Jayne Thorneycroft

What is your role at St Andrew’s Church and what is it you do?

As an Authorised Lay Minister, I offer a variety of ministries in my local parish including Pastoral Care Ministry and Community Ministry at a local care home. As part of the clergy team at St Andrews I assist in running the main services in the church on a Sunday morning and run morning eucharist services during the week and on Saturday mornings including open door eucharist services once a month

I am on the baptism team meeting with the parents before hand to complete the required paperwork then running a rehearsal session prior to the baptism event. I also assist the vicar during the actual baptism. If you are interested in getting involved with the baptism team, please contact me.

What is the most satisfying part about your involvement at St. Andrew’s?

Welcoming new people into the church and making them feel comfortable to engage in the many church activities and to take their faith further.

Best memory from your time here?

Leading my first Saturday morning Eucharist following my Authorisation at Lichfield Cathedral in 2017 by Bishop Michael.

Is there a particular chapter or verse from the bible which resonates with you more than any other?

The Gospel according to Mark 1 4-11

4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.
8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.
11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

What is your biggest passion outside of Church life?

Being with my family and friends, walking and exploring the countryside. Ice Skating after being taught by Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill at Nottingham.

Have you got a hidden skill?

Meeting people and making them feel welcome

Favourite movie / TV series?

Movie: Love Story
TV Series: Thorn birds

Favourite book / author?

Reading biographies of famous people.

Favourite music / musician?

Motown – Commodores & Diana Ross.

For people who have just moved to Shifnal, what’s the best way to get started in coming to Church?

Browse the welcome pack, come along to St Andrews, and meet with one of the team who will discuss with you how you can start to enjoy what the church community has to offer.

For people who have lived in Shifnal a long time who may have often thought about coming to St. Andrew’s, but either never got around to it or maybe feel a bit daunted in not knowing where to start, what is the best advice to these people?

Come along to one of our open-door coffee mornings for a coffee and chat with other members of the community, these are held each Tuesday between 10:00 and 12:00. You could also attend one of our smaller eucharist services. The Thursday morning service starting at 10:00 has on average congregation size of 16 and is conducted in the Brooke Room. There is also the Saturday morning Eucharist in the Lady chapel with a congregation size of between 10 and 15. You will be made most welcome at any of these events.