Partnership Magazine

2021-11-06T12:52:27+00:00

Did you know that you can share all the news from the Swindon Partnership of Churches by subscribing to our monthly magazine? The November edition is available now – copies are available at the back of the church. If you have items for publication, the editors are d.swann6a@gmail.com or margaretwilliams111@gmail.com.

The December and January Editions are combined next month – deadline for submission is 12th November please.

Read the online version on the Old Town Partnership of Churches website.

Subscriptions information from George Kennedy – george.kennedy@mybroadbandemail.com

Partnership Magazine2021-11-06T12:52:27+00:00

Friends of Christ Church Lecture

2021-10-30T16:56:03+01:00

Picture Janet French

This year’s Friends of Christ Church Annual Lecture was held last week. It told the story of the renaissance of the former Rose Garden at Christ Church. Introduced by Sarah Bowden, with contributions from Caroline Pitt, the chair of the Friends of Christ Church, the lecture was given by Sue Spielberg who designed the planting scheme.

Sue described her experience and approach to the design and seasonal planting.

Tea and cake was provided for those attending courtesy of Caroline Pitt and her team.

We encourage you to join the Friends. You can download their brochure and application form on the link below. Single members pay £5 annually, family members £10, by cash, cheque, BACS or standing order. Life membership is a one-off payment of £75; all these amounts can be gift aided by UK taxpayers, as the Friends is a registered charity, number 1088767.

Download brochure and membership application form

You can listen again to the talk

You can also watch a short (slient) film showing the plants and design ideas that Sue talks about below

Friends of Christ Church Lecture2021-10-30T16:56:03+01:00

Mr Motivator comes to visit

2021-10-16T12:32:30+01:00

Our Tuesday afternoon, friends group had a treat last week when they were joined by Mr Motivator himself.

Using the magic of Zoom, Mr M or Derrick Evans to use his real name, got everyone moving and smiling.

There are always lots of activities going on in our Community Centre.

Find out more

Mr Motivator comes to visit2021-10-16T12:32:30+01:00

Sign up for our Email Newssheet

2021-10-07T17:36:10+01:00

We really want to keep in touch with our Community. There’s so much happening, in our church, our community centre and in the many local organisations and charities in Swindon.

We have been working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and have recently been awarded a bronze award for our efforts so far.

Help us to connect more effectively but with less paper!

Click here to subscribe to our email newsletter

Sign up for our Email Newssheet2021-10-07T17:36:10+01:00

Celebrating 150 Years at King Wiliam Street School

2021-10-06T10:03:50+01:00

King William Street School is celebrating its 150th year. Built in 1871,it is the oldest school in Swindon and its chosen biblical verse gives a great idea of the schools ethos.

I have good plans for you. I will give you hope and a good future – Jeremiah 29:11

As part of its celebrations the school would like to invite you to visit, take a tour, see what the children have been up to and enjoy a hot drink and some cake.

Whether you are a previous pupil and would like to see how things have changed, a local resident thinking of sending your child to the school or if you have a child at school and want to take a look around FEEL FREE TO POP ALONG AND SAY HELLO!

We welcome you on the 16th October 11.30am – 1.00pm

 

King William Street, Old Town Swindon SN1 3LB Tel 01793 522346 www.kingwilliam.swindon.sch.uk

Celebrating 150 Years at King Wiliam Street School2021-10-06T10:03:50+01:00

Desai Memorial School Appeal

2021-10-05T16:44:49+01:00

This Harvest sunday, we heard from Mike Walsh about the great work being done to support the education of the children of the slum area of Kawangare in Kenya. Our Partnership project this year, focusses on fundraising for the work of the school and its continued develoment.

You can contribute in different ways. Download the standing order mandate below to make a regular donation – just £5 per month sponsors a teacher.

Alternatively, at Christ Church we have committed to donating our weekly gifts for the month of October. Use one of our Gift Aid envelopes marked Desai to make your donation or hand it to one of the clergy team on Sunday morning.

Desai Memorial School Appeal2021-10-05T16:44:49+01:00

Part Time Administrator

2021-09-29T20:00:27+01:00

For Dorcan Church and Swindon Area Dean

15 hours per week

This role primarily involves supporting the day to day running of the church office and business of The Dorcan Church. Additionally, support is sought for the Area Dean (also vicar of Dorcan church) and the Swindon Deanery team.

We are looking for a warm and friendly person,with great administrative skills and computer literacy, who can help us develop our on-line and social media presence, has large amounts of initiative, integrity and discretion and excited at the prospect of working with a great bunch of people!

Is this you?

The role is for a total of 15 hours a week, in two parts 12 hours a week for the Dorcan Church Permanent contract

3 hours a week for the Area Dean team A fixed term contract of 12 months

Hours of working over 3-4 mornings £10.50 per hour Some flexibility on days, but Friday is a requirement

No previous experience of working in a church context is necessary

Application process

 

Job Description
Area Dean Administrator
Job Description
Part time Administrator

Part Time Administrator2021-09-29T20:00:27+01:00

New Service Pattern for Autumn

2021-10-06T12:18:54+01:00

Christ in Quiet

Weekly on a Wednesday at 12 noon in Christ Church

A short service of reflection and prayer.Do bring a packed lunch to share fellowship afterwards

Sunday Evening worship

On the first Sunday of each month. This month – 5th Sept 6.30pm Holy Communion

On the third Sunday of each month. This month -19th Sept 6.30pm Choral Evensong with the choir

Our Sunday Club aims to meet once a month on the 3rd Sunday of the month. This month – 19th Sept further details from Sue Clack or Nicola Stevenette

New Service Pattern for Autumn2021-10-06T12:18:54+01:00

Street Pastors re-launch – Mission in Action

2021-09-24T14:52:34+01:00

Dear Churches

Street Pastors going live again, in Swindon this Autumn!

Swindon Street Pastors – a bit of background and our relaunch in Old Town
We first went live September 2007, in the town centre, at weekends 10pm-4am, where upwards of 10,000 people gathered to socialise in the pubs and clubs every Friday and Saturday night!

Today, Old Town is the new central ‘place to be’ for the night-time social life of Swindon with a smaller number, around 4,000 gathering to party through the night hours, but this is set to rise as restrictions lift and popular night-clubs re-open.

A boat in safe harbour – God’s call to re-build
When we came off the streets in 2019, we had the prophetic picture of a boat in a safe harbour, God reminding us we had been at sea for 12 years without ever putting into port, that the boat needed some vital repairs, refurbishment and a re-rig. And the crew a rest while new members recruited and trained, in readiness to re-launch on a new course that God would chart.

So, based on God’s call to Nehemiah to re-build the walls of Jerusalem, during lockdown, we set about restoring, renewing and rebuilding our boat.

God’s hand of favour and the power of prayer
We have seen God’s provision and answered prayer with a strengthened steering group and management, additional street pastor volunteers, and re-engagement with our national body the Ascension Trust, the local Police and Swindon Borough Council, alongside partnerships growing with Forging Connections.

Our team of faithful intercessors pray and support us daily, with words of scripture and encouragement. As part of this team, personal Prayer Partners pray for named Street Pastors, especially the nights and times they serve.

Chartered new waters – Café Pastors
Looking forward, we are in the throes of developing a daytime ministry for Street Pastors in café spaces. This is in partnership with other Christian organisations who are looking to open cafés as safe venues for people to come, and be assured of a warm welcome with a listening ear, and receiving support and help in time of need.

Testament of the power of the Holy Spirit witnessing the presence of Jesus on the streets.
Both here in Swindon and across the nation are testament after testament of the power of prayer, with police evidencing that crime is reduced significantly, by as much as 100% in some cases, wherever Street & Prayer Pastors serve together. Street Pastors are recognised as helping to protect and save lives, while making our town centres a safer and enjoyable place to come! As one Street Pastor put it:

“We witness by telling people about Jesus, without words, as we take the love of Jesus onto the streets.”

Relaunching this autumn
We are getting ready to relaunch and set sail again. If you are interested in any of the opportunities regarding night, daytime or prayer ministries, with a desire to see the power of Jesus present in our town, do come aboard!

For more information, please contact: coordinator.swindon@streetpastors.org.uk.

Street Pastors re-launch – Mission in Action2021-09-24T14:52:34+01:00

Our Gardens

2021-09-04T14:28:06+01:00

Garden of Reflection

Remembrance Garden

The old rubbish area

Over the past few years we have worked hard to improve the garden areas around the church. This work is almost exclusively carried out by volunteers from the community and from our church family.

In 2013, a former rubbish area was turned into the Gaden of Reflection. This garden is in a sunny spot with seating and a beautiful view of the church. It was designed by Rachel Titcombe who won our competition to create a peaceful and reflective new garden

Following the closure of our former Rose Garden for ashes burial, we established a peaceful new lawned area at the South West corner of the church. This Garden of Remembrance is now used for ashes burial.

The former ashes garden

The former rose garden was closed to new ashes burial in 2020 and a major renovation project was launched managed by Ian Handy and a team of volunteers. The old Rose garden had become difficult to manage and many of the roses were diseased and unproductive. Following a detailed planning period, permission was granted by the Diocese of Bristol to install a new design which carefully respected the more than 1,500 burials whilst providing the opportunity to refresh the planting and install new raised beds, irrigation and weed suppression. If you would like to know more or contact us about the former rose garden, you can read about it here.

The planting is a design by Sue Spielberg and aims to provide colour and interest throughout the year. Watch a short film explaining the planting

Our Gardens2021-09-04T14:28:06+01:00
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