The Tribune

“A community church...a family church...a church with dynamic preaching...a progressive Methodist church.” These are all descriptions and other salutary comments that have been made to describe St Michael’s Methodist Church in Chippingham.

This year, St Michael’s observes its 50th anniversary and the congregation is celebrating with a series of events throughout the year.

“Our congregation, with friends from throughout the community, indeed from all over the world, celebrate its golden jubilee first with thanksgiving to God,” said Dr Philip Stubbs, Minister at St Michael’s Methodist Church.

“We then thank the servants of the church, members who have worked and continue to work to spread God’s love and grace with others. Of course we will focus on the future, the church that will be led by those who are now in their 20s, and teens are being given appropriate attention during this time of celebration.”

Dr Stubbs, who celebrates his 20th anniversary this year, has been the minister at St Michael’s since May 1994.

St Michael’s, known for its support of the Chippingham and Boyd Subdivision communities, continues with that support through the following initiatives:

• The weekly on-site tennis programme that is held at the community tennis court on the eastern section of the property.

• The primary and high school weekly programmes, including Children’s Club, Kidz Launch (primary school) and Launch (high school).

• The monthly distribution of food parcels to members of the community and members in the extended New Providence community.

• Pastoral and counselling support to community members.

• Ecumenical initiatives with community churches, especially the ecumenical circle that includes the Holy Spirit Anglican Church and St Joseph’s Catholic Church.

• The work of St Michael’s Preschool.

• The repair of neighbourhood homes in conjunction with the Methodist Habitat and partners from the United States.

The church’s theme for 2014 is “50 Years Of Faith: Disciples For Each Generation”. It is a theme that harkens back to St Michael’s beginnings when its founding minister, Rev Edwin Taylor, led a group of faithful Methodists in the establishment of the church in the Chippingham area.

On Saturday, November 1, the year-long celebration will culminate with St Michael’s Golden Jubilee Banquet at SuperClubs Breezes. The faithful stewardship of leaders who have served over the past 50 years will be affirmed as jubilee honourees are feted in an evening of elegance, entertainment and excitement.

“Our honourees have worked and continue to work effectively and sacrificially for God, the church and the community. At our Jubilee Banquet we will say thank you to those honourees in grand style,” said Margaret Smith, chairperson of the 50th Anniversary Committee.

The church members who will be honoured include the One Family Care Group, a group of members within St Michael’s who have consistently met for fellowship and exemplary service for more than a decade; Patricia Archer, Fred Neely, Catherine McPhee, Donald Cash, Cheryl Carey, Derek Dean, Debbie Pearce, Wellington Neely, Patricia Pinder, Ethelyn Rowlands, Harcourt Rolle, Monique Bain, and Eileah Pearce.

Poised for another 50 years of faithful and fruitful service, St Michael’s pauses this month to celebrate the excellent work of its exemplary members.