My faith has helped me through some very difficult and lonely times and the faith of other Christians has inspired and encouraged me. I have come to understand and appreciate the importance and comfort of regular fellowship with other Christians. Being a member of a Church brings me into contact with people who share the same beliefs as I do and with whom I have found friendship and a sense of belonging. When I was asked if I would become a Lay Elder I had no hesitation in saying yes. I have personally experienced God's love and care which has often been expressed through the many loving and caring Christians that I have met in my life. We all have times when we are in need of emotional and spiritual comfort as well as practical support. As an Elder I hope that God
will use me to reach out to others in the Church and the community to help in whatever way I can.
Johanna Mabey
I have lived in Aldeburgh for just over eleven years. I have been married to Robert for seventeen
years and we have two sons aged 14 and 13 and a daughter who is 10. We own a restaurant business in the town centre.
I first came into contact with our Parish Church when I joined in with the monthly "Pram" services for mums with pre-school children. I was made to feel very welcome, and when our third child was born, she and I were baptised in the same service at St.Peter and St.Paul's. From then on my commitment to Christian life grew steadily, leading to my confirmation a few years later.
I was honoured to be asked to join the team of Lay Elders, although rather daunted at the same time. However it has been an extremely fulfilling experience, and I am
Susan Henderson (continued)
to find hospitality of Christ