Page 54 - link magazine

54 swindonlink.com • December 2010
Lack of full-time ministers in North may be viewed as a blessing

As congregations in the ecumenical and Anglican churches of North Swindon fi nd themselves without
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT . . . regular ministry, Diane Charlesworth, worship leader at the Church of Christ the Servant, Abbey Meads,
RAINWATER HARVESTING HEAT PUMPS describes the diffi culties and opportunities that this has meant.
SOLAR WATER HEATING WIND TURBINES “Although we live in an increas- Christ the Servant church cur- forward in a way that responds to
SOLAR ELECTRICITY . . . then give us a call ingly secular society the role of the rently runs four children’s and the needs of the community. In this
Tel: 01793 772277 www.rainwindsun.com church is very important for bring- youth groups, catering for age fi ve way it is an important feature not
E-mail: [email protected] ing people together,” said Diane. through to 18 years, as well as nu- just for church-goers but for non-
“Our Sunday school and mums merous community groups. Christians alike.”
TERRY WINTER and tots groups are very popular, However Diane said the church www.christtheservant.org.uk.
MONUMENTAL STONEMASON and in some ways being without is not entirely on its own. “As an Anglicans in North Swindon have
a full-time minister at Christ the ecumenical church our resources
New memorials - Additional inscriptions Servant has actually strengthened are fl exible and can call on Baptist, been without a minister at Blunsdon
Old memorials cleaned and renovated us as a congregation.” Methodists and United Reform St Andrew’s Church and the church
Free estimates • BRAMM accredited Diane trained as an opera singer, ministers to assist our needs. group centred around St Francis
Over 25 years’ experience but chose a step of faith to give up “The church also gives people Church of England Primary School,
Tel: 01793 861035 or 07935 309644 touring in order to stay at home an opportunity to focus attention Taw Hill for a year. Church warden
email: [email protected] David Templar hopes the appoint-
for her children. She now works on more global issues and what ment process to fi nd a new vicar
as a self-employed music teacher we can do to help. We need to look can start in early 2011.
Stitches Sewing and is considering deepening her
own theological study. “As wor-
Service ship leader I am able to offi ciate Vicar joins West team
at christenings, weddings and
Dressmaking, Alterations and
Repairs, Bespoke Costumes funerals, but I worry that children The new minister at St Mary’s Church in Lydiard Park, Rev Clive De-
are missing out in schools without verell, comes from a working class background and started his career
Also Furnishing – Curtains, Cushions and Blinds etc.

Friendly, reliable service a full time minister to lead and in a life assurance company in Bournemouth. He believes his very

Contact Jean on 07887 600319 encourage them.” ‘ordinariness’ will be a great strength in his new role.
Joined by his wife and the wider com-
Wendy and two chil- munity, as well as
dren, aged 10 and 7 encouraging people
years, Rev Deverell, to come to faith and
ANYTHING TRANSFERRED ONTO DVD DISC 49, said, “I like speed- then share their faith.
Specialist in Cine Film Transfer, Camcorder way and sports and “My desire is to
Tapes, VHS Tapes, Camcorder Discs I have been through bring people together
We collect and deliver over a wide area the mill myself. God in unity, it’s not about
T: 01793 705333 / M: 07831 575758 walked beside me enlarging the congre-
PO Box 2079, Manvers St, Bath BA1 3TJ and the church of- gation as such, but
fered me hope – that’s about creating an
what the Christian environment where
church offers to oth- people can grow in
ers who feel low. God their faith wherever
equips and gifts even they are on their
Join us in worship on Sunday mornings those who feel they have let Him journey, and building on the good
down in the past.”
work that’s already been done by
Westlea Church, Westlea School: 10am He comes to Swindon from Peter- the people here.
St Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze - the church in the park: 10am borough and after spending many “Another challenge is the St
All Saints’, Lydiard Millicent - the church in the village: 10.30am years as a Church Army Offi cer, Mary’s building fund. We want
Holy Trinity, Shaw: 10.30am getting involved in evangelism, to ensure we can maintain this
Toothill Church: 10.30am homelessness and parish work. beautiful church which has stood
He was ordained in 2007 and in Lydiard Park since 1100 by at-
For details of these and our other services was keen to join the ecumenical tracting funding.”
call the Partnership Offi ce on 874221 partnership in West Swindon and Rev Deverell added, “we’ve
Email: partnershipoffi [email protected] the Lydiards. “There is diversity and found Swindon to be a very wel-
www.wswinlyd.org.uk unity without the uniformity. I’m coming and warm place.”
excited about the opportunities at St To contact him see the advert
Anglican • Baptist • Methodist • United Reformed Church Mary’s, to work with Lydiard House on the left.

On Thames Avenue
next door to
Sunday Worship 10.30am Morrisons
Sunday School and Creche Contact:
Meeting at Abbey Meads Revd Raymond Adams
Community School
Tel: 634258
St. John’s Haydon Wick

Sunday Services
9am Traditional communion service
11am Eventful, contemporary worship
with children’s groups meeting
www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

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