SUNDAY SCHOOL REUNION CELEBRATES 300YRS
Over 100 people gathered at Barrow upon Soar Methodist Church in June to celebrate
the tercentenary of the birth of John Wesley on 17 June 1703. This special event was a
reunion of former members of the Sunday School.
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Left to Right on photograph
Beryl Handford (nee Hickling),
Stan Clarke, Wallace Reeves,
Rev David Leese, Joan Crompton,
Winnie Porter
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There were previously two Methodist churches in Barrow - the Wesleyan Chapel
on High Street and the Primitive Methodist Chapel on North Street but in the 1960s the
two societies were merged and began to worship together in the North Street
premises. Guests from both the Sunday Schools were represented and had travelled
from all over the UK and abroad to meet, reminisce and catch up with friends whilst
enjoying a birthday tea provided by the ladies of the church.
Entertainment was provided by a number of people including the Rev David Leese, who
performed Gospel magic and the church's 'Sing Signing' group to represent the church
today. Catherine Canning, Leigh Newton, Natalie Thompson, Anne Thursby and Jenny
Vyner sang 'He's taught me how to love Him' a song that they used to perform twenty five
years ago. Malcolm Jordan and John Rudkin performed sketches and a Skiffle group
rekindled memories of past times.
Celebrations continued at the Sunday morning service which was led by Rev David Leese.
Janet Thompson
MOVING HOME MONTHLY CAN BE HARD WORK
For most people, moving home is a traumatic experience they would
rather not repeat too often. Yet for a trial period, the Baptist Church
has moved its home from Beveridge Street to Humphrey Perkins
Community Centre once a month for its All Age Services.
Though partly motivated by a desire for more space on a Sunday, the main
aim is to offer a welcome to people who find entering a traditional
church building rather daunting.
Moving home monthly has been hard work, but very rewarding as
people who don't normally come to church have felt welcome
Though the service itself does not begin until 10.45am, preparations
get underway at 8.30 at Beveridge Street with equipment being
packed into cars to be at the Community Centre for 9am when the setup
team arrive. Though the chairs and staging have to be put up, with
the regular use of dance, drama and videos in the services, and a
band of several musicians, it is the P.A. system that takes the most time.
Meanwhile, refreshments and childcare facilities are made ready for
the doors to open.
Moving home monthly has been hard work, but very rewarding as
people who don't normally come to church have felt welcome and
heard the Christian message in a variety of creative ways. Humphrey
Perkins have been great hosts especially Brian, the caretaker, who
helps us turn a school hall into a place or worship.
The next two 'house moves' will be on 14th September and the 2nd
November. In December we will be holding a special pre-Christmas
event called 'Silent Night' presented by Viz-a-Viz. It will be held on
Friday the 5th at 7.30pm. For further information contact Rev Mark
Turner on 01509 416603.
SECOND MINISTER AT BARROW BAPTIST
Following the completion of his studies at Regents College Oxford, Chris Johnson, who
has been Minister-in-training at the Baptist Church in Barrow, will be ordained and then
inducted as Pastor of the church on 11th October at 3 pm.
Chris previously worked as a chemist at Astra-Zeneca in Loughborough and he and his wife
Lynne have lived in Barrow for the past 14 years. He will be working alongside the
Senior Minister, Rev Mark Turner, who joined the church in January 2002.
By then, the ministry team will have been joined by Simon Atkinson from Castle Donington,
who has accepted the invitation of the church to be student Pastor at Long
Whatton Baptist Church. Simon will be undergoing training for the Baptist Ministry
at the Northern Baptist College in Manchester.
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