St Andrews' Community Church Opens Its Doors In Foxhill And Heads For An Exciting First Year!
Catherine Vaughan is the Associate Minister for a brand new church, St Andrew's Community Church in Foxhill. And following an official opening by the Bishop of Bath and Wells in November 2011, she is anticipating a dynamic year ahead!..
Surprised by the number of people with a heart to serve who've joined the church since it opened its doors, she tells us how God is answering prayers made over several years now.
(PICTURES: CATHERINE VAUGHAN, ST ANDREW'S COMMUNITY CHURCH, THE CONGREGATION)
Catherine, please tell us a little about yourself?
I moved to Bath exactly six years ago to start a new job being employed by Holy Trinity Church, Combe Down as Church Community Worker for Foxhill. I came here after studying theology for two years at Moorlands College. Before that I was a primary school teacher. The most recent acquisition to my family is a yellow Labrador dog called Dibley!
Please tell us about St Andrew's Community Church?
St Andrew’s Church was first opened in Foxhill in 1957. The old building was demolished and on November 30th 2011 (St Andrew’s Day) the new St Andrew’s Community Church St Andrews was opened by Bishop Peter of Bath & Wells.
It is within Combe Down Parish and therefore comes under Peter’s leadership but is there to serve and reach out particularly to the local community. The new 
building is multi purpose and will be used for a variety of activities and the church family is there to serve God in building a community of hope with the people of Foxhill.
How did you come to take on this role with the church?
I heard about the job just over six years through a friend who was working at Lee Abbey in North Devon. Once I was in post I realised just how amazing God’s hand had been in bringing various things together which meant that I was the one for the job. My role has changed over the six years and now encompasses more church leadership whilst still building on those rich and valuable community links that have been forged over my time here.
What are you most looking forward to with this role? And for 2012?
I am looking forward to seeing the church family grow in faith as they step out into new waters. The new building has been a long time coming and now we need to use it the best we can. For me there will be changes as I complete my Ordination training and move on to a new church in July to do my curacy.
What will be the challenges for St Andrews this year - i guess its first year?
The new building offers an amazing resource for the community, within the community. God is bringing people to us who have hearts to serve Him in ways that we have been dreaming of and praying for, for several years.
We have also seen lots of new folks come to activities and services that have been happening over the last two months and we look forward to seeing how God is going to grow the church family this year. We also plan to start new activities such as a cafe and some youth and children’s work which is much needed. So watch this space and see what He does.
It was opened by the Bishop of Bath and Wells.. how was that day for you?
30th Nov. 2011 was an extraordinary day. We had borrowed seats for 120 people (our ordered ones were not ready for delivery) and we ended up with standing room only in the cafe area. The main hall was FULL and overflowing with people from the local community, people who were at the dedication of the first St Andrew’s in 1957, people who were regular worshippers in the original church, people who worship us now and local church leaders, came to support us. It was the day of the National Strike which meant that we had lots of children who would otherwise not have been able to celebrate with us. There was a real sense of excitement and expectation amongst all those who were there on that special day.
What days are you open? Everyday or simply Sundays at the moment? What are your plans for the year?
We have services on Sundays but also have activities during the week; Messy Mondays and Tuesday Toddlers for pre-school children and their parents/carers, Focus on Wednesdays where people can come for a warm, home cooked meal and a chat and a Seniors Social afternoon once a month on a Thursday.
We plan to start a cafe which will be open regularly and the hours will build up as and when we can. We also plan to start some youth work. I am sure that by the end of the year we will be competing for times to use the building.
How would you like the local community to use you?
We would love to see more of the local community coming to the various activities that we already run. We also have some very willing and able bodied people who are more than happy to help with practical tasks in and around the home so if anyone knows of local needs we would love them to contact us so that we can help in any way we can. Chatting to local people we have realised just how many people live alone or are isolated due to health or personal circumstances. We want to be able to befriend some of these lonely people.
Anything you would wish to add?
This last year has been an amazing journey but those of us worshipping in St Andrew’s today, know that we are building on the foundations of 50 plus years of worship and prayer in the community. We are all ‘living stones’, brought together at this time to be used by God to build His kingdom in this place. What a privilege!