Our Generation Y cell group recently adopted the environment mission priority. Zoe tells us what happened next ...

We wanted to find a practical way that we could start to make small lifestyle changes that would reduce our environmental impact and also encourage others to do the same.

As we drew closer to Advent and Christmas we came up with the idea of creating an online advent calendar that could be shared both within the congregation but also with friends and family via social media. We wanted to use this as a way of sharing our love for God’s world and showing our appreciation of the amazing gift that it is.

We thought it would be great to include some practical tips as well as videos to watch and things to read, anything that might make people think twice about how much waste we produce over the Christmas period and the damage it might be causing to our world.

Our hope is that people will be inspired to continue making changes for the better into the New Year and beyond.

If you haven't yet enjoyed opening our Environment Advent Calendar each day, then click here to go to it! this month and that it is helping you prepare for Christmas in an eco-friendly way. If you haven’t had a look yet check it out at http://bit.ly/StJbtP1

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is a great opportunity to invite people to our different Christmas services. 

The shepherds told everyone they could about the newborn king.

Could you help spread the word about our services by using these images on your social media accounts? Click on the relevant link, save it to your phone/tablet/computer, then post it in your social media account. 

Thank you!

16th Dec afternoon carol service - facebook post and instagram

16th Dec Carols by candlelight - facebook post and instagram

24th Dec Crib services - facebook post and instagram

24th Dec Midnight mass - facebook post and instagram

25th Dec Christmas Day celebration - facebook post and instagram

We had 105 respondents through a combination of online and paper surveys, which was a good mix of all age ranges. Some key takeaways were:
·        Great range of words to describe good and bad mental wellbeing:

·        Three quarters of respondents have struggled with their mental wellbeing at some point, and a third of respondents are living with someone who is or has struggled with their mental wellbeing
·        Existing things highlighted as having a positive impact on wellbeing include; prayer ministry, worship, belonging to cell groups, small friendship groups, hobby groups, and connecting with the environment
·        Suggestions for areas we could develop or improve on (which we will look into further as Thrive progresses) include; support groups, quiet reflective/mindfulness space, mental health awareness/education.
Currently, Thrive sees themselves as a small working party that is thinking about how we shape and promote good mental wellbeing in our church; this includes signposting to services, and utilising us as a resource to support groups. What we don’t see ourselves as, is a referral agency, or as a group dedicated to pastoral issues.
Promotion of mental wellbeing is a whole church concern and not something that is just Thrive’s responsibility, so this is something we will look to work with you on as we go into 2019. We will also continue to explore what other churches are doing in Southampton/Shirley in this area.

Do you have a heart for children and families, a vision for working in local primary schools, and a passion for Jesus? 

We're looking for a new Primary schools', families and children's lead person - an 18 hour a week post. 

The purpose of the post is to facilitate the work of St James' by the Park amongst families and children in our local community by focusing on work in the local KS1 and KS2 schools.

Could you be that person, or do you know someone who could be? 

Click here to download the full job description. 
The application form can be downloaded here. Applications should be received by 12 noon on Tuesday 4th December. 

The Zimbabwean flag is one of the ones proudly on display in our church, because at least two of our church community are Zimbabwean. One of them, Shelter Kasirori, has been instrumental in setting up a monthly gathering at St James' by the Park for other Shona-speaking Christians in the region.

With 10 other branches around the country, the Zimbabwe National Anglican Fellowship (ZINAFE) encourages Christians to be an active part of their own churches as well as attending the Shona-speaking services. Arthur Chagadama from Poole explains: “Coming together to worship in our language is an experience that allows us to learn, gain strength and grow in our faith. The lasting friendships provide us with strength and a sense of belonging. We can laugh together, and support one another through life's struggles.”

Most services are led by Zimbabwean clergy working in the Church of England. One of them, Father Lamech, reflected on why ZINAFE was started. “Because we were scared of our people losing their faith in this country."

​For Shelter, not having to travel to Bristol for these services saves time and money. “Meeting here will be a boost to my fellowship and growth in my faith. The Shona services will strive for our young generation not to lose their culture when it comes to worship and belonging.” She adds: “Thumbs up to my family (my cell group) for their prayers and support.”
“Zimbabwe is always in the news for wrong reasons,” says Arthur. “The state of our nation is disturbing and discouraging. As a Zinafe community, we ask for prayers that we remain united, faithful, informed and thoughtful, and for God’s wisdom and righteousness to be evident in our nation’s policies and leaders.”

Shelter and others at a ZINAFE service.