WELCOME TO ST PAUL'S CHURCH KEWSTOKE


Where the spirit of the Lord is all around you


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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 9XL


Shopping to help our church funds

Easyfundraising which is an easy way to raise money for our churches which 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.

St Pauls:    http://efraising.org/BfcH gZszn7
















Couples renew vows at Festival of Marriage

Centrepiece of a highly successful Festival of Marriage weekend at St Paul’s was the renewal of vows for five couples.

Family and friends of those involved and many other locals attended over two days, supporting the couples and viewing an impressive display of bridal gowns, dresses worn for blessings and photographs and other mementoes recalling wedding days.

A display of wedding registers going back more than a century created particular interest as did the opportunity to see more of the church by climbing the tower. Mike Tedstone played organ music and the bells were rung while volunteers in the hall provided cream teas and Prosecco.

Four of the five couples who renewed their vows with Rev Gail were all married at the church at different times over the previous 64 years. The couples were Mike and Pat Jenkins, David and June Venn, Martin and Tanya Locke, Gareth and Alison Withers and Bob and Jo Coates.




   


Celebrating all the joy of VE Day’s 80th

Church bells marked the start of our coffee morning VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations where Blitz Time Sally entertained a crowded church hall.

Wartime songs encouraged couples to dance and more senior members were able to recall their distant memories of the 1940s.

Prosecco, scones with jam and cream and home-made cakes added to the enjoyment of all.


TOP: Rev Gail with the five couples. ABOVE: a group of visitors check out  some of the wedding photographs.

ABOVE: the porch displayed a range of gowns used for blessing ceremonies.

ABOVE: a gown for a blessing. RIGHT: bridal dresses.

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.

Thank you for helping our church run smoothly

Sign up for Alpha course

A new Alpha course begins in September.

Join us at the church hall for an opportunity to explore life, faith and meaning together, starting on 3 September at 6pm.

Each week (over seven weeks) we'll enjoy a meal, followed by a topical discussion.

For more information, or to sign up, please contact Rev Gail.


 








Gearing up for weeks of holiday fun

The school summer holidays are just around the corner and church volunteers are already planning a fun programme of entertainment for local youngsters.

The church hall will be the hub for drop-in sessions every Monday as children take a break from their lessons and can look forward to games, crafts and other enjoyable activities, and refreshments.

The weekly sessions will begin on Monday 28 July and go on between 10am and 3pm. Everyone is welcome and children under 11 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Film afternoons

As part of the holiday programme there will also be film afternoons in the hall, 2pm every Thursday beginning 31 July.

Each week come and watch a family favourite, enjoy the film and maybe a packet of popcorn and a choc ice as well!

Again, children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.

10 July

Before I sign off on Monday for my summer holiday, I just want to thank everyone who works so hard to make sure that our churches run so smoothly.

There are so many jobs that are done that no-one sees, but that I notice!

I also want to thank Jim Hill once again for making our churchyard look so beautiful.  Now we have the challenge of keeping it to this standard.

Volunteers

If you fancy pulling a few weeds up every month, you don't need to get in touch with me, please just go ahead and do it!

From Monday I will be away for two weeks and will be non-contactable. Should you need to speak to anyone during this time please contact the following:

Gareth Withers 07808 777241 or Jennifer Hart 07884 021423.

Safeguarding: 07706 063272

Stay cool!

With every blessing,

Gail


Readings

Amos 7: 7 – end; Colossians 1: 1 – 14; Luke 10: 25 – 37.

Sunday’s Collect

Gracious Father, by the obedience of Jesus you brought salvation to our wayward world: draw us into harmony with your will, that we may find all things restored in him, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Harvest ahead

A harvest supper is a feature of September’s Let’s Celebrate event, our less formal afternoon method of worship designed for people of all ages to enjoy – why not come along and give it a try!

To be held at the church hall, the date has yet to be confirmed.

For more information, or to sign up, please contact Rev Gail.