Fifth birthday celebration for Swindon church

Pattern Church has marked its fifth anniversary with a well-attended party.

It was in November 2018 in a marquee outside the old GWR Pattern Store that a new Anglican church was started in Swindon. 

Pattern Church held its first meeting in the car park outside of the historic building that was to become its new home after a programme of renovation. 

Despite wet and windy weather Pattern church was born with lively worship, passionate prayer and a desire to see help Swindon experience the love of Jesus.

Five years on, more than 350 people gathered for a day of celebration called Pattern Fest.

Senior Pattern Church leader Joel Sales said: "It’s amazing seeing what God has done over these last five years. People have found faith in Jesus, found community, and are serving Swindon in amazing ways.

“Jesus changes lives, we’ve seen that again and again. It was wonderful to celebrate with the community, we’re excited to see what God does next.”

The day began with the 10am service, featuring the usual mixture of family worship, children’s groups and the youth, who went to Five Guys as part of the celebration. Joel Sales talked about the journey the church had made over the last five years as well as challenging the congregation to play their part in all that God has planned for Swindon.

Following the service Pattern Fest really got under way. The lower floor was cleared for activities such as a silent disco, velcro axe throwing, candy floss, pop corn and biscuit decoration. 

On the ground floor was an assortment of craft stalls selling Christmas-themed goods. Later hot dogs and a range of puddings were served to keep everyone fed. 

In the car park a fire engine from Westlea was very popular with the children. Finally, various musical acts entertained people throughout the event.  

The celebrations continued in the evening with the 6pm service, which was followed with pizza, a silent disco and a specially-made birthday cake.

Church leaders said the enjoyable day gave members time to celebrate all that God had done for the church in five years, and also gave a chance for visitors and those invited by church members to see and experience all that Pattern Church has to offer the people of Swindon.

Pattern Church welcomes all visitors at 10am or 6pm on Sundays, and there will be a carol service on Sunday 10 December at 6pm, with all-age retellings of the Christmas story at 9:30am and 11am.

Further information can be found at patternchurch.org/whats-on