A popular Peasedown St John church service which was launched in 2006 to make church ‘more appealing’ is celebrating its 20th anniversary this week.
Soul Food, a family friendly Sunday afternoon get-together with modern worship songs and an informal feel, was the brainchild of local vicar Revd Matthew Street.
Every Sunday, without fail, church goers and spiritual seekers have been gathering at St John’s Church at 4.30pm for a relaxed and welcoming style of Christian worship.
Revd Matthew Street said:
“Back in 2006, shortly after I’d arrived in the parish the year before, we decided we wanted to do something different.
We wanted to launch a church service that allowed people to experience Christianity in a way that they felt comfortable with. No rituals, no bells and not too more structure. We were keen to show that church worship could be done differently from the stereotypical traditional way that most people expect of the Church of England.
And now, 20 years later, we’re not only celebrating two decades of this ‘fresh expression’, but we’re giving thanks for a growing, vibrant church congregation that is inspired, energised and connected with their wider community.”
The past 20 years have seen many individuals come and go, but it’s also seen several generations of the same families attend Soul Food and make it their home.
One of those families is the Blairs. Back in 2006, Peter and Sharon Blair were part of the pioneering church plant that helped established Soul Food, and now 20 years later their son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren are active members of the congregation.
Their son Johnathan Blair said: “It’s really cool that they were part of the original group and now we are carrying on that journey.
The welcoming we received when we started attending Soul Food was immediate. Everyone has been so kind, caring and authentic. This has been a major blessing for our three boys. With many children attending each Sunday, the boys have found a place where leaders look for the best in them, allowing my wife and I to feel truly supported.
Soul Food is a place of true belonging where roots planted two decades ago continue to provide a home for new generations.”
Parishioners will gather for a special 20th anniversary Soul Food service at St John’s Church on Sunday 3rd May at 4.30pm. All are welcome to attend. St John’s Church is located in Church Road, Peasedown St John, BA2 8AA.
For more information contact the benefice administrator Rob Bubyer on 01761 300410 or email office@stjsgroup.church
Alternatively, visit the website for the St J’s Group, www.stjsgroup.church, which includes details of future events, the church’s work in the community, activities going on during the week and live recordings of Sunday sermons.
