On Monday 8th June, J Team, a new youth group for young people with SEND and neurodivergent conditions was officially opened in Gaywood Church Rooms in King’s Lynn.St. Faith’s Church Gaywood LEP had supported a group in the Gaywood Church Rooms for over 30 years, and when that group closed last November Rector Revd Kyla Sørensen asked: “Young people and their families in our community really need this – what can we do?” The need for a safe and inclusive space was clear and so people from St. Faith’s Church joined with volunteers from the local community to open J Team as a regular group in the heart of Gaywood.A name was chosen, Junior and Youth Team – J Team for short. The young people and volunteers chose the new logo – “Because they are stars!” said Tina Beale, one of the lead volunteers.J Team is open weekly on Monday evenings 6.30-8.30pm during term time as a safe and inclusive space for young people with SEND and neurodiverse conditions aged 6-16 years. The warm welcome is key to ensuring everyone feels at ease from the moment they arrive. J Team is an energetic hub where young people and their siblings can hang out regularly to grow, play, and create while developing meaningful relationships. The focus is on having lots of fun and making friends.“We are so fortunate to have Tina and Martin Beale and all of the volunteers involved in J Team.” said Revd Kyla, “Their enthusiasm is catching! They have over 3 decades of experience and a deep love and care for young people in our community.”The young people told us they love the group because it’s fun! and one member said: “I really like the games we play.” The sessions are filled with laughter and lots of positive energy. The volunteers have fun too, giving their time because they enjoy seeing the young people getting so much out of it.Tine Beale, one of the lead volunteers told us that the group is an important outreach for young people but also serves as respite for parents too, who for two hours a week can leave their children in a safe, inclusive space with experienced volunteers and then take some time for themselves.J Team is a great example of church coming together with community – building positive connections and making a difference in the neighbourhood.
We are so proud of Tiff!On the 1st June, at a special ceremony in Granary Court at Bishop’s House, our very own Tiff received her Certificate of Christian Learning from the Bishop of Norwich after completing 8 months of in person and online training.It was no mean feat, as Tiff has a demanding full-time job and many regular commitments at St. Faith’s.Tiff had this to say about the experience: “It’s been a year of lots of Learning and deepening my faith but it’s been amazing and I have really enjoyed it. I am excited to see where God leads me next.....”Revd Kyla Sørensen, Rector at St. Faith’s said: “We are so all so proud of Tiff and what she has achieved – she has already been sharing insights with us, and her excitement and enthusiasm is catching as she applies that learning to Christian life in 2026.”The Bishop’s Certificate of Christian Learning is a flexible discipleship course. It is designed to help anyone over the age of 18 explore, learn, and discuss the Christian faith, regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey.For more information on the course and the next available dates please see: https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/mission-and-ministry/vocations/the-bishops-certificate-in-christian-learning/
May has been a month of celebrations at St. Faith’s. At the beginning of the month the Friendship Café celebrated its seventh anniversary with a fabulous Rock n’ Roll party in Gaywood Church Rooms.The Friendship Café is for people with dementia and their partners or carers. The café runs every Wednesday, year round, offering a safe and friendly social setting where everyone can relax and enjoy good company over a hot drink and homemade cakes.The team of dedicated volunteers are what makes the café so successful, their love and care is given every week – ensuring that everyone feels welcome. Some of the visitors have described it as “a lifeline”. There is a real sense of community, with much laughter and conversation had by all.Our Rector, Revd Kyla said: “Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who works so hard to keep the café running – it is such an important group. It continues to be really popular and we look forward to offering a warm St. Faith’s welcome to people with dementia and their partners/ carers for many more years to come.”
On Sunday, as part of our Pentecost celebrations we welcomed Revd Canon James Nash and his wife Linda into our church family.James is a retired priest with Permission to Officiate - he brings with him years of experience in parish ministry and in a number of different Deanery and Diocesan roles. Pictured here with Revd Kyla Sorensen (Rector) and Revd Dr Fiona Munn (Pioneer Associate Priest), James said: “It is time for me to begin public ministry again. Today I've been commissioned by Kyla, Rector of St. Faith's Gaywood, to work with her, Fiona, and other members of the ministry team in my capacity as a retired priest with Permission to Officiate on a part time basis. I'm very happy and excited to be a part of this parish which is just down the road from home.”<br>We hope to be a blessing to James and Linda as we are sure they will be to us.
