The celebration of 50 years at St John’s brought friends together for four gatherings; a Food for Thought on Thursday 20th June, a Saturday Afternoon tea and an opportunity to look at the exhibition, Sunday morning worship when we welcomed back Rev Roger Stubbings, a previous minister, and an evening Songs of Praise led by Rev Sarah Hooks which brought together people from around the circuit. The exhibit of documents and photos generated lots of memories and discussion.
So many people contributed so much including: those who advertised events, moved furniture, created displays, researched the archives, provided photographs, films and memorabilia, created power-point presentations and operated the AV system, talked about the church (past, present and future,) set up and served on charity stalls, sang in a group or choir, played the piano, organ or violin, arranged flowers, prepared food, baked cakes, waited on tables, washed up and cleared away, greeted visitors, travelled to take part; and, above all, prepared and led worship. Thank you all for making the weekend such a success!
Food for Thought
On a clear, warm summer evening65, friends old and not so old gathered for a refreshing salad tea with individual trifle deserts. Afterwards all gathered in the worship area to hear stories from our past. Mike Parker talked about the three churches that came together 50 years ago; Victoria, Fall Birch and Brunswick, the latter being almost on our current site. We learned about the funding and the work that was involved. Then Steven Day, one of the few who were there at the very beginning (a 19 year-old youth at that time) talked more about the construction of the church with photographs he had taken of the build as it progressed. He was also able to tell a few stories about the meetings that took place and the decisions about the style of the interior and its furniture. It was a wonderful evening of the story of how we got to where we are now, but there was so much more in the exhibition and various photo albums that people had brought.
Anniversary Service
Roger Stubbings was delighted to be able to return and lead our anniversary service. He had some reminiscenses of his own and reminded us of some of the events that happened in the week 50 years ago. With him we were able to celebrate our 50 years of growth and development. But we also looked to the future. What would the next 50 years have in store for us. No doubt society would change and the church will need to be different. Are we prepared to let go of what we have been used to and move to something new.
Songs of Praise
The circuit Songs of Praise service gave an opportunity for friends across the circuit and wider to join us in celebration. The service was led by Rev Sarah Hooks and, as expected, covered the same sentiments as our morning service but in a completely different style which made both our services enjoyable in different ways. Jim Hodgkinson spoke about some of the early events in establishing a new church. Carol Barnes and Helen Stuart gave a glimpse of what the church means to people now, having done some delving in recent weeks. They also offered some of the prayers. Again, many people stayed around for cake and to study the exhibition.