Page 46 - link magazine

46 The Link Magazine • January 2002
Three way induction for new North vicar
The church in North Swindon is growing and changing now that the housing developments at Abbey Meads and Taw Hill have been joined
by the Thamesdown Drive extension.
On 26 January new Church of I shall enjoy helping the local peo-
England vicar Reverend Ruth ple shape the type of community
Cram will be inducted at a cer- they want."
emony which takes place at three Husband Colin will be on hand
churches, spanning the past and to help. He has always been very
present. With the title Priest supportive of her vocation. As he
Missioner, she will have responsi- already works for the Research
bility for developing the brand new Councils in Swindon his commut-
church attached to the Taw Hill ing should become a little easier
medical practice building which after they move to their new ad-
opened before Christmas. In a test dress in Waterdown Close.
of her versatility she will also be Dr Peter Crouch, who was pic-
the minister for the long estab- tured in the December Link view-
lished St Andrew's Church, close ing the new buildings at Queen
to St Andrews Ridge. Elizabeth Drive, is pleased that the
The Church of England bounda- practice is able to work alongside
ries have now been redrawn and Rev Ruth Crain outside the new church hall attached to the the church. "Everybody wins by
Ruth will work in ecumenical part- Taw Hill medical practice on Queen Elizabeth Drive this arrangement," he said. "When
nership with Rev Brian Sweetman not in use by the church, the hall
at the Church of Christ the Serv- for just over two years before com- This she sees as her main chal- will provide a location for health
ant, Abbey Meads. ing to Swindon served as an assist- lenge: holding the traditions and related groups, parent craft classes
Ruth's early years were spent ant curate in Cirencester. Now her history of the church at the same and supervised activities for chil-
around Torbay and before enter- task is to develop the congregation time as being alert to changing dren."
ing the Church she worked in vari- at St Andrews and to encourage lifestyles. "The challenge will be Ruth's licensing service takes
ous parts of the country, mainly church membership in the Taw Hill made more demanding by the va- place on 26 January. Starting at the
teaching and engaged in volun- area. But she places great empha- riety of ages, origins and family Taw Hill worship centre at 2.30pm,
tary and political activities. "In my sis on her responsibilities outside groupings of the people who live it then moves to St Andrew's,
daily life, I was very aware that the boundaries of the traditional in the new housing, not to mention Blunsdon Ridge, and ends at the
many people were looking for God. church. "I shall constantly remind the constant changes to be faced Church of Christ the Servant, Ab-
That was my incentive for seeking myself of the 'missioner' part of by young, developing communi- bey Meads. All residents of North
ordination: the chance to help peo- my role, whilst not forgetting the ties. Patience will be required, but Swindon are invited to attend.
pie find God," she said. need to uphold the more formal
She was ordained in 1997 and aspects of church life."
An empty chair?
SWINDON
BC The person who changed AD After a funeral, once the busy-ness and the business is over, there is
History is changing often a feeling of great emptiness and grief, writes Rev Jan Partridge
peoples lives Today FAMILY CHURCH of Toothill Church.
o^Evangeyc SUNDAYS 10.30AM These feelings can be overwhelming, it is often difficult to share it
1
y S p Worsley Road of^^G with other members of the family because they too are experiencing
sadness. So a 'brave face' is put on.
THE WINNERS LOUNGE
There is a group of people who have experienced bereavement and
SWINDON TOWN F.C.
V m m ml.'(Hy understand what is being felt and are willing to come and listen and to
^, m m m= m be there. Even when things are 'going well' it can be helpful to talk.
PINEHURST PEOPLE'S C
building with people The Ecumenical Partnership of West Swindon has set up this infor-
Come and join us NOW... WE ARE BACK ON THE mal service because we believe that there is a need for people to be able
Sunday at 10am & 6.30pm to talk and to share in this friendly and safe way.
FIRST SUNDAY OF THE
For further information of For details of how to receive help, call Rev Jan Partridge on 534992.
MONTH AT LINK CENTRE
other meetings ring: 873050, call
into the Church office or visit For more information, inclu. mid- Dedication and memorial service
www.freshbrock.org week activities, call Brian 011 849731 Sunday 17 February, 2.30pm, Toothill Church
Jesus said: "I have come that YOU might in association with For anyone who wishes to remember their loved ones,
have LIFE and have it in its ftdness" NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL and to commission the visitors.
We are
Greenmeadow
r here! OCAL CHURCHES
Pri mary School ^I
-
All Saints' Lydiard Millicent - 10:30am
N!C Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor) o .
Holy Trinity Shaw -10:30am: (the Church is at Shaw Village
Centre): 874221
St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze - 10:00am u y o
North Swindon Baptist Church
Revd Ann Mackenzie: 870244
Toothill Church - 10:45am Revd Mark Roper: 692620
(also Free Church minister for the parish)
Westlea Church - 10:00am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 11'
Sunday Worship 10.30am (this Church meets in Westlea School Hall. Langstone Way)
- Sunday School & Creche - Web: http://nsbc.org.uk
The Parish of West Swindon and the Lydiards
Pastor Dennis Weaver TEL: (01793) 345051 Baptist • Church of England • Methodist • United Reformed Church