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

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.

Don’t forget to help donations

If you are able, please bring toys for underprivileged children and gifts for homeless to the service on 8 December, or pop them into church. Please do not wrap the gifts.  Gifts are particularly needed for teenagers.

Christmas Fair unwraps a surprise bonus

Our first annual Christmas Fair organised at the church and hall for those seeking festive gifts produced a welcome new benefit.

Not only was the event a major financial success, but fresh faces were drawn into the church where, as well as viewing the stalls, visitors asked about the church itself and details of services.

“It was very pleasing to see all this new interest,” said Rev Gail.

Memory trees

As well as the myriad stalls, Father Christmas welcomed children to his grotto, set up in the choir vestry, and in the porch, seven Christmas trees encouraged those with lost loved ones to leave memory notes on the branches.

In the hall, the refreshment team did brisk business, with compliments galore about the home-made cakes, and many visitors tried their luck in the prize competition. Altogether £1,500 was raised for church funds.

ABOVE - Thomas, Gracie and Hannabelle visit Santa in his grotto.

BELOW: Hayley at her hobby stall in church.

Singing the praises of toddler Emmanuel

A  wide range of Christmas gifts were on display on the stalls in the church hall, as shown above, right and  below, the hand-made wreaths attracting much attention.

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

All are welcome to our friendly church here at Kewstoke and that does mean, of course, the tiniest of toddlers.

The patter of small feet is not heard at every service but recently a very young fellow became quite a personality as Rev Paul Owen, one of our supporting priests, was conducting proceedings.

As our picture shows, young Emmanuel was here, there and everywhere and the congregation was delighted to see the special bond he seemed to form with Rev Paul as the service unfolded.

What a perfect example of how St Paul’s is, indeed, a place for all, and even for the youngest of us all!

Take care amid all bustle of life

With this busy time ahead, please do take time to take care of yourself both physically and spiritually.

It's easy to get so caught up in the busyness that we forget ourselves.

There are still a few spaces on the wreath-making course on Wednesday 11 December, in the morning, at Wick St Lawrence.

Signing up

You can still also sign up for the Advent Study course.  Even if you are just curious, please do sign up or just come along, details of this and of the many other activities on the What’s On page.

Sandra is looking for donations of evergreen greenery for the wreath-making.  If you are able to help, please let her know on 525726 or theredmans@ebdonbow.pl us.com

Every blessing

Gail

Readings

Sunday 8 December

Malachi 3: 1 – 4

Phillipians 1: 3 – 11

Luke 3: 1 – 6.

Prayer

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. Amen.

Study Groups

This year’s Study Group looks at the places of the Bible and looks at the Christmas Story from the point of view of what was going on at that time. This course includes on location videos and is suitable for all. Dates on What’s On page.

The sessions covered are the same so if you miss one you can join the other group but please do let Rev Gail know.

 

 

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