Church Oversight Group (COG) ChristChurch Braintree

NIGEL WARNER

I've got a wonderful wife, 3 fantastic children and a meaning to my life.  Jesus offers to the whole world, to all that respond new life.  Life in all its fullness.  And God has given me the amazing opportunity to spend my whole life telling others and seeing the transformation in them as they come to know God in Jesus and through the Holy Spirit for themselves.  This life is not vague, boring church as they show it in the media.  It is vital, vibrant and fulfilling.  It is true love.

Oh ……. and I support Tranmere Rovers to balance the good things in life.

JUNE FRISBEE

I am married and have two grown-up sons.  I moved to Braintree in 1976 and have seen the town grow and expand.  One of the best things I have seen happen recently is the way the churches are moving to work more closely together in the town.  The other good thing that has happened for me is the opportunity God has given me to work here in the office at Christ Church.  It has given me the chance, both directly and indirectly, to be part of many things that I otherwise would not have been involved in.  I thank God for all that he has made available to me and invite you to be part of what God has planned here at Christ Church and in Braintree.

DIANE GRIDLEY

I have lived in Braintree since I married over thirty years ago, coming from Woodford Green (a true Essex girl).  I have attended Christ Church for most of that time, seeing many changes, working on a few committees and making many friends.  My husband and I have two daughters, both married and living nearby.

My faith has grown considerably during the last few years under the ministry of Nigel and the help of the Alpha Course I attended.  I feel that the present ministry is very stimulating and relevant to the current situation in Braintree.  It is lovely to see so many children who are keen to come along to Junior Church and it's good to see a rise in attendance figures.

SALLY CHAPMAN

Hi!  My name is Sally and I am part of the leadership team here at Christ Church Braintree.  I grew up attending an Anglican Church Sunday School then when I was fifteen I drifted away from Church although I never stopped believing.  I was married at eighteen and subsequently had four children, two boys and two girls.  They are all happily settled with eight children and two step children between them.  All, except one, are still very involved in Church life.

About thirty years ago now I started attending Braintree Methodist Church where my daughters attended Girls' Brigade.  I only went to Family Services at first, just to accompany my daughters, but one Lent I started going regularly and I have never looked back.  Twenty-four years ago I made my first real commitment to Jesus and as the years have gone by I have been involved in all sorts of things.  The most recent, and for six years, was the responsibility of Junior Church.  I occasionally preach at Christ Church, as I am a Methodist Local Preacher.

At the moment I am taking ‘time out' just to worship and be fed myself.  Worship is great here.  So many different needs are being met.  There are traditional services, occasionally healing services, services of Holy Communion, contemporary worship, family worship and special occasions too.  I find the contemporary worship services meet my needs and I am amazed at how much God blesses me as I give myself to Him in worship.

Over the past six months I feel I have moved into a deeper relationship with God and I am finding what it really means to say I am a Christian.  I am really excited with what God is doing here and I am looking forward to being involved in whatever He has planned for me next.

DOROTHY LODGE

I was born into an active and devout Methodist family, but my own faith came alive at the first Billy Graham Crusades in London.  Since then my faith has sustained me through the ups and down of life.  I was involved as a Girl's Brigade officer and a Sunday School teacher for many years.  I became very aware that God had another purpose for me after a serious car crash in 1986.  I went on, guided by Him, to establish a Day Centre for the Elderly and to serve the Church in various ways including the maintenance of the property.

JANET GREEN

I have lived in Braintree for the past 20 years with my husband Bob.  I work for the NHS as an administrator in pharmacy.

I have been going to church since I was a small child, so I have grown up in a church environment.  When I was 15years of age I was made a member of my local Methodist church and helped in the Sunday School.

I am now part of a large family at Christ Church as pastoral organizer.  I belong to a prayer triplet and a home group, both of these help me with my faith, bible study and prayer.  I just don't know what it would be like not to have Jesus in my life.  I feel every day is a blessing to know that I can turn to God, in prayer.  He accepts me just as I am.  I pray that Christ Church will grow and grow and we can work together in faith and love.

GILL EAST

I have been attending the church in London Road all my life and have been a member since 1975.  As well as serving on the Church Oversight Group, I am Junior Church Superintendent and Membership Secretary.  In my ‘spare' time I work as a nursery nurse at a local infant's school and am a parent governor at Notley High School.

My dream for Christ Church would be for it to be a place where people find both the practical and spiritual help they need and where the love of God shines through in everything we do.

ALAN ROLLS

I've been married to Sarah for two and a half years and we have a beautiful baby girl. Jessica is now 7 months old and I have recently changed from working full time to one day a week allowing me to spend my time looking after her.  I believe that God is giving me a sabbatical this year away from primary teaching so I can develop my relationship with him and move forward with where he wants me to go.  I currently lead musical worship and run a home group.  I'm also a keen walker, reader and specialise in baby induced sleepless nights!

BABA AKOMOLAFE

I would hope that anyone who knows me well, or even not so well, can see that my relationship with God is why I live.  My wife, Dupé, is my best friend second only to Jesus.  Together we hit highs in work, fun and friendships that we could not do apart.

God has sent us to serve in Braintree through Christ Church and we are pleased to be a part of what he is doing.  When we are not doing the work of the ministry we are making money for the Kingdom under the guise of health professionals.

SCOTT WOOD

I have been treasurer at Christ Church for almost ten years.

My wife, Ishbel, and I left our home town of Dumfries in Scotland in 1961 to seek our fortunes in England.

We have lived in Braintree since 1974. Braintree is our home and we both love it.

I thank God that he brought us to Braintree, to Christ Church and that we are part of his family here.

BETH GASK

Born into a Baptist manse and thus brought up in a Christian home, I became a church member at the age of sixteen. Following the example of my parents I feel the most important part of Christian life is trying to help others. I am a practical person who needs to show Christ's love more through deeds than words. A trained teacher, I have worked in Sunday School and Junior Church and was a keen member and then leader in the Girls' Brigade. I work to support families with problems through Home Start and through the church in various capacities.

COLIN FOWLER

Hi, I'm Colin.  I am married to Alison and have four children – Emma, Rebecca, Laura and Olivia.  I also have a black labrador called Sky, the only female that does as she is told!  I have lived in Braintree since I was six (long time) I like to think I am young at heart!  I run my own business fitting kitchens and bathrooms, with help from Alison doing my paperwork.  This takes up most of my time, tennis and golf being my favourite sports. 

I have been going to church since childhood but have only been serious about my faith for the last four years but I do know God has always been there when I needed him.  You can also find me playing drums in the church music group.  My passion is to see people worshipping God in the way they want to.  I feel music is a way for the spirit to flow among us.  I know that the spirit is moving in Christ Church and wonderful things are going to happen to the glory of God in Braintree, we need to be ready.  I feel honoured to have been called to serve on COG at this time and along with Home Group I feel my faith is growing as I continue my walk with God.