As Histon Baptist Church welcomes the Rev’d Chris Farmer and his family, Val Robson has been talking to him about his passion for community and his plans for the future as their new pastor.
Histon Baptist Church welcomed a familiar face this month when the Rev’d Chris Farmer was inducted at the church to be their new pastor. Chris, his wife Kate and their three children will already be well known to many from their time here in Histon from 2009-2016 when Chris was leading the youth work at Histon Baptist Church.
The family moved away in 2016 after Chris responded to God’s call to train as a Baptist Minister. He trained at Spurgeon’s College in London for three years while working as co-pastor at Braintree Baptist Church, Essex. After completing his training he became sole pastor of the church.
Chris says “We are very excited to be back in the village and to be going forward with ministry in the community. We feel that God has called us to this new chapter in our lives and the life of the church. We are looking forward to getting to know the community afresh and becoming more immersed in the life of the village.
“With the COVID pandemic we’re realising how important it is to have one another and a strong community around us. Many are facing serious issues such as isolation and poor mental health and we are keen to explore ways in which the church can help those coping with such challenges”.
Church member Lucy Robinson is delighted that Chris and the family are back, saying “Chris has a natural affinity with people of all ages and understands his role well. He communicates with humour and emotion and engages with people with respect and sensitivity.”
A heart for community
Chris has always had a heart for community and for reaching out to help and encourage others. From 2003 to 2006 he did the Children and Youth Ministry course at Ridley Hall theological college in Cambridge with a focus on community work. He subsequently helped lead many youth groups, including Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade and Youth Alpha courses to encourage faith development amongst young people. At Impington Village College he set up a Transitions project, helping vulnerable children in their move from Junior School to IVC. While at Braintree he has been reaching out to the local community and beyond.
Induction service and afternoon tea
Chris has already started his ministry following the Induction Service on Saturday 11 September which was attended by church members and others in the community including Councillor Denis Payne, chair of the Histon and Impington Parish Council, the Rev’d Canon James Blandford-Baker, Vicar of Histon and Impington, representing Churches Together and representatives from several schools, churches and other groups. The service was followed by a celebration afternoon tea on the front lawn.
Services, events and activities
Histon Baptist Church are now meeting in person but are also still streaming their services via Zoom so that all can join in. Lucy says “Histon Baptist Church is a growing and lively church for people of every background – it is diverse and welcoming and with Chris now in post as the new pastor we are very excited about the future shape of things. Local people will know that our buildings are used for many community activities but as a church we also have a number of groups for different people.
“The Ark, the Baptist Church Toddler Group, is meeting weekly in person again and a Youth Alpha course is also about to start on Fridays at 5.30pm. Do contact Rilla Molnár, the Baptist Church Youth Worker on youth@histonbaptist.org.uk, if you are interested in knowing more about Youth Alpha.”
Remembrance Sunday plans afoot
Kate, Chris’s wife, is also keen to re-engage with the community and to meet friends old and new. She has initiated a project to mark Remembrance Day. The Ark and other children’s groups in the community such as Rainbows and The Ladybird Play Group are creating poppies, using recycled household items, which will become part of a sea of poppies on the Baptist Church front lawn for Remembrance Day. Members of the church will be creating silhouettes of soldiers for the display.
Following the annual outdoor Remembrance Service at the War Memorial on Sunday 14th November, all will be invited for a hot drink on the Baptist Church Lawn. For this project Kate is collecting empty plastic 2 litre bottles so please do drop any off at the church you may have.
If you would like to know about services, groups and other activities at Histon Baptist Church visit their website or email Chris on pastor@histonbaptist.org.uk
