About us | Brief history | Faith statement | Leaders
Leaders
Raymond and Alison Adams
In 1990, we were living in the North of England. I (Raymond) had just completed my second curacy, when someone rang to ask if we would be interested in looking at a relatively new church in the North of Swindon. My first thought was, "Where exactly is Swindon?"
When we first moved here, the area was mainly green fields. At seven years old the church almost qualified as a building of historical interest.
Morrison's supermarket was brand new, except that it was then called Safeway. The Haydon Centre and Abbey Meads existed only on paper.
To us, it appeared to be a very exciting place. And so it has proved. Sixteen eventful years later we are looking forward enthusiastically to where God is leading us in the future.
There have been lots of changes. Alison, who was a very rusty pianist when we arrived, has learned fast and now leads our thriving worship group.
Our young family has grown up as well. Two of our three children are now at university, and the third will be joining them in a year or two's time.
We love Swindon, but even wearing our deepest rose-tinted spectacles, we have to admit that this is not the most beautiful town in Britain. However, it is in the middle of the most beautiful countryside, so, if you like walking (Alison) or angling (Raymond), this is a great place to be.
Peter Eastwood
"It was a hard time in my business life - absolutely everything was going wrong. Sitting in my office I reflected that I hadn't much in my life to be proud of except for my wife Wendy and our four children.
I reached up to my bookshelf and took down a book that I had picked up at home. It was a Christian book belonging to Wendy, called 'Live a New Life' by David Watson.
Flicking through the first chapter I found the words were describing my situation and feelings exactly. I read on and with sudden insight I followed the instructions and gave my life to Jesus.
What happened? Not a lot, because I didn't tell anyone what I had done. But I did agree to go to a Christian house party weekend much to Wendy's surprise. There my new Christianity came under great pressure as I was surrounded by dozens of wonderful people who had been Christians for many years.
But I was saved by the words of the speaker, David Bubbers from CPAS. David said, "It isn't how long you have been a Christian that is important, but the direction you have chosen to go. Even if you have only been a Christian for a single day, God's promised reward is the same as for someone who has been a Christian for forty years."
More than twenty years later I am a Reader at St John's thoroughly enjoying serving the people there, and continuing with God's plan for my life.
But that's another story!
About us | Brief history | Faith statement | Leaders
Page last updated: 8 February 2007