Christmas Services

International Evening

We had a great international evening on 13th Nov 2010, attended by about 50 people. There were some good presentations including Ugandan singing and dances, standup poetry, origami, line dancing and east end songs. We had some lovely food and drink from all over the world and enjoyed some great laughs. Well done to everyone who contributed.

New Wine

A few members of St Thomas joined a group from nearby St Chads to enjoy a week camping at New Wine in Shepton Mallet. For once the

weather was great, and we enjoyed some excellent worship,

teaching and time to relax. The children loved Groundbreakers as ever, especially the antics of Simon, Archie and Dr Zing.

Church on the Park

We have joined up with St Mary's to do Church on the Park, every Sunday at 4pm in Valence park. We have music, action songs, rounders games, tug of war, free donuts and drinks, and lots of fun. So far about 40 people have turned up each week, with some from the park coming along to see what's going on and have a free biscuit. See you there for the last 2 weeks!

SOLID

Five teenagers and three leader had a great day out at SOLID 2010, held in Stubbers outdoor centre in Upminster. There were a large choice of activities and the banana boat ride was extremely popular because of the scorching weather. Of course everyone ended up in the water! The young people also enjoyed the high ropes course, and the pampering tent. The day finished off with a Soul Survivor style celebration with Mark Ritchie as speaker, who was great. The tent was full to bursting with about 900 people, praising their hearts out, and being challenged by a powerful message from Mark.

Bradwell Pilgrimage

Several members of St Thomas attended the 2010 Pilgrimage from the Bradwell church to the chapel of St Peter. We met for a service at 11am and walked with the 2000 other pilgrims the two miles to the tiny chapel, right on the sea. There we ate our lunch, enjoyed listening to John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, and sang some songs. The kids enjoyed the Othona Community where there were lots of activities including games, face painting and a big inflatable, all for free. We took a wander down to the beach and had a quick paddle in the water. We said hi to some other members of St Thomas (Barbara and co) who were running a stall in the main marquee and the kids did some excellent crafts, provided by the Salvation Army. Then it was time to trudge back the 2 miles to the car park and return home. A good day out.

New groups

Two new groups are starting this week. Firstly, a course on the fruits of the spirit on Wednesday evening at 7.30pm at the vicarage, starting on 21st April, and secondly a course based on the Nooma videos starting on Friday 23rd at 9.30am at 29 Warrington Rd.