WELCOME TO ST PAUL'S CHURCH KEWSTOKE

Where the spirit of the Lord is all around you

Our centuries-old parish church of St Paul, nestling under Monks’ Hill and its landmark steps at Kewstoke, Weston-super-Mare, is and always has been at the heart of this community.

Although the parish and this part of north Somerset is rich in history, with 13th-Century Woodspring Priory viewed from the approaches to St Paul’s, the church today is very much alive, providing a centre of worship for all and hub for the spreading of the Christian faith.

St Paul’s is part of the Benefice by the Sea, linked with Wick St Lawrence, and led by our vicar, the Rev Gail Thomas. It is within Locking Deanery, part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells, and the parish stretches over Worlebury Hill to the edge of Weston town, to the east embracing part of Worle and to Sand Bay and the Severn Sea, running out to the west.

Special atmosphere

Our church family is drawn from across this area and from further afield – worshippers who are inspired by the special atmosphere of the church and its surroundings, by the friendliness of the people they meet and pray with, and the wide range of our services here.

Our Sunday services are core to church life and marriages, baptisms, and funerals take place during the year. House groups meet for further Christian study as well and there are coffee mornings to enjoy. Whether a long-time resident of the area, a newcomer, or perhaps just a visitor to this beautiful part of the West Country, do come and join us.

How to find us: satnav - 25 Kewstoke Road, Kewstoke, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 9YD.

Help our funds

Easyfundraising is an easy way to raise money for our churches, as it donates money to the church each time you buy online from selected stores.  You basically download the app onto your computer and each time you use one of these sites it takes you through the link for your church.This is the app for St Paul http://efraising.org/BfcHg Zszn7

Importance of safeguarding

Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is taken very seriously across the Church of England.

A copy of St Paul’s safeguarding policy can be found on the Contact Us page.

The safeguarding officer for St Paul’s Church is Alison Withers. She can be contacted by telephone, 07706063272.

Diocesan safeguarding adviser is Ben Goodhind, tel. 01749 588917. Email: ben.goodhind@bathwells.anglican.org. Address: The Diocese of Bath and Wells, Flourish House, Cathedral Park, Wells, BA5 1FD.

Celebrating Christingle

We are nearing the time when we celebrate Christingle.

We share the light of Jesus in this service which takes place on Sunday 14 December at 10:00am and 3:30pm. Everyone is welcome to this family friendly event. Please remember to bring an orange.

Foodbank call

As always, the box to receive donations for the Foodbank is located beside the font.

Especially needed are tinned and long-life food items, toiletries, laundry essentials, nappies, instant coffee and washing up liquid.

The Christmas journey began in style at St Paul’s fun-packed Christmas Fair.

The six-hour event, featuring Father Christmas in his grotto and myriad stalls of seasonal gifts, attracted scores of visitors from the parish and beyond.  

They were welcomed by a team of cheerful church helpers, many in festive garb, encouraging the sale of gifts to aid church funds. More than £1,500 was raised.

Thanking all the visitors for supporting the church, Rev Gail said it was a delight to see so many new faces.

A selection of home-made cakes, teas and coffee added to the appeal of the day and a prize competition created more interest.

Our pictures capture the enjoyment of the day, centrepiece being Father Christmas presenting gifts to delighted children.

Top right, duo of refreshment ladies were kept busy with plates of cakes and the other pictures, right, show business is bright at two other stalls. Below, churchwarden Jennifer entertains youngsters at the handicraft table.

Festive fair unwraps the joy of Christmas

NB: above, Sunday 28 December service is at 10am, not 9.30am.

Dates to remember for Advent

5 December

As Advent unfolds, we have lots going on at St Paul’s and at Wick St Lawrence.

This Sunday, as well as our regular Sunday services, we have our Christmas Tree service at Wick at 10am where we will be pleased to receive gifts of toys for underprivileged children in Weston, to go under the tree.

If you would like to donate a gift and won't be able to be there, please do drop any gifts to Sandra.

In the afternoon we have a time of sung worship at Church@5 and listening to see where God leads us. This week it is at St Paul’s.  Also on Sunday at 3pm is the Lyrica concert at Wick St Lawrence. Entry is £10 which includes refreshments.

Plenty for us to choose from.  

There are still some places at the wreath making at Wick on 10 December in the morning - perhaps with a group of friends?

I look forward to meeting with you all over the next few weeks.

With every blessing,

Gail

Readings

Isaiah 11: 1 – 10, Romans 15: 4 – 13, Matthew 3: 1 – 12.

Sunday’s Collect

Almighty God, purify our hearts and minds, that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as judge and saviour, we may be ready to receive him, who is our Lord and our God.

Prayers and visits

Please feel free to get in touch to arrange a visit, or to ask for healing prayers from our prayer group. Email now.