues Will give YOU a warm Trust God in all things
870244 (for Freshbrook, Grange Park & Hook)
welcome SUNDAYS AT THE
Holy Trinity Shaw —10:30am Revd Andrew Hetherington 770568 Sunday I Oam Family Praise
(the Church is at Straw Village Centre) with children's Covenanter LINK CENTRE
Toothill Church - 10:45am Revd Peter Walker 872932 Movement & creche (Community Suite)
(meeting in the Community Centre dua'ing rebuilding) 6.30pm Evening Worship and IO.3Oam
Westlea Church - 10:00am Revd Peter Walker 872932 Communion All ages of children & teens cared for
(this Church meets in Westlea School Hall, Langstone Way) For details of mid-week Information: Call Brian
meetings, house groups and at the Church Office: 849731
The Parish of West Swindon and the Lydiards
other activities, telephone the in association with
Baptist • Church of England • Methodist • United Reformed Church
Church Office, Tel: 873050 NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL