Well here we are 9 months on from Ian leaving for pastures new, and in just a few days’ time we will be welcoming Neil as he takes up the role as the 4th vicar of Bradley St Thomas in its current location.We have been truly blessed over the time without a vicar. We have always had someone to lead and preach and teach at all of our services. We have had a wealth of different people, Helen, Jo, David, Audrey, Margaret, Ruth and Peter, also thank you so much to Terry who has led the majority of our communion services, as well as leading services for St Hilda’s. It’s also been great to have Archdeacon Bill, Rev. Kevin Partington and Rev. Neil coming to take services for us. Our congregation numbers have remained stable and our children’s work continues to flourish. We have survived both fire and flood with our worship area remaining intact.
We are blessed to have been successful appointing a new vicar. Many churches find this difficult and are in vacancy for 2 years or more. We extend a warm welcome to Rev. Neil.
Finally, we have another story from one of our church members.
Linda Chaplin was interviewed by Barbara. Linda loves to ride a motorbike and now her 2 children are independent she is free to indulge herself. Last summer she rode, with others, to France and back.
Barbara: tell me Linda, have you always been part of a church?Linda: Well, I can remember being bored in Sunday School, I found it hard to sit still. When we were in our teens my brother and I went to Pathfinders but our attendance dwindled as we got older. I did attend a CU at school though. As an adult I joined CMA, the Christian motorcyclists and through that I met Jim and Dorothy Gough who came to this church. Barbara: I can remember meeting you when you were pregnant with your youngest Tom and a few of us from church went to see Bobby Ball, he was telling us how he had become a Christian through talking to the theatre chaplain. Linda: Oh yes, he prayed for me that night, I suppose it was a step forward but things were not clear at that point. I do remember trying God out whilst driving to Nottingham, I prayed, he let me to where I needed to be. Barbara: your Tom is at university now which shows how long we have known you. May I say that I see that you seem to have changed lately, is there a particular reason?Linda: Spending more time with the CMA, it now feels like family, also joining a housegroup at church that fits me better. It has sunk in just how much Jesus did for me on the cross, dying for my sins. Barbara: have you anything to say to the folks who read this?Linda: Persevere.
Thank you to the team who have kept us up to date with this leaflet each month, that contains our church news.