Walton Parish News - Easter 2008

Resurrection heralds Hope!

With Easter falling so early this year it feels almost as though we haven’t quite caught our breath from the Christmas festivities before we were plunged into the time of deep reflection that church calls Lent. It feels jarring to move so quickly from one season to another. At the same time it feels appropriate consider the difficult things, the regretful things, the dark things in our lives in the lingering light of Christmas whilst looking forward to the hope of Easter, the resurrection!

So often we are so busy rushing from one activity to the next, that time for reflection and taking stock is not something we readily do. Often it is only situations we would rather avoid, like illness, bereavement and relationship breakdown that push us to visit the dark places, the unresolved issues in our hearts and minds. The truth is that it takes great courage to sit with our own vulnerability, our own mortality, the things in our lives that make for uncomfortable contemplation and doing that is often only really bearable by the presence of trusted journeying companions. The message of Christmas is that God comes amongst us. That he is willing to accompany us into our difficult internal places and shine his light into our darkness. Not, a light of harsh judgement and scrutiny but a light of understanding and accepting love, bringing healing and transformation and the Hope of the promised Resurrection.

It is this love, though, that brings about healing and transformation, and which brings us to Easter. For Easter is not just about the resurrection of Jesus but the hope of a personal resurrection for our places of pain and darkness. God offers that hope to each one of us again this Easter.

What exactly is ‘Alpha’?

At St. Johns, Alpha is run on Tuesdays as an eight week evening course providing an introduction to the life of Christ and Christianity. The course covers topics from ‘the evidence for Jesus Christ’ to the difficulties of defining the Holy Spirit. Each evening a presentation is followed by group discussion.

So is it just for people who attend Church?

No. St. John’s Alpha course particularly welcomes those who perhaps have only an early curiosity in Jesus and may not be in the habit of attending church; although people at all stages of faith, who have questions or uncertainties, are encouraged to attend and have found benefit from Alpha.

What about the age of people who attend?

The course is intended for adults (16+), but otherwise all ages are welcome. There is usually a wide range of ages on each course and this is always to the benefit of the course discussions.

Some might be wary of being put under pressure. Can you reassure them?

The sessions are held in a relaxed environment, commencing with a meal for those who can attend. Following the presentations, individuals may contribute as little or as much as they wish to the discussions. No one is ever put under pressure to contribute.

Lots of people in Walton have done Alpha, why do you think it’s so popular?

Feedback from previous courses has been very positive for all aspects of the course; the meal, friendships, presentations and, most of all, the group discussions.

When does the next Course begin?

The next course commences on Tuesday 29^th April and sessions run from 7:00-9:30pm.

Interested? Like to know more?

Ring Neil on 01246 450 528 or return the slip below to Alpha, St. John’s Church, Walton Back Lane, Walton, Chesterfield S42 7LT.

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I am interested in attending an Alpha Course at St John’s. Please contact me with further details.

Name:.....................................................................................

Address:.................................................................................

Tel No:....................................................................................

No Vicar for 3 Months!

Andy Broom, the Vicar of St John’s, has been granted a three month sabbatical which began at the end of February. During this time, Andy will step down from his role as Vicar and have no responsibility for the running of St John’s. The idea of a sabbatical is to give Clergy a chance to have a complete break from parish life and have an opportunity for new experiences. Andy will be using this time to visit parts of the Church of England he doesn’t know so well, to walk on three of the National trails and to spend time thinking about styles of leadership. He also hopes to watch his beloved Norwich City a few times!

Talking about the sabbatical, Andy said “I love being in Walton and being a Vicar but it can be a demanding role - there is a sense in which you are always available and working from home also brings its own pressures. It feels a real privilege to have this extended break and I am really looking forward to it. I’ll see you all again in June!”

During this time Lisa Shemilt will take responsibility for overseeing Church life. David Mouncer, our new Associate Vicar, will assist her in this. If you need to contact one of the Clergy during this time, please ring Lisa on 01246 207 939.

Walton Friends

A listening ear &
a helping hand

A group of men and women from St John’s who aim to offer people living in our community the opportunity to talk, in confidence, to someone who will listen, support and offer practical help in times of crisis. Whether you are new to the area and would like to make new friends or in need of support due to illness, bereavement or loneliness please contact Heather Silvers to arrange a visit, 01246 569 215.

Need a lift to Church?

Sometimes people want to come to St John’s but don’t have their own transport.

If that is you, don’t despair. We have a number of people who would happily give you a lift. Contact Heather Silvers 01246 569 215.

Walton Community Spring Festival

Saturday 10^th May

12:00 noon - 4:00pm

Note: this is instead of the Summer Festival

HOPE

What do you hope for?

How would you like your life
to change?

Come along to our Services on Sunday 16^th March
and hear about the better future
that God can give us all.

Easter at St. John’s

Monday 17^th March

7:30pm Pause for Thought

Tuesday 18^th March

11:30am Tuesday Worship

7:30pm Pause for Thought

Wednesday 19^th March

7:30pm Pause for Thought

Thursday 20^th March

7:30pm Maundy Service

Good Friday - 21^st March

10:45am All Age Worship

2:00pm An Hour at the Cross

Easter Sunday - 23^rd March

9:00am Holy Communion

10:45am All Age Communion

St. John’s Walton

Our monthly service pattern

Sunday

9:00am Holy Communion

10:45am Services for All Ages

1^st Sun Morning Worship

with Sunday Club & TIG

2^nd Sun All Age Worship

3^rd Sun Morning Worship

with Sunday Club & TIG

4^th Sun Holy Communion

with Sunday Club & TIG

5^th Sun All Age Communion

There is always a crèche on the 1^st, 3^rd & 4^th Sundays for those under 3 years. Sunday Club, TIG (Teenagers Into God) & Big TIG caters for our Children and Young People aged 3 to 18 years.

6:30pm Monthly Evening Celebration

1^st Sunday of the month

Tuesday

11:30am Tuesday Worship

Contacts

Vicar

Andy Broom Tel: 01246 205 993

6 Medlock Road, Walton S40 3NH

(Andy’s usual day off is Friday and
he is grateful only to be disturbed
on matters of urgency)

Curate

Lisa Shemilt Tel: 01246 207 939

8 Birkdale Drive, Walton S40 3JL

(Lisa’s usual day off is Wednesday)

Church Centre Booking Officer

Marlene Lockwood Tel: 01246 273 480

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