Part of our heritage, part of our community
We would like to think that the Church will always be there: part of our English history and a key part of our local community. The parish church of S. Thomas the Apostle has been here in Elson since 1845, when it served the small rural villages of Elson and Hardway.
Gosport has grown up around our community and people and industry have come and gone and come again in new forms, but S. Thomas the Apostle has remained constant: a symbol of a living faith and a focal point for our local community.
Many have been baptised or married at the Church. Many have attended funerals of loved ones, or have been into the Church, whether for a School service, a Church Parade with the Scouts or Guides, Sunday School, Choir or simply to escape the bustle of a busy world with a few moments of quietness and prayer.
It’s good to know that the Church will always be there for generations to come…
...or will it?
The challenge we face
Although there is a Church of England Church in almost every community throughout the land, they are increasingly coming under pressure. Maintaining our historic and well-loved buildings is difficult, and without support from the local community, our Church will have a very bleak future. It costs more than £600 a week to maintain the ministry and fabric of S. Thomas the Apostle, and any donation you are able to give is greatly appreciated.
Through the Friends of S.Thomas the Apostle, we hope to be able to draw upon the regular support of the local community to keep this Church as a focal point for Elson and Hardway for generations to come.
So is this just about keeping the building open?
No! S. Thomas is not about just the building, it is a vibrant and living, worshipping community of faith which seeks to live out the Christian life. Here are some of the ways in which we make a difference in this community
- Pastoral Care
Visiting the sick, at home and in hospital. Offering comfort to the distressed, the anxious, the isolated and the vulnerable, is a major part of our community work.
It is undertaken by both clergy and members of our congregation.
- Friday’s Youth Club
A vibrant, exciting and challenging youth project each Friday night. This youth club for young people aged 10-16 and provides a safe and supportive environment for young people run by members of the Church. More than 50 young people a week look forward to coming to the Church Hall for this, and this makes a real difference to their lives and their personal and spiritual development.
- Schools Work
Whether it is leading worship or assemblies in school or bringing children into Church as part of their RE Curriculum, we work extensively in the local Infant and Junior Schools.
- Worship and Prayer
When things get tough, the Church is there for you: supporting, listening, praying for you. Our clergy are experienced and sensitive listeners and are here to walk with you in a non-judgemental and supportive way through whatever you need to face.
- Hatches, Matches and Despatches
What else is the Church there for? A key part of local people’s lives are the celebration with joy of new life and new comings together as well as remembering those who have gone before us. Many people’s lives in Elson have been touched by the Church and we hope will continue to do so for many years to come.
A perfect way to support S. Thomas the Apostle
If you are planning a wedding, a service of thanksgiving or blessing; or perhaps the baptism of a child, then joining the Friends of S. Thomas the Apostle is a great way of showing your commitment to us as a community and to this holy place as a special place in the life of you and your family.
Everyone in our community can help, whether a regular or not-so-regular attendee at Church, or whether you just wish to see the Church of England continue to work in our community.