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Peasedown church sends out first Missionaries - 11th Dec '09

Two community activists in Peasedown St John will be taking a leap of faith in January when they move to Jerusalem as missionaries.

Richard and Rosalind Meryon have been members of St John’s Church, Peasedown, since May 2006 and have been involved in a wide range of projects during their tenure.

Originally, Richard and Rosalind moved to the Peasedown Church as part of an initiative three and half years ago to help build the congregation and bridge the gap with the local community.

Richard said:

“What an honour it’s been, and huge fun too, to be a part of the growth of the new congregation within St John’s these past 3 ½ years. We’ve learnt so much under Rev Matthew Street’s leadership, and seen God wonderfully at work in Peasedown. We may be going to Jerusalem, but we’ll be only be a prayer and an e-mail away!”.

As well as working within the Church, Rosalind Meryon has also been a weekly visitor and helper at the Peasedown Opportunity Project (POP), which meets at Peasedown Youth Centre on Thursday mornings. As a group it gives support and encouragement to young parents, the unemployed, and anyone else who needs a helping hand.

Rosalind commented:

“POP has been such a joy to be a part of and it provides a great community focus for everyone.

The cooking classes with William the chef have introduced us to great and economical ways with food, and Annie the Health Visitor it so lovely to all. The children’s helpers we have also encourage constructive play too.

Being together with new friends of all ages there has been a blessing to me.”

The couple will be taking on a new role in Israel’s capital city as caretakers of the Garden Tomb. Believed by many to be the location of Jesus’ Resurrection, the tomb is a place of pilgrimage for about ¼ million people every year, for many of whom it is the climax of their visit to the Holy Land of Israel.

As missionaries, Richard and Rosalind will keep in regular contact with St John’s Church – keeping parishioners up-to-date with their activities

Church Leader, Revd Matthew Street added:

“Richard and Rosalind have given so much to St John’s since arriving here in 2006. Their commitment to the Church and the community has been huge. I am so pleased that they are now following God’s calling and moving into the next part of their lives.

As missionaries, they will become the first ever to be sent out by St John’s Church.”

Richard and Rosalind will be commissioned on Sunday 20th December, at 4.30pm, during the Soul Food afternoon service at St John’s Church.

10.30am St John's Peasedown

1st & 3rd Sunday Holy Communion

2nd & 5th Sunday Soul Food Lite

4th Sunday Morning Praise

4.30pm - Soul Food - PSJ Youth Centre

11.15am - Wellow

1st, 3rd, 4th & 5th Sunday Morning Praise

2nd Sunday Holy Communion

10am - Foxcote (May - Oct)

1st & 5th Sunday Morning Praise

2nd & 4th Sunday Holy Communion

10am - Shoscombe (Nov - Apr)