Appendix: Synopsis of the SIXTH DECADE: 1997-2007
1997/1998
Margaret Pinnock succeeded the long- serving Doreen Shapton as Church Secretary. Ways were sought to bring young people to faith and Christian commitment. Tim Gilmour was appointed Youth Deacon, youth-led services were held and consideration given to the presence of young people at Communion. A Youth Weekend was held at Hill House, Bridgwater. House Groups were formed for focal bible studies
1998/1999
Rev Steve Finamore formed greater links with the local schools. Some decline reported in our denomination and reform plans suggested by the Baptist Union Headquarters. Following the call of Sheila Cooper to the Ministry, there was a general reorganisation of the management of Family Church. Sheila was appointed Student Minister in September.
1999/2000
Jonny Butler became our first youth student placement from the Bristol Baptist College. Millennium celebrations shared by local churches. Sheila organised an Easter Holiday Club with volunteer church helpers. There was an active involvement in Jubilee 2000 to cancel World debt. ‘Spaced Out’ camp held at Cowley, Cheltenham. Common Ground and Rock Solid founded for retired and young persons respectively. Long serving Roger & Vicki Green stood down from Young Peoples Fellowship after 8 successful years. Matt Cooper and Ali Macfarlane assisted in their trip to Uganda. Drama group relaunched as ‘InterAct’ and the Singing Group formed.
2000/01
Emphasis on outreach to the wider community. The kitchen was totally refurbished and re-equipped. This led to more suitable facilities to cater for special occasions or groups. Involvement in the North Bristol Street Project. Rev Tony Peck appointed Associate Minister (limited hours). Combination with other churches for Millennium Songs and the religious musical ‘Mary Magdalene’ at Tyndale Baptist Church. First of the highly successful ‘Fun Days’ with the story of Joseph. ‘Double Decker’ after-school club closed and Youth Club postponed temporarily. Reorganised junior Family Church and YPF now led by Jonny Butler and Liz Roberts.
2001/2
Five new deacons were appointed. A number of ‘cluster’ services were arranged and three Fun Days organised. Rev Steve Finamore gave the Whitley Lecture at the Bristol Baptist College. A ‘Lunch Club’ was founded which provides lunch for older people including outreach into the community. Missions Services were reorganised into four groups. This was sadly the last year for the Warwick Venture Unit, founded in 1990. YPF-led evening services took place. Rachel Corbin became a representative for Tearcraft as well as Traidcraft to form ‘Fair Trade’.
2002/3
Our Mission commitment was defined: ‘To seek to be a Christian community at the heart of our neighbourhood’. An Arts Festival ‘Connect 2002′ was held involving all local churches. A well-attended Church weekend was held at Hebron Hall in Dinas Powys. Jennie Dobson became our Youth student placement. In September Sheila Cooper was ordained and inducted as our Associate Minister. An Alpha Course was organised. A ‘Rawdon Reunion’ was organised for Dr David Russell’s former students. Some of the young people went abroad on mission, including Ruth Dawson (South Africa), Tim Davies (Tanzania) and Stephen Corbin (Peru). Explorer Scouts established for boys and girls between 14-18 years. Pre-school reorganised.
2003/4
Men’s Breakfast celebrates 10 year anniversary as ‘Man to Man Breakfast’ and Tony Hall joins the founding organisers Phil Corbin and Ian Dawson. Rev Steve Finamore has a well-deserved sabbatical including a visit to Peru. Rock Solid closed and Youth Club became weekly. Baby & Toddler group closed to be later replaced as WoTs ToTs. A Wednesday bible study group for young people is formed.
2004/5
Tim Gilmour retires as Youth Deacon and Rachel Bayly takes this responsibility. Rev Sheila Cooper’s post as Associate Minister becomes permanent and includes pastoral oversight of Lawrence Weston Baptist Church. Rev Tony Peck is appointed as General Secretary of the European Baptist Union from September. Andy Grice has a one year placement as Student Minister. A Church weekend is held at Brunel Manor, Torquay. Three Fun Days were arranged including our friends at City Road Baptist. Cathy Richardson is the new Church Secretary. Simon Evans retires from Youth Club leadership after long and sterling service. The YPF visit the orphanage in Cernavoda, Romania.
2005/6
‘Connect’ Arts Festival held for local churches. Andy Grice completes his placement. David Jeanneret is appointed Youth Work student and part time Youth Worker. Increased numbers attending Youth Club but there was a general reduction of children and young people attending Family Church. Fun Days held at Lawrence Weston Baptist. Rev Steve Finamore accepts the post of Principal of the Bristol Baptist College, commencing September 2006. Highly successful Church Weekend and a Valedictory Service was held to say farewell for his decade of great service to our Church.
2006/7
Preparation for the pastoral vacancy. A church profile was carefully prepared for submission to the Baptist Union appointment committee. Sam King is called to the Ministry. Continued actions were made to create greater links with the university students at Bristol and UWE. ‘Stars on Sunday’ introduced for combined themed sessions of all groups in Family Church. Phil Davies makes a mission visit to a Chennai (formerly Madras) orphanage in South India. More opportunities for meditation and prayer sessions made available at the Church.