I Over the past few months Barbara has been talking to a few people and finding out what their stories are, how they have come to faith and how they have come to be worshiping at St Thomas. This month we have the story of James, with Amy’s story next time!
Barbara: James, tell me, have you always attended Church?
James: Not always, no, but when I was very young Mum and I went to the Catholic Church with my Grandma. We went on a Saturday evening and I went to a Faith and Light joint Church meeting and I remember the pop and biscuits.
B: How long did this go on for?
J: My Grandma died when I was 15 and somehow we just stopped going.
B: Did you find the Church family helped at this time?
J: Not really, there didn't seem to be a feeling of connection or family, we had just attended.
B: So, why do you come to St Thomas's?J: When Amy and I got together, I was in my mid-twenties. We had our first child and as I felt responsible for how they would grow and learn, and looking around at a chaotic world, we wanted some stability for him.
B: So where did you start to look?
J: The obvious place was back to the Catholic Church but we had attended St Thomas a few times with school events and it gave us more of a comparison, plus the fact that Amy had been an Anglican when younger. So, we decided that as it was so near for us we would try St Thomas.
B: So what did your first visit feel like?
J: A great surprise, part of the service was someone making a cake, it was a good illustration, made the point, but just not what we expected or were used to. We liked it and have been attending regularly ever since.
B: So how do you feel 3 years on? Do you feel you have more stability?
J: Well, there have been other factors. We have done a few courses and it has really helped our understanding of Christianity and the Bible and it's application in our lives.
B: So you have found that stability?
J: I was saying the other day I couldn't go back, could never imagine going back and I feel really excited for the future. Jesus is real I know that now. I truly understand how he died for me.
B: Thank you James
If you would like to share your story, have a word with Barbara.
Margaret