Page 46 - link magazine

46 swindonlink.com • February 2009
Gardeners called for Vicar bids farewell to the West
Swindon Council's open spaces Rev Stephen Skinner, Church of England rector for the West Swindon and Lydiards Partnership, has an-
and parks department is giving nounced that after six and a half years, he is moving on to take up a similar position on the south coast in
people the chance to learn new the parish of the Golden Cap, near Lyme Regis.
skills and contribute to the devel- Since 2002 he has coordinated the
opment of its ornamental parks. Ecumenical Partnership for the area
Rangers will provide practical and was the vicar of Holy Trinity
hints and tips on different aspects Church, Shaw, before moving to
of horticulture, advice on pest and St Mary's in Lydiard Park. "I've
disease control and guidance on enjoyed being in West Swindon
activities like shrub and rose prum-
at a time of considerable change
ing. Volunteers will also help create in church personnel and also the
bedding schemes. community," said Stephen. "1 like
The project will be launched in Swindon and I shout for it whenever
April. For details call Richard Beale I'm away from the town."
on 463304 or mail: parkenquiries@ In Dorset Stephen will be respon-
swindon.gov.uk
sible for 13 churches which will
require him to build relationships
with vicars and congregations
We believe that Jesus Christ is able
across a rural landscape. "Some of
to forgive our past, give meaning to my time will be spent training lay
the present and hope for the future people which is probably a model Stephen Skin tier receiving a chequefor350from AsifRobbani of the Bombay Lounge,
for the Church of England in the raised at curry casithack evening in for St Mary's Church restoration appeal.
vange/,.
future with fewer vicars spread The event was so enjoyed in November that appeal organisers are holding another on
Worsiey Road
across more churches and more 10 February. St Mary's needs thousands of pounds to restore its crumbling fabric.
members of congregations taking To help, book a table by calling the restaurant on 887799.
responsibility for services." work with colleagues from other preaching within a Church of Eng-
He added that the West Swindon traditions, and to be with congre- land as I do in a free church.
budding with people
Ecumenical Partnership, where gations who have different expec- "It's an understanding and a way
Sunday services are at four Christian denominations have tations of their ministers," said of working I shall take with me to
lOam & 6.30pm worked together closely for the Stephen. "I now feel as comfortable my new job."
For further information you can last twenty-five years has been a
either ring (01793) 873050; success, though the workload has
e-mail: [email protected] been tough over the last few years Correction
or visit: www.freshbook.org whilst waiting for replacement team In the January edition we wrongly stated that Christmas lunch forToothill's
ministers to be appointed. Good Companions seniors club was prepared byToothill Lunch Club when
the gift of God is Eternal Life (Romans 6 1,23)
"It's been an enriching process to in fact it was cooked by volunteers from Toothill Community Cafe.

47 NORTH SWINDON BAPTIST CHURCH
1
Midweek Babies &
Alpha Toddlers Group (Wed) Sunday Worship 10.30am
Sunday School and Creche
Alpha Courses Meeting at Abbey Meads
Community School
Midweek Small Groups in
GATEWAY Homes across the town
CHURCN SWINDON
Join us, Su Kids Church & Ignite 11-18'S Youth Work
from
the Trinity Centre, For more information call the church
Stonehill Green, office on 01793 526130 or visit
Westlea, for a time
of family worship & Pastor Steve Mann - 320172
bible teaching ,icwIronticrs www.nsbc.org.uk

On Thames Avenue WEST SWINDON 8LTHE LYDLKDSH
next door to CHUKCH PKTNEP'.SH1P:
Morrisons
Join us in worship on Sunday mornings
contact.-ontact:
Westlea Church, Westlea School: ioam
Revd Raymond Adams
Revd
St Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze - the church in the park: loam
Tel: 634258
All Saints', Lydiard Millicent - the church in the village: 10.3oam
St. John's Haydon Wick Holy Trinity, Shaw: 10.30am
Toothill Church: io.Joam
Sunday Services For details of these and our other services
9am Traditional communion service call the Partnership Office on 874221
11am Eventful, contemporary worship Email: partriershipofficebtopenworld.com
with children's groups meeting www.wswinlyd.org.uk
www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk Anglican. Baptist. Methodist • United Reformed Church