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The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com 55

Local talent tells the dramatic story of Jesus’ last hours We believe that Jesus Christ is able
David Hoar, one of the first residents to move to Toothill nearly 30 years ago has been developing a new to forgive our past, give meaning to
skill as a dramatist. the present and hope for the future
A member of the congregation inspiration came from last year’s do something on a much smaller
at Toothill Church he has written open air play in Manchester. scale to bring to people a different
stories with a spiritual meaning “There were thousands of people view of events leading to Jesus’
that have been read in lining the streets to see a death.”
church over the past cou- giant cross being carried The performance takes place on
ple of years. from one part of Man- Maundy Thursday evening as part
Now he has written chester to Heaton Square, of the worship preparations for
Jesus The Play, a mono- while Jesus was making the Easter remembrance of the cru- Sunday services are at
logue with action set in his way to the square by cifixion and resurrection. 10am & 6.30pm
the modern day, telling another route where the Holy Communion will be cel- For further information you can
the story of the last hours trial took place. ebrated after the performance on 5 either ring (01793) 873050;
of Jesus and his disciples. “After seeing that I was April, 7.30pm at Toothill Church. e-mail: office@freshbrook.org
David, right, said his filled with this desire to The congregation welcomes or visit: www.freshbook.org
readers to join it for a refreshing
“the gift of God is Eternal Life” (Romans 6 v23)
view on the Easter story.
Counselling! Who needs it?
‘Willows’ is a Swindon charity providing counselling and debt On Thames Avenue
advice for individuals plus training, advice and support for individu- next door to
als, churches and other community groups, writes Dr Ruth Cureton.
The service has a handful of part- water; when life is going well and Morrisons
time paid staff but owe much to we feel strong then we keep them Contact:
volunteers at every level. Their 18 under control. Caught off guard Revd Raymond Adams
years of experience includes help- on a bad day and they may burst Tel: 634258
ing survivors of early-life trauma up unannounced.
and abuse. When Princess Diana died St. John’s Haydon Wick
But why so much need for coun- nearly ten years ago there was a
selling these days, isn’t it just for massive outpouring of grief which Sunday Services
the weak? Christians are all saved, some in the media described as
forgiven and healed: what can they over the top. It was a tragic and 9am Traditional communion service
be worried about? untimely death, but unexpressed 11am Eventful, contemporary worship
Well, the fact is that traumatic, griefs and losses don’t go away, with children’s groups meeting
painful experiences affect innocent they just add up inside. Over a
people of all ages. Jesus said, ‘In third of the adult population have www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk
this world you will have trouble ‘unresolved trauma’ in their lives.
but take heart I have overcome the We may surprise ourselves
world’. He promises to be with us when an everyday trial of some West Swindon & the
in the midst of trouble, and one kind provokes an out of propor-
way Jesus can be ‘with us’ is tion reaction. If a pattern of ‘over- Lydiards churches
through an understanding com- reacting’ or ‘not coping’ emerges it
panion on our journey. makes sense to take time out to All Saints’, Lydiard Millicent
As a nation we are known for look at why, before a crisis devel-
containing our feelings. There are ops. Holy Trinity, Shaw
times for restraint, but in If we experience unexplained St Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze
Ecclesiastes 3:4 Solomon advises bodily pain or dysfunction then Toothill Church; Westlea Church
that there is ‘a time to weep and a most of us sensibly get a check-up
time to laugh, a time to mourn and with the doctor. So why ignore
a time to dance’ and verse 7 ‘a time emotional pain and distress just For details of our weekly
to tear and a time to mend, a time hoping it will go away? services please contact the
to be silent and a time to speak’. To contact the Willows Coun- ‘For God loved the world Partnership Office on 874221
Unresolved emotions are not selling Service – Christian Caring so much that He gave partnershipoffice@btopenworld.com
buried dead but alive. Like trying in the Community, call 706646. His only Son.’ John 3:16
to hold inflated balloons under- www.willowscounselling.org.uk Baptist • Church of England • Methodist • United Reformed Church

Sunday Worship 10.30am
Sunday School and Creche
Meeting at Abbey Meads
Community School

www.swindonfamilychurch.org.uk
www.nsbc.org.uk

21 April 07 55 15/3/07, 12:08 pm