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 9XL

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.

Our new kitchen: it’s a winning recipe

Shopping to help 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

Top - Harrison, Nancy and Jim celebrate the kitchen completion with a hot cuppa.

Above - The refurbished kitchen, ready to go.

Hiring the recently redecorated church hall for events large or small has become even more appealing with the completion of a splendid refurbished kitchen.

The kitchen was reopened for the thriving weekly Tuesday coffee morning, regularly attended by locals and visitors to the village who enjoy home-made cakes, biscuits, coffee or tea and a chat with friends old and new.

Anniversary

The 10am – 12 coffee mornings are now in their tenth year and a special anniversary occasion took place at the hall on Shrove Tuesday when pancakes were served (see What’s On page).

Key to the updating of the kitchen was the kind donation of cabinets and paint by, respectively, our local Wickes and B&Q hardware and DIY stores.   

The hall is a hub of church life and also an important centre for raising church funds. Increased demand for bookings is expected and interested parties should contact Sue Crosse by email, kewstokechurchhallbookings@gm ail.com or tel 07979188977.  

Electoral Roll reminder

Church members are being reminded to renew their membership of St Paul’s Electoral Roll, which is being renewed this month.

To remain on the roll, all members must sign a new form and those church-goers who wish to become full members are also encouraged to complete a form.

Electoral Roll members can take a full part in the church, speaking and voting at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting and also being able to stand for election to the Parochial Church Council.  Forms, available in the church porch,  must be returned by 13 April.

A Festival of Marriage

A Festival of Marriage will be held at St Paul’s on Saturday and Sunday 10/11 May.

It will focus on couples who have been married in the church over the years but, of course, all are welcome to attend and take part.

Rev Gail would be delighted to hear from those who took their vows at St Paul’s. “Perhaps you would like to share treasured wedding photographs or stunning bridal dresses with us that

you wouldn’t mind being featured,” she said.

A highlight will be on the Sunday when couples will have the opportunity to renew their wedding vows.

The plan is to put on a really interesting display of wedding day memories in the church hall and for couples to exchange recollections from their big day.

Music and afternoon tea will be included in the  weekend programme.

Installation work and redecorating was tackled by volunteers, including Shane Killaway, Jim Hill, Tony Morris, Nancy and Harrison and Caroline and Charlotte who were all thanked by the Rev Gail.

A musical

Holy Trinity Church, in South Road, Weston will be hosting "It Is Well With My Soul," a musical performed by Handiworks Productions exploring the Gospel message of hope, like an anchor for the soul.

It takes place on Friday, 4 April. Tickets: £10 ~ suitable for ages 7+

Contact: gareth.hides@gmail.com for more information.

Through the trees

St Paul’s was very much in a sylvan setting when this splendid lithographic image from the Farrell Fox collection was created.

A 33-year-old Queen Victoria had been on the throne for 15 years and Rev Robert Hathaway had been vicar of St Paul’s for 17 years. And an industrious Isaac Singer was busy perfecting his sewing machine!

The picture shows a top-hatted gentleman riding past a villager, possibly in a farmer’s smock, and mother and child descending from Monk’s Hill path. Some of today’s church goers still remember when the church hall entrance was as it is shown in the picture, and not at the side. Fond memories.

New depths to prayer

Lent offers an opportunity for us to discover new depths to prayer and spiritual growth.

Join us as we explore God's mercy in our Lent course on Wednesday afternoons from 2.30 at the church hall or Thursday evenings online via Zoom. Please reserve your place.

Quiz night

A quiz night is taking place at the church hall on Friday 30 May at 6:30pm when teams will compete to win prizes during the fun evening. Refreshments will be available, but please bring your own alcohol.

Tickets £4, advance booking required via Deb, tel 01934 629986.

Roman Holiday

The classic award-winning 1953 Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck romantic comedy, Roman Holiday, is the feature of the next Kewstoke Film Club performance.

It takes place at the church hall on Friday 21 March at 7:00pm. Suggested donation: £2.

Sunshine: a reminder for those plants

With the sunshine putting in an appearance this week, I am reminded about the upcoming plant sales in May and how we all need to start planting!

This Saturday, the 22nd, is our Vision Day.  All are welcome to join us at 10am for worship followed by some thinking about the shape of our benefice for the next three years.

Just a reminder, too, that you can send any prayer requests to Prayerrequestsbbts@gmail .com to be added to our prayer list.  You can also request a home or hospital visit by emailing revgailthomas@gmail.com.

Every blessing,

Gail

Readings

Isaiah 55:1-9; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9.

Sunday’s Collect

Eternal God, give us insight to discern your will for us, to give up what harms us, and to seek the perfection we are promised in Jesus Christ our Lord.