St Stephens has been without a minister since August 2005, and the Church Wardens, Grant Davis and Mo Hewitt (see bottom of page), together with their team of supporters, have since that time shouldered the heavy responsibility for the smooth running of the church. We are delighted to announce that we have now been joined by Robin and Jenny Forrester.
Revd Forrester's Licensing took place at St Stephen's on Monday 8 May at 7.30pm. In anticipation of this event, Robin and Jenny kindly provided us with the following details of their background:
"Jenny committed her life to Christ as a child of seven and Robin did so in his mid teens. This ought to encourage parents and those who bring the Christian gospel message to young people. We have worked in a wide variety of Christian activities covering most age groups and situations home and abroad. We met as teenagers in church and our first date was 23rd October 1963 and after a typically lengthy engagement of those days we were married on 15th July 1967 in Hainault, Essex. Jenny trained as a nurse at The Royal London Hospital where she was a Staff Nurse until the first baby came along. Robin trained for the ministry at All Nations Christian College at Ware, Hertfordshire."
"For the first ten years of marriage we were in Baptist Church ministry and community work in London and the Falkland Islands. For secular work Robin had been an industrial accountant but after these ten years in Christian ministry moved into a social work career in social services, NSPCC and as a self employed consultant. This took us to Kent, Staffordshire and lastly Cheshire. Jenny meanwhile focussed on our five children. Sometimes we both worked and took care of the children in shifts as we had decided that we did not want others to care for the children God had given us. Church then was mostly Christian Brethren (free churches) where Robin was an 'elder' for some years. Our children are now in their 20's and 30's and we have four grandchildren (so far)."
"Following ten years at Christ Church, Wharton in various roles Robin was ordained into Church of England ministry in 2004. Robin qualified Diploma in Theology (1969); MA (Social Work) (1984) & MSc (Management) (1990). Together we hope to serve God as much as we are able in Moulton and roundabout."
"We are witnesses that God will be with and bless those who commit themselves to Him and His kingdom of peace and truth. Like many families we have hardships and joys. We both have strong wills but when we have depended on God and done things His way it has worked out well. When we have strayed from God's ways He has pushed us back to where we should be. We believe that it is important to stop straying away from God, to humble ourselves (however hard it turns out to be) and to accept His forgiveness for our rebellion against His ways. That God as our Creator and Maker really does know what is best for us all and that the Bible is the only certain guide to life."
"So we have found that a great life does involve hardships but also we can enjoy our sense of fun and to laugh at the ridiculous (including ourselves sometimes). In summary our life experience is put by one writer like this, 'There is forgiveness with God'. For Christ died for our sins and offers us a new beginning. He rose again and lives, and by his Spirit can give us a new, inward power of self control. He is also building a new community characterised by love, joy, peace, freedom and justice. A new beginning. A new power. A new community. This is the gospel of Christ.' "
"Please come and join us at Moulton Church to hear and share more. If this seems too much to begin with then please ask for a private chat or an informal meeting in someone's home. We also plan to have occasional short introduction to Christianity courses. The site www.rejesus.co.uk is also worth looking at. Feel free to e-mail us - enquiries@ststephens"
Click here for a personal message from Robin & Jenny to the parishioners.
