Christmas has been and gone, and the Christmas trees are packed safely away for another year.As a church we have much to look forward too, not least the arrival of our new vicar, Revd Neil Walpole and his wife Barbara and son Isaac, who will be joining us in March. His licencing will be March 8th at 3pm, more of that nearer the time. Please pray for them as they prepare to move to St Thomas.
This month we are going to continue with our faith series, My Story and this month we hear from two of our young people Elijah and Eve, who were interviewed by Barbara during 2025.
Elijah's Story
Barbara: Elijah, I would like to ask you a few questions about your faith journey.Were you brought up to go to church?
Elijah: No, but faith felt to be something that was part of the family as a whole.
Barbara: So what brought you to St Thomas?
Elijah: It was after my Gran died, it felt right for us all to start coming, so I came with them.
Barbara: Were you surprised at what church was like?
Elijah: Yeah, it's a nice place to be, the people are really nice, it's cool.
Barbara: I notice that you keep bringing friends along, do you invite them?
Elijah: Not really, I find that they come to me to ask which church I go to.
Barbara: Have you found the teaching you have heard helpful?
Elijah: Definitely, I feel closer to God.
Barbara: Could you pick out a highlight from your time at St T's?
Elijah: I think probably my baptism and confirmation.
Barbara: Thank you Elijah, I have one last question. If suddenly you were forbidden by the government to attend church, how would you feel?
Elijah: WHAT? Oh goodness, I would still continue to pray and read my bible.
Eve's Story
Barbara: Tell me a little bit about yourself Eve.
Eve: I have a younger brother and a family who I love to spend time with.
Barbara: Were you brought up to go to church?Eve: No nothing like thatBarbara: So what brought you to St Thomas?
Eve: When I was about 16 I felt that life was lacking purpose. So I did some research on religion and I liked that Christianity is based on love and forgiveness.
Barbara: Is St Thomas your nearest church?
Eve: No, but I knew Elijah went to church so I asked to come with him.
Barbara: I presume you found what you were looking for as you have been coming a while now?
Eve: Yes, I have and I am waiting to be baptised when it's possible.
Barbara: So do you have a goal for your future?
Eve: I am studying to be a veterinary nurse, I've always wanted to do that.
Barbara: That's a great career, what about your spare time?
Eve: I love art and spending time with family and friends.
Barbara: Thanks for sharing with us Eve, bless you. Eve now brings her friend Max along to St Thomas, as he is looking for purpose in his life. Please do pray for our young people, they are a part of the future of our church.
Margaret R