TRINITY Church seeks to be an outward-looking and inclusive community. Lewes Sings Gospel started in 2009 as an outworking of this desire.
The choir is an opportunity for anyone who wants to try singing in the gospel style. But more than that, we seek to be a vibrant community where it is easy to meet new people, grow friendships and enjoy the journey of learning and singing gospel music together.
Having served as conductor for Lewes Sings Gospel since its inception in Autumn 2009 Karen Gibson has handed on the baton to Marsha Morrison to continue leading the choir forward as Karen herself focusses her time on "The Kingdom Choir" following their appearance at the Wedding of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle and their subsequent rise to prominence.
Marsha is herself heavily involved in The Kingdom Choir both singing live and arranging a number of tracks on their recent album. She is an extremely accomplished performer, arranger, conductor and coach and brings all her experience to her work with LSG.
Marsha brings a fantastic mixture of energy, passion and encouragement to get the best from the choir, enable quick learning and a ensure a really positive experience at every rehearsal.
Jeremy has been at TRINITY since 1989, although only in an ordained capacity since 2009. Before the privilege of getting the very best job in the world (Associate Vicar at TRINITY), he had the second best job in the world (being a much-travelled project manager for BP for 30 years)!
Jeremy has been married to a long-suffering Fiona for almost 40 years, and they have 3 grown-up sons. He loves just about any physical activity, but especially cycling, walking and people-watching.
Michelle joined the TRINITY team in July 2018 after an 11 year employment break spent being a full time mum.
She has been part of the 9:30 congregation at TRINITY South Malling with her Husband Sinclair (better known as Spud!) and 3 children Fraser, Hamish and Alice for the past 5 years.
They are very much an outdoor family and Michelle enjoys running, horse riding and also loves baking.
Dick is the oldest member of the Trinity team - a retired vicar who claims to be well past his ‘sell by’ date! However, he still runs one of the two fortnightly 4.30pm services at St John’s, and with his wife Joyce has pastoral care of some of the 4.30pm congregation. Also they go into Lewes Prison Chapel services regularly with Prison Fellowship to talk to the prisoners after the services.
He and Joyce were in multi-racial urban London parishes for 33 years - very different from Lewes, where he was born and bred and came back to on retirement.
They now live in sheltered housing at St Thomas Court in Cliffe High Street, and enjoy the activities there - scrabble, quizzes, coffee mornings - as well as the cultural life of the town (U3A etc.) with all its history.
Dianne is married to Luke who heads up our men’s ministry across TRINITY, and has a puppy called Louis (a big hit amongst the youth!). Dianne has been Youth Minister here at TRINITY since 2011 and especially enjoys anything arty and creative!
If she’s not leading small groups, creating fun programmes for a Friday night, up to her elbows in paint creating sets, or enjoying a hot chocolate and catching up with the older teens, you will find her with Luke - playing with the dog in a local park or relaxing in a Jacuzzi!
Neil got married to Ruth in 2009 and they have been at TRINITY since November 2014. Neil heads up our various children's and baby and toddler groups as well as supporting our local Church of England Schools.
Ruth is a Piano tutor, helps to lead one of our Sunday Clubs, helps with a creche and plays the piano at church too.
Neil enjoys taking photos, Ruth likes swimming and they both enjoy playing games and eating food with friends.
Steve has been married to Amanda for 35 years and they have 5 children (Emily, Ellen, Miriam, Faith and Owen), 1 Golden Retriever (Sasha), 3 chickens (Mavis, Hugo and Kaya), 1 free-range tortoise (Torticus) and 1 very audible frog (no name, who’d name a frog?). He is currently building an Ark in the Rectory Garden.
Steve has been at TRINITY since 2003 and he has a passion for preaching and seeing people encounter Jesus. Before he turned his collar the wrong way around he worked in the City in IT.
He is a passionate arm-chair Rugby fan and in his more deluded moments imagines that he too could have scored tries for England (he didn’t and couldn’t). He enjoys gathering around a table with good friends, good food, reading, and watching films.
Janette has been coming to the church since 1997 and is the Pastoral Minister, looking after those people in the community going through difficult times. Her back ground was in banking for 26 years and was also 12 years Treasurer of the church .
She is married to husband Graham, who she met whilst singing in the worship group that he was leading at church. She also started the ministry of Southover Community Care, seeing that there was a desperate need for good community care in Lewes
We are both very involved with our Nieces and have been doing all the University runs over the years. A keen tennis fan, watching and playing and enjoying the countryside.
Jules joined the TRINITY team in 2016. As Curate her role is very varied but she has a particular passion for living out faith incarnationally in the community. In this respect she oversees our local mission work under the 'Love in Action’ banner, which includes our community cafe: Café12/31.
She is married to Phil, who is part of the worship team, and they have 3 children.
Jules also loves to write and regularly blogs about church leadership and vocation in the church.
Martin along with Emma, Micah, Apphia & Toby (Golden Lab) have been at TRINITY since 2015. Martin's work is focussed around music in worship, leading our community choir Lewes Sings Gospel and overseeing operations and communications.
Emma helps to lead a number of ministries to Pre-School children and families and their children both attend Southover Primary School.
As a family they love heading out on bike rides, camping in their van and going out for coffee and cake!
Jo Marks, Figurative artist
Jo Marks is a British figurative artist. Using graphic lines, her chalk and charcoal drawings are developed from a fascination with the human form.
Having studied life drawing and sculpture for years, Jo says she is “always looking for the perfect line which says a lot with very little”.
Her unedited marks reflect the energy and urgency with which the subject was observed. Whether these marks are intuitively abstract or more true to life, they always express an authentic understanding of form.
Exploring femininity as her central theme, Jo’s drawings are simultaneously tender and strong. She says: “Having recently become a mother I am in awe of how wonderfully we are made. We are incredibly strong, although I know at times I feel the opposite. It is this contrast, this vulnerability which I try to communicate”.
While Jo tries to reflect this sense of dichotomy in her carefully balanced compositions, she also aims to ensure her work brings a sense of peace. “Knowing when to stop is a huge challenge, I never want to over-bake my pieces but instead reflect the joy with which they were made.”
Martina La Trobe-Bateman, Photographer
‘What Lies Hidden’
Martina was struck by the stories of pain, suffering and incredible strength and integrity she discovered just among friends and family. All hidden behind the socially acceptable facade of: ‘I’m fine’.
Using the limitations of photographic representation to mimic human interaction that can be limited to a skin-level or outside interaction, she highlights the fact that all of us have another story to tell, and to awaken the senses to the complexity of the “other” we are meeting every day.
For this series she has photographed women with a hidden illness or trauma. The women choose a flower, branch or other foliage to represent the fact that there is more to discover than can be seen on the outside. The choice of foliage or its positioning may reveal something about their illness or struggle and how it affects their relationships and identity.
Julie Janvrin, Sculptor
Although I have been sculpting in clay for many years, it was as a mature student that I went to study ceramics at Falmouth College of Art. Returning to Sussex I set up my own studio producing figurative stoneware sculpture. Singers, dancers, performers, some written over with sonnets or songs, my work reflects my love of literature and my early career in the theatre. I constantly go back to basics, which for me is an endless exploration of the human form.
The theme of Communication for this exhibition is a broad one. Visibly, verbally and tangibly, art is the great communicator, giving us fresh insight into the human condition. I like the image in the bible of the body being the temple of the soul. I hope these quiet abstract nudes have a meditative quality - meditation being perhaps one of the purest forms of communication.
The other two figures were inspired by events in the life of Jesus Christ 2000 years ago, but they are very modern tragedies. A Syrian refugee, her child in her arms and her possessions on her back, flees her country. A mother cradles her son after violence on a Hackney street. Only you, the viewer can say what, if anything they communicate, but if you have paused to look and wonder for a moment why these things happen, then thank you.
Suzanne Hennegrave, Artist and Educator BA Hons, MA
Suzanne Hennegrave is a semi-abstract, contemporary landscape painter and a teacher. She is inspired by the land, sea and big skies. She paints in oils and mixed-media from memory and experience and her work is developed using artistic intuition.
Her greatest loves are atmospheric weather and fleeting light and this she tries to capture in her work, through her own emotional response. She hopes that her paintings will encourage viewers to foster a greater appreciation of their natural surroundings also.
‘If we do not engage with God’s creation in a joyful way, there is no hope of healing.’
Hmmm Cake…
Our cakes are all homemade and baked with love – as priced
Daily free from gluten and dairy cake choice
Vegan option
Fruit scone, cream and jam 2.50
Cheese straw 60p
A spot of lunch…
Homemade soup of the day (vg / gf) 3.90
With a chunk of local bread & butter
Grazer plates
Cheese, ham or hummus 4.90
With local bread, homemade chutney & coleslaw
(gf bread & df spread available)
Puff Pizza
Tomato and mozzarella 3.00
Caramelised red onion & goats cheese 4.00
Jacket Spuds
Just butter (dairy free available) 3.00
Cheese / beans / hummus / coleslaw 50p per filling
Tuna Mayo 90p
Crisps 90p
Piece of fruit 40p
For the kids…
Mini soup of the day 2.10
Mini grazer 2.90
Carrot soldiers with Cheese or hummus 2.20
Bread and butter 1.50
Ellas kitchen pouches 1.50 - 2.20
Organix snacks 90p – 1.60
Join us for a fun Christmassy day at the cafe! We'll be showing 2 Christmas movies, plus we'll have a nativity photo booth for the kids, so they can dress up and take some fun pics. Movies will be shown on a TV screen in the main part of the church and all are welcome. Adults are welcome to sit in the cafe while their children watch the movies but you must be responsible for your children at all times. Snacks and drinks purchased in the cafe may be taken into the church too. (details of movies will be available in the cafe)
Movies are PG, and will start at 10.30am and 2.30pm.
Love in a mug…
Organic Triple Certified Espresso Beans
100% Arabica. Fairtrade Papua New Guinea 60%
Fairtrade Rainforest Alliance Honduras 40%
One shot Two shots
Espresso 1.50 1.80
Americano 1.50 1.80
Cappuccino 1.70 2.10
Latte 1.70 2.10
Mocha 1.90 2.20
Syrup shot 30p
Want it different? Just ask…
Milk, mug and shot alternatives all available.
Tea 1.00
Speciality Tea 1.50
Hot Chocolate 1.50 1.90
‘Oh go on then’ Chocolate 1.90 2.40
(Whipped cream, mini marshmallows & a dusting of chocolate)
Mini oh go on (kids only) 60p
Something cool…
Shake of the day 2.50 Comes with a top up!
(Made with ice cream, milk & a chocolate bar, finished with whipped cream & sprinkles)
Life water (BPA free) 60p
Glass of Downsview milk 60p
Fruit Hit - fairtrade 80p
Ubuntu – fairtrade cola 90p
San Pellegrino 1.30
Belvior Presse 1.80
Sussex Orchard Apple 1.90
Jug of organic squash 1.50
The TRINITY Centre
Abinger Place
Lewes
BN7 2QA
Manager // Zoe Tompsett
Opening Hours
Tuesday // 10am - 4pm
Wednesday // 10am - 4pm
Thursday // 10am - 4pm
Friday // 10am - 5pm // Dog's welcome // Four Legged Friday
Saturday // 9am - 1pm // Drinks and cakes only
Lunch served 12-2.30pm (except on Saturday)
Please get in touch if you would like to know more about Café12/31 or just drop in to see us!
Café12/31 is a project of TRINITY church, built on the ethos of being a place of love and welcome. In fact, our name comes from the bible verse Mark 12:31 ‘love your neighbour’ and that’s exactly what we are aiming to do. All that we do at Café12/31 is rooted in the love of God and we want to show that love to all our customers by aiming to become a true community café, a place for all to feel welcome and that they belong.
Café12/31 will be especially friendly to young families, with our onsite playroom for pre-schoolers, and plenty of space to stash buggies. We’re hoping to develop links to other organisations and groups, to create a hub for the whole community, as well as developing a range of fun events.
As part of an 'Eco church', Café12/31 is guided by the TRINITY Creation Care team, so that we can be as environmentally friendly as possible. We’ve sourced the best take away containers from 'Vegware' and are also big fans of ‘Plastic Free Lewes’, aiming to use as little single use plastic as possible.
Wherever we can we are supporting the Lewes area and stocking local produce too, keeping down our carbon footprint, and stocking fair trade coffee too.
We’ll also have some delicious ‘free from’ options on our menu, including vegan and gluten free. TRINITY also aims to be nut free and whilst we cannot guarantee our premises are nut free, we do not use any nut containing ingredients and are aiming to make the venue as safe as possible for those with nut allergies.
We hope you will love Café12/31 as much as we do, do pop by and see us and let us know what you think!
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Serving In Mission is an international mission organization with more than 4,000 workers serving in more than 70 countries. Convinced that no one should live and die without hearing God’s good news, SIM members serve God among many diverse people groups in every continent.
We had supported the work of MECO (Middle East Christian Outreach) for many years and in 2016, MECO UK & Ireland merged with SIM. Now SIM is recruiting and sending workers to serve in the Middle East, continuing the work of MECO by serving together with Middle Eastern believers to strengthen the Church and to share Christ’s love with others.
SIM workers cross barriers to proclaim the crucified and risen Christ, expressing His love and compassion among those who live and die without Him, and making disciples who will become part of Christ-centred churches.
For more information about SIM, take a look at their WEBSITE HERE
Established in 1848 BHCM seeks to serve the City, with the Church, for Christ.
BHCM care practically and spiritually for many with needs around the city. They currently serve through three teams, Schools, Food Bank and Rest Homes.
The Brighton Food Bank exists to help families and individuals going through times of crisis. This is done primarily through food parcels, but also through supporting clients emotionally, physically, and spiritually, whilst also signposting them to other agencies across the city for expert advice. As a Christian food bank BHCM are privileged to share their faith with clients, and offer prayer when welcomed.
For more information about Brighton & Hove City Mission, take a look at their WEBSITE HERE
A Rocha UK are a Christian conservation charity working to protect and restore the natural world both nationwide and through local projects as in Southall where the A Rocha UK Centre is located.
TRINITY member David Melville has been working part time for over 7 years with ARUK, latterly as Education Manager in west London in two areas – Minet Country Park a living legacy and in the Wolf Fields Community Gardens, a new venture.
He has encouraged the next generation of local primary school children (3000 footfall 2017) by having an environmental encounter through activities all linked to the national curriculum, always giving credit to the Creator.
For more information about A Rocha, take a look at their WEBSITE HERE
Passion for Sport uses media to introduce sports fans to Jesus.
Passion for Sport traces its roots back to 1991 when missionary radio producers from Reach Beyond reported from the World Student Games in Sheffield. Their sports content with a Christian perspective is so well received they report the following year from the Barcelona Olympic Games in English and Spanish.
Passion For Sport reports from major sporting events including the FIFA World Cup™, Cricket World Cup, Rugby World Cup, World Championships in Athletics and Olympic Games. An increasing number of commercial radio stations broadcast their content, and they plan to add video reports and expand their reach into social media and digital channels.
In 2014, 1,350 radio stations broadcast content produced in English and Spanish from the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
For more information about Passion For Sport, take a look at their WEBSITE HERE
For several years we've been supporting the work of Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea (PNG),
specifically the Iduna Translation Project.
The Iduna New Testament was first published in 1982, and is currently being revised, and the Old Testament is a work in progress. Teams of translators visit the Alotau Regional Centre, in the Milne Bay Province, on a regular basis, in order to carry out translation checking. Joe and Heather Patrick are the current centre managers.
Our support of the Iduna translation is specifically in the area of travel to, and accommodation at, the Centre, and also in supporting other language groups which do not have outside funding.
For more information about Wycliffe, take a look at their WEBSITE HERE
Tearfund is a Christian organisation that's "passionate about ending poverty".
They follow Jesus where the need is greatest, working through local churches to unlock people's potential and helping them to discover that the answer to poverty is within themselves. Tearfund responds quickly when disasters strike and won't stop until poverty stops.
For more information about Tearfund, take a look at their WEBSITE HERE
Life In Abundance is an African founded, faith-based community development organisation serving in 14 countries throughout Africa and the Caribbean. They seek to partner and empower the local church to break the cycle of poverty within some of the poorest and most maginalised communities by restoring health, renewing hope and inspiring lasting transformation.
Their unique, proven and sustainable model of transformational development builds on the spiritual truth that the Gospel should bring about changes within the spiritual, social and material dimensions of a community to improve the human condition with a “wholistic” approach.
For more information about Life In Abundance, take a look at their WEBSITE HERE
For more information about Prison Fellowship, take a look at their WEBSITE HERE
Feba is working to inspire people to follow Jesus.
They are making it a priority to work in places where it is hard to be a Christian, which often means working in communities that are rooted in other faiths. They work in places where people’s lives are often affected by war, crisis or disaster.
Feba always work with local partners on the ground and wherever possible alongside the local church. They believe God has called them to use the power of radio and other audio media to help people come to know Jesus Christ and then support them in their ongoing lives as his disciples.
For more information about Feba, take a look at their WEBSITE HERE
Open Hands was founded in England in 2010 by TRINITY member Rebekka Maughan. The charity works in Romania with the most vulnerable and neglected children.
Rebekka and her team, which includes two Trustees from TRINITY congregations, bring the transforming love of Christ where the need is the greatest and currently work with 90 children and families, from extremely poor backgrounds. Children are reached through two programs which focus on education, health and practical help.
Open Hands bears witness that with the love of Jesus nothing is impossible and that through the power of His love all things can be achieved.
For more information about Open Hands, take a look at their WEBSITE HERE
For more information about River Of Life Church, take a look at their WEBSITE HERE
After PGS which is the simplest, the next easiest way to give is to set up a bank standing order that comes direct from your bank/building society account at a time to suit you.
If you are a tax payer then for every £1 you give a further 25p can be claimed by the church from the Inland Revenue; all you need to do is to sign a 'Gift Aid' form.
A Rocha website
www.arocha.org (international site)
Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals
As a church we are committed to creation care and want to make responsible and ethical choices in all areas of church life. To support us in the endeavour we have agreed a policy on Ethical purchasing and created an accompanying set of guidelines.
Download our Ethical Purchasing Policy HERE.
Everyone has a part to play in looking after God’s creation through our lifestlyes. Areas to consider are:
Cutting down on how much we consume by living more simply.
Modifying our purchasing choices.
Increasing the opportunities for biodiversity within our own gardens.
If you have a passion for the environment then we would love to have you as part of our team. Working in our churchyard at Southover & South Malling is an ongoing part of our work and we regularly have fun and friendly working parties for gardening and maintenance of the grounds.
In the future we will be working on renewable energy solutions to the heating and lighting in our church buildings. Any expertise on the energy side of our work would be gratefully received.
Our telephone number is 07852 221449. Anyone can contact the service by telephoning or texting and leaving a message. We will respond as soon as possible, normally within one to two working days.
Please use this number to enquire about counseling availability, or to make or change appointments.
For other enquires we would appreciate contact by email or by letter to:
Southover Counselling.
Church End,
1 Cockshut Road,
Lewes. BN7 1JH
Or email Southover Counselling
Southover Counselling organises occasional professional training days for counsellors and pastoral workers. These days are designed for those already within a professional or voluntary counselling role and contribute towards Continuing Professional Development.
The training days are advertised on our website or details sent to those who have previously attended training days and wish to be on our mailing list. If you are interested in being on our mailing list for the next study day please contact us via email, telephone or post.
NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety
CAMHS https://czone.eastsussex.gov.uk
MIND http://www.mind.org.uk
Walking through grief takes a long time and no two people have the same loss or the same journey.
We offer a 6wk course called "The Bereavement Journey" on Mondays at various points each year. It's held at Church End, TRINITY Southover from 7- 9 pm providing support and community for anyone who would like to share their journey within a small group.
It is run in partnership with TRINITY Church and is open to anyone with faith, no faith, whether recently bereaved for some months or years. There will a small charge for the course booklet and light refreshments.
If you feel you would like to join this group or know someone who might be interested. Contact Jeanette Clifton for further information. 07852221449 or via email.
When a client completes a programme with a counsellor, we always ask for feedback. With the clients' permission, here are some comments we have received.
'A counselling service that has been professional and that I could truly trust. '
'more at peace with myself and my life as it is now. It has been a wonderful experience for me. I would recommend Southover Counselling to other people. My counsellor listened and suggested strategies, and helped me understand myself more and like myself again. Thank you'
'I am clearer about my past and more optimistic about my future'.
'Very friendly, welcoming and patient service. Always professional'
'This has been a truly wonderful and helpful journey for me. I have learned so much, and have looked forward to each session'.
The first session will be exploratory and there is a minimum charge of £10. If you decide to go ahead, your first task will be to agree a programme of appointments and costs. The Counsellor will discuss financial arrangments.
It is a policy of Southover Counselling that no one should be excluded from the service on financial grounds. At present our costs are £40 for individuals and £50 for couples. A reduced rate can be negotiated depending on circumstances.
Each session lasts approximately 50 minutes. If you have to cancel a session please give at least 24 hours notice; otherwise 50% of the agreed fee is chargeable.
In order to maintain our services we regularly fund-raise and receive donations from organisations and individuals. We appreciate all contributions to aid with the continuation of our services.
Therapy is not an instant cure. Your counsellor will aim to develop with you a supportive relationship within which thoughts and feelings around current or past experiences can be safely shared and explored. This can help you to gain new insights about yourself and your situation.
Through this changed perspective, you may be enabled to respond differently to your situation and to experience personal growth. This may involve a regular meeting with your counsellor over a period of weeks or months.
The number of sessions and timing will vary according to your needs.
For more information about how we handle sensitive data and comply with GDPR please CLICK HERE
We have a team of professionally qualified counsellors who are either members of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the Association of Christian Counsellors.
They regularly update their knowledge and skills and some members of the team have a particular expertise with couples, youngsters or people with specific issues.
As part of their Continuing Professional Development they attend supervision and provide evidence of ongoing learning and development.
See the BACP online Glossary entry for Counselling and Psychotherapy or visit their website www.bacp.co.uk for further information.
Southover Counselling is a professional counselling service based in Lewes, East Sussex. It is a service that was established 10 years ago and works with clients from youngsters to older people.
It employs a team of professionally trained counsellors who are all members of a recognized professional body. Its services are offered to all irrespective of belief, gender, race, disability or sexual orientation.
All our carers are fully DBS checked, and monitored to ensure they give the care you expect and deserve.
Help with getting up or going to bed
Preparing meals
Washing & ironing
Cleaning your home
Personal hygiene
Taking you out for leisure activities
ShoppingHelp for the blind e.g. with correspondence
By assisting you with daily tasks our friendly staff will help you to live your life to the full, by giving you the freedom and dignity to make your own choices.
For more information contact Janette Watkins the Registered Manager on 07866 301384.
The Team are all Christians with a personal faith and a passion for sharing Jesus with people who are often over-looked in society.
Praying & learning about God
Making friends & chat
Music & singing
Drama & dance
Games & quizzes
Craft activities
Food, tea & coffee!
Prospects Ministry focuses on making worship, Christian teaching and fellowship accessible to people with a learning disability or difficulty, using multi-sensory teaching, drama, craft and music in small groups.
The Lewes branch is supported by TRINITY Church and affiliated to the National Prospects organization who provide training and teaching materials.
Lewes Goes Strictly runs for 6 weeks with a Beginners class at 7.30pm, tea, coffee and practice time at 8.30pm.
The venue is TRINITY Church Southover and access is via the back door on Cockshut Road.
Cost is £30 for the 6 week course and sign up is done online. When a new term is due to start further information about sign up will be found here.
Dances each term vary but Social Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz, Cha Cha Cha and Rock Jive.
Have fun and meet new people while dancing in the beautiful, historic setting of TRINITY Church, Southover.
Sessions are relaxed and informal - novices and experts equally welcome!
Join as an individual or a couple - either way is fine.
Karen Gibson, a full time choir conductor and workshop leader, is a powerhouse of inspiration and energy. Recently nominated in the categories of Best Contribution to Gospel Music for the GMA’s and the music category of the Wise Woman Awards, she conducts several choirs in the South-East of England.
She led one of her choirs, the Maria Fidelis Gospel Choir, to victory in the Songs of Praise Senior School Choir last year, and directed this same choir during an audience with the Pope as well as before the Queen, Prince Charles with Camilla and the Mayor of London.
She also led another of her choirs, Southampton’s SINGIT!, to the finals of the BBC Choir of the Year Competition in 2010.
In addition to the choirs that Karen facilitates, she is the founder of the award-winning Kingdom Choir.
Karen’s experience is extensive. She has been involved with vocal groups and choirs for over 25 years, conducting gospel workshops all over the UK and Europe as well as Nigeria, Japan, Zimbabwe and the USA. She has been instrumental in drawing together and conducting some of the most prestigious large-scale choirs for a variety of gospel and community initiatives. These include The Queen's Jubilee, The Global Day of Prayer and Concert for Diana. Numbers in the choirs have ranged between 200 and 4000.
Karen has recently been featured in the first ever book written about British Gospel Music. The book, entitled 'British Black Gospel' is written by Steve Alexander Smith and cites Karen as a pioneer of the sound of gospel in this country.
Karen has been conductor at Lewes Sings Gospel since its inception in Autumn 2009.
In 2014 Lewes Sings Gospel were the winners of the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year award. While our musical standard and public profile has increased, our vision remains the same: LSG is for all, and anyone can join regardless of ability or experience. You do not have to have any particular beliefs or the ability to read music.
Rehearsals run for 13 weeks in the Autumn & Summer terms. All rehearsals take place 7:30-9:30pm at TRINITY Church St John sub Castro in Lewes with doors opening for refreshments from 7pm. Our end of term concerts take place in early January & late July.
The cost to participate in the Lewes Sings Gospel Term is £100 plus £10 non-refundable registration fee.
Registration is through our Ticket Tailor page only and requires a non-refundable deposit of £10. Registration and payment of the deposit secures a provisional place on the term and also pays for access to the first rehearsal.
Your provisional place will be held until the start of our second rehearsal. The remaining £100 is payable by this time in order to secure your place in the choir for the term.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
A £10 deposit is made alongside the initial booking on the Ticket Tailor page. The remaining £100 can be paid as follows:
1) By Cash or Cheque, at, during or after the first rehearsal, or before the rehearsal on week 2.
2) By sending a cheque to Lewes Sings Gospel, The TRINITY Centre, St John sub Castro, Abinger Place, Lewes. BN7 2QA
3) By bank transfer (BACS). Details available at first rehearsal.
Please make cheques payable to 'TRINITY Church'
Each term culminates in fantastic evening full of music and gospel energy with a packed house. Concerts are usually in early January and mid July.
Tickets go on sale about 6 weeks prior to the concert on our website and on our ticket site.
Finally, you can leave a legacy to the church in your Will which will help the ongoing mission of the church.
If you want your Sunday collection money to go to the church rather than the monthly mission partner put it in one of the envelopes with red printing. If you are a taxpayer then put your details on the front of the envelope to add the Gift Aid which we claim back.
Each month we give to a different mission partner and if you wish the money to go direct to them you need to use the envelopes with the BLACK writing on. Put your details on the front of the envelope to make it eligible for Gift Aid. Details of which mission partner it is for the month appears on the back of the notice sheet.
If you prefer to give what you can regularly on a Sunday you can have some envelopes from the Deputy Treasurer, with your own giving number written on them, this unique number identifies you, and again tax can be claimed back if you complete a Gift Aid form. All you do then is to place the envelope in the collection bag on a Sunday. The Deputy Treasurer can give you your number (or you can select your own if it is not already taken). The Office will supply envelopes.
The current church building was built in 1628, replacing an earlier medieval church. We have memorial stones in the churchyard dating back to 1609.
If you would like to know more about the interesting history of our church, you can download a copy of a history of the church HERE which was written in 2002. Printed copies are also available which include some photos and illustrations.
CLICK HERE if you would like to download a transcript of the wording from each stone.
The registers containing historic details of baptisms, weddings and burials at the church are held by:
East Sussex Record Office
The Keep
Woollards Way
Brighton
BN1 9BP
Telephone: 01273 482 349
Email: thekeep@eastsussex.gov.uk
A list of the records held there and other information can be found HERE.
There is evidence to suggest that the site upon which the present church of St John sub Castro is built, together with its churchyard, served as a Roman camp. The site was probably chosen because of the steep natural banks to the West, North and East, and its ability to command a nearby crossing point on the River Ouse.
There is also evidence to suggest that a church may have existed on the site in the 8th or early 9th centuries – perhaps to establish a Christian presence amidst the pagan burial mounds which were both on the site and in close proximity to it. The dedication to St John supports this theory – the feast day of St John coincides with the pagan rituals associated with mid-summer.
There is strong evidence to support the existence the church by the 11th century.
In the early centuries following the Norman Conquest, evidence points to St John’s having acquired minster status.
In the 17th century, the St John’s rector is recorded as being the best endowed in the town, but notwithstanding this, the church had fallen into disrepair – probably due to a decrease in the local population.
In the early part of the 19th century however, residential development in the immediate area gave rise to the need for a much larger church. The mediaeval church was therefore demolished in 1839, and the present church built adjacent to it on the site of one of the remaining pagan burial mounds.
The new church comprised a large aisled nave, with a small Sanctuary at the liturgical East end, and an iconic castellated tower at the West end. There were galleries to the North, West and South sides. It was consecrated on 3rd June 1840.
The chancel slab of the original church can still be seen in the churchyard, and other features of it are built into the external fabric of the present church – most notably a Triple Arch doorway (generally recognised as being of Anglo-Saxon origin); the inscription commemorating a Danish anchorite of royal descent whose cell was in the medieval church (c.1200); and the James Lambert memorial. All of these are believed to be in need of conservation.
Relics of the original church are also to be found inside the present church – for example the mediaeval font, the three bells (two of which are listed and dated 1724), and a number of memorials.
The church was altered in 1883 by the removal of the liturgical West gallery, and an extension at the East end to form a Chancel, Sanctuary, and vestries.
The Powell stained glass in the apse was designed by Henry Holiday, and there are Kempe and Savell windows in the North and South aisles.
The two-manual organ was built by Bishop in 1882, rebuilt by Morgan & Smith of Brighton in 1927, and restored in 2011.
For further details see
http://www.sussexparishchurches.org/content/view/268/34/
We aim to provide opportunity to grow as singers, instrumentalists & worshipers. Some of the young people rehearsing each week take part in leading our termly "youth-led" evening services.
We are a growing SATB choir and are open to all ages and abilities. As well as regular services we also sing at special TRINITY events and at other churches.
Throughout the year we also put together an orchestra for special occasions. If you play an orchestral instrument to a reasonably proficient standard (Grade 5-6 or above) please do contact us if you would like to be involved.
For more information about the choir or orchestra please contact Stella Hull
As much part of the worship team as the musicians and singers, the Sound and AV operators enable our worship each Sunday across all our congregations but most notably at our 9:30am, 10am, 11:15am & 6:30pm services.
If you have some experience or skill in technical areas we'd love to have you in the team. Get in touch and we'll arrange to meet up and discuss the next steps.
This group serves our 9:30am(monthly), 10am, 11:15am and 6:30pm congregations each week.
We love to encourage anyone who wants to develop their gifts in music; please to get in touch and let us know which instruments you play.
We will arrange to meet with you to discuss the next steps. The contemporary musicians meet monthly for a team night, rehearse before each relevant service and serve on a rota basis.
TFM holds walking weekends twice a year and organises an annual cycling trip to France each summer. We've also been known to form a crew and sail over the channel!
Each walk is carefully chosen to include beautiful scenery, an interesting route and plenty of good food. Recommended for anyone who needs a good dose of fresh air and light exercise.
Le Tour is standout fixture in the annual TFM calendar - with great company, some friendly competition and European cuisine, the men’s cycling weekend is always a winner.
A great chance to get to know other men in the Church or invite new friends, events are organised throughout the year. Sometimes around food, playing sport or watching national sporting events even organising BBQs for the whole church!
Every year we use a weekend away to encourage each other in life, faith and friendship. This year we're returning to Bowles Development Centre to engage our bodies as well as our minds!
A Full English breakfast and food for thought: groups meet regularly for a hearty breakfast and either discussion on a chosen topic or an in-depth bible study.
Links meets fortnightly for friendship and support, speakers and outings. Open to both Church and community members
Creative Conversations is open to all women and includes cake and an opportunity to discuss a range of topics. Welcome to bring a friend.
Throughout the year various events for women are organised. More details in the upcoming events calendar, in the Notice Sheet and on the TRINITY Facebook page.
Every February half term we all go away to Dalesdown Activity Centre for a creative weekend full of fun, fellowship, workshops, speakers, bonfire and marshmallows, sports, talent shows, drama and more.
We run 3 small groups. Lads 14+, Senior girls 16+, Girls 14-16. If you would like to join us please speak to Dianne about meeting times.
Pathfinders is a fun and relaxed program for Junior youth (years 7-10). We explore the bible and its relevance to our lives in an interactive way.
Meet us at TRINITY Southover at 10am or TRINITY St John sub Castro at 11:15am each Sunday (during term-time) where we are in the service for 10 minutes before heading off for activities.
On the first Sunday of the month we stay in church for the whole service to meet together as part of the church family.
A community of young adults focused on supporting one another in our faith. We meet at 8pm on Sunday evenings in the Chapter House to have dinner together before the programme begins.
Food, fun & faith for 14-17 yr olds. We normally join together for the 6:30pm service and then have dinner in Church End at 8pm followed by a fun programme.
Our 6:30 evening service is a lively, contemporary-style service which we aim to be accessible to both teenagers and adults alike.
It's home to around seventy people each week and is the service that you will find our AfterHours (Age 14-18) & 18:25 groups before they head off to their programmes.
The HUB is our largest weekly event and is the flagship meeting of our youth ministry.
Open to anyone from Year 7 to Year 12, whether you come to church or not. The HUB has boasted some of the most stylish, off-beat, fun, and often outrageous social events available in the town.
We usually meet on Fridays during term time between 7:30 and 9:30pm at Southover Hall at the bottom of St. James, Street, Lewes. These times and locations can vary for special events so be sure to check out what's going on in the upcoming events calendar!
If you are retired, love music, singing and like the idea of meeting new people whilst having fun, come and join us! No singing experience necessary.
Refreshments from 10:45am. Singing from 11:15am - 12:15pm
£3 per session including refreshments
Contact Emilie Watson on 01273 470144 for more information.
Monday Club is primarily for those who live on their own, who value the chance to meet up with others and share community together.
We have a regular programme of fun activities, and guests speakers, and a quality home-cooked lunch is served every week. Our friendly team ensure a welcoming and safe environment for everyone.
Throughout the year we also put on regular trips to places of interest.
If you or a relative is interested in joining us at Monday Club, contact Janette Watkins.
People of all ages are welcome at all our services. For those seeking to be Grandparents of the church we have our 9:30am, 10am and 11:15 congregations with members ranging from infant through to 80+.
If a quieter, more traditional style is preferred our 8am communion or 4:30pm service may be more suited.
Cameo is a relaxed afternoon drop-in group for parents and young children.
Come for friendship, relaxation and termly bring and share lunches which begin a bit earlier at 12:30pm.
Contact Jan Pepler for details
Inspire is a Bible study group for mums, during which your babies and toddlers are looked after to leave you free to discuss the Bible and real life with peace of mind.
The ‘inspire’ group meets fortnightly. For more information about the group get in touch with Jules.
Home Groups form a central part of our church life. They provide a basis for Bible study and discussion, and enable us to care for one another within a group of friends.
Home groups take place fortnightly, and most are on Wednesday evenings. If you would like to become more involved in the life of TRINITY Church, joining a home group is a good place to start. For more information contact Ian Taplin.
At various points throughout the year we interrupt our normal midweek groups and hold one-off teaching events. The purpose of these events is to allow time to explore subjects which are hard to cover adequately in a standard Sunday sermon.
These teaching nights may be held at any of our locations, are advertised in plenty of time and are open to all
At Prayer and Praise meetings we come together to praise and worship, to seek God and to pray for the ministry of the church and beyond.
Join us monthly on a Wednesday night at The TRINITY Centre, St John sub Castro with refreshments from 7:45pm and focussed worship and prayer 8-9pm
Our Church Hall is located on St James Street, off Southover Highstreet and is used daily by TRINITY Church ministries, Southover Nursery, community groups and private hirers.
Many of our Youth and Children's groups and events are run here on Sundays and during the week as well as other special TRINITY events throughout the year.
Church End is used on Sundays alongside our services as a base for some of our youth and children's programmes, during the week for meetings, Monday Club, Alpha and other groups.
It is also home to Southover Counselling and the registered offices of Southover Community Care.
Church End is accessed via Cockshut Road and has Disabled parking available for those attending events.
A historic building, churchyard and highly visible landmark located in the town centre on the corner of Abinger Place.
Also known at The TRINITY Centre, this location is home to our 11:15am & 4:30pm congregations, a community Cafe and our "Love in Action" ministries. It also hosts a number of other midweek events such as Lewes Sings Gospel, TRINITY Voices, Boogie Bunch and is used by a variety of community groups.
Information on the history of all our buildings can be found on our Historic Guides page.
A historic building and churchyard with links to the nearby Priory located on Southover Highstreet
This location is home to our 8am, 10am & 6:30pm congregations and also hosts a number of other events throughout the year such as Holiday Club, various concerts, Lewes Goes Strictly and TRINITY Connect events.
Information on the history of all our buildings can be found on our Historic Guides page.
The parochial church council (PCC) is the executive committee of TRINITY Parish and consists of clergy and churchwardens of the parish, together with representatives of the laity. Legally the council is responsible for the financial affairs of the church parish and the maintenance of its assets, such as churches and church halls, and for promoting the mission of the church.
Clergy
Steve Daughtery (Chair), Jeremy Bamber, Jules Middleton
Readers
Ken Bridger, Ian Graham, John Jardine
Wardens
Trevor Meadows, Andrew White, Ron Hammond
Elected Members
Tim Charman, Carole Darling, Richard Jayawant, Trevor Pearce, Jean Pengelly, Lucy-May Tarafder, Ann Voigt, Joy Shave, Michelle Hammond
Deanery Synod Representatives
Anne Almond, Sharon Philips, Ian Rothery, Ian Taplin, Milly Murphy
Co-opted
Derek Hull
Licensed Lay Worker
Observers
Neil Chisnall, Martin Dyer, Dianne Hamilton
A beautiful building and churchyard tucked away at the end of Church Lane!
This location is home to our 9:30am congregation and also hosts a number of other events throughout the year such as Children & Family Craft mornings & community BBQs.
Information on the history of all our buildings can be found on our Historic Guides page.
All evening sessions take place at Church End, Southover, starting with supper at 7:30pm followed by a short talk, coffee, and a chance to ask questions and discuss.
Week 1: Who is Jesus?
Week 2: Why did Jesus die?
Week 3: How can I be sure of my faith?
Week 4: Why & how should I read the Bible?
Week 5: Why & how should I pray?
Week 6: How does God guide us?
Week 7: How can I resist evil?
Week 8: Why & how should I tell others?
Week 9: Does God heal today?
Week 10: What about the Church?
Away Day: Who is the Holy Spirit & what does He do?
We run two Alpha courses each year usually starting February & September.
To find out when the next Alpha course starts and to book yourself a place please get in touch with Steve Daughtery via the office.
It is natural for people to want to gather together with others who share the same tastes and outlook on life. It would be easy and very comfortable for TRINITY to focus its ministry on a particular cultural age group or personality type. But God does not often call us to opt for the comfortable life! Instead, as we humbly engage with our differences this is how we are stretched and grow. We believe that this is part and parcel of the gospel message to “love one another” and we want it to be one of the key marks of our church. We want to strive to make TRINITY a place “where everybody is somebody and Jesus is Lord”.
As we serve others we long to see people progress in their journey and become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ who see themselves at the heart of God’s people at TRINITY. It is possible for people to see themselves at one of four stages in their journey of faith:
Outside Church Community – someone who has no particular interest in Church.
Church Fringe – someone who is exploring their faith and who sees themselves as a guest rather than a host when attending something that we do.
Congregation – Someone who sees themselves as a host rather than a guest but has not yet found the place to exercise their ministry.
Committed to following Jesus Christ – Someone who is personally committed to becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ and seeing this happen in others.
We want to do anything and everything possible to help people grow in their faith. To do this we must develop an exciting and engaging series of ministries that develop the core values across all groups of people.
We believe that each of the Building Blocks and each of the groups of people are important and we wish to progress on all of them together. This is possible because we see the function of leadership not primarily as “doing” but as helping to equip, harness and release the ministry of the whole congregation. Leadership involves helping as many members of the church as possible to see where they fit and how they may use their gifts. Having said this, progress will be determined by the people and resources that God gives us.
What are the implications for us?
As a response to this strategy we will develop an action plan for each of the Building Blocks and for each of the groups of people. Every year we will use this action plan not only to show us our “next step” but also to help us understand where we have come from and where we are going. Our strategy and our action plan will be communicated as widely as possible so that they may be shaped and changed by the congregation as we grow.
May God bless us as we journey together.
There are five purposes of our Church’s mission, based on the dynamic life of the early church in Acts Chapter 2. These purposes are:
1. Preaching & Teaching
We want to be hungry to know God deeply and personally through the Bible, and for our lives to be shaped and directed by His word.
2. Fellowship & Pastoral Care
We want to be an all-embracing and outward-looking community, in which we support, care for and love each other as God loves us.
3. Worship & Prayer
We want to glorify God and experience His love in our worship, be refreshed and sustained by a real encounter with Him and see Him move in response to our prayers.
4. Service & Social Action
We want to be so motivated by Jesus’ sacrificial love that we will serve others to make a radical difference to our Church, Lewes and beyond.
5. Mission & Evangelism
We want to share the joy of God’s good news in a natural and relevant way, so that many come to know Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
Jesus said, ”Love the Lord our God with all your heart , and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength; … and love your neighbour as yourself”. Mark 12v30
As a church family we are from many different backgrounds: from lighthouse keeper to architect; we’re single, married, widowed and divorced; young, old and somewhere in between. We long to grow in every aspect of our being (e.g. deeper in our understanding of God, more caring in our relationships, larger through helping people find God). This desire to move on and to grow in our love of God and for each other is at the heart of who we are. For TRINITY, maintaining the “status quo” is not an option, we hunger to respond to God’s love, to be transformed, to grow.
TRINITY Church exists to build wholehearted disciples of Jesus Christ. This is our mission and it shapes who we are and everything we do.
Jesus said: ‘I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.’ John 10:10
Jesus Christ came to teach, to serve and to heal. Most importantly, he came to die for us, so that we might be offered a life lived in relationship with God. Jesus invites us to find in him the security, joy, friendship and adventure which we have all been made to enjoy. We believe in the power of this Good News to change lives and communities, and Jesus sends us to be agents of that change across our town and beyond.
This vision is the heartbeat of TRINITY.
The 6.30 service is our most lively service, with music led by our worship band. The congregation is made up of youth, young adults, and older folk, usually totalling around 90-100 people.
The service format is simple: after a short introduction, we sing worship songs for around 15-20 minutes with space for open prayer, after which there is a reading and sermon.
After the sermon we respond with some more sung worship, during which there is prayer ministry available. We take Communion together on the first Sunday of every month.
The 4:30 service meets fortnightly on the 1st, 3rd & 5th Sunday each month and has a more traditional style with music led from the organ or piano.
The 11:15 service meets every Sunday morning at St John sub Castro. Families with young children make up much of this congregation, usually of around 50 adults . After some tea and pastries, we start at 11:30 with worship altogether with the children.
After the children go to their groups, we sing for around 15-20 minutes, led by a contemporary band. There is a 20 minute sermon, followed by closing songs during which prayer ministry is available.
On the first Sunday of the month, we have an all-age service which is more informal in feel with shorter talks and livelier music and normally lasts 45-50 minutes.
The 10am service is a very busy service, attended by about 160-180 adults, sometimes more. Do arrive 15-20 minutes early for the best choice of seating! There is always a lively buzz at this service, with plenty of families also attending. After an opening all-age song followed by a hymn on the organ the children leave for their groups, and the service continues with a mix of readings, hymns, songs, prayer time and a sermon.
The 10am service mixes both traditional and contemporary styles of music evenly, led by an organ or a music group, plus our choir of 10-15 people. The service includes a 20-25 minutes sermon and normally lasts between 65-75 minutes. On the second Sunday we celebrate Communion.
After the service there are refreshments served, during which lots of people hang around to meet one another and chat! On the first Sunday of the month, we have an all-age service which is more informal in feel with shorter talks and livelier music and normally lasts 45-50 minutes.
The 9:30am congregation meets every Sunday. Throughout the month you could expect all age services, more structured liturgical worship with music led from the organ, Communion services and band led “Morning Praise” services.
The services include activities for children and there are refreshments afterwards.
The 8am service is a quiet and reflective service, hosting a handful of people (between 10-15) each week. There is no music, but the service follows the traditional ‘Book of Common Prayer’ service. You will be given a prayer book and a notice sheet as you come in, and invited to sit wherever you please.
The service includes a 20-minute sermon, after which communion will follow: anyone who considers themselves a Christian is welcome to take communion. The whole service usually lasts about 45-50 minutes, after which tea and coffee is served.
Every summer we host a four-day Holiday Club for children in school years 1-6, featuring a wide range of exciting and imaginative activities whilst exploring Christian teaching and themes.
This is a great chance for parents and carers with babies and toddlers to enjoy a adult sandwich lunch and a chat. There are always plenty of toys and helping hands as well and friendly volunteers!
After singing one or two songs together with the adults, children continue to learn about and worship God in their groups with their leaders.
Our sessions aim to help children build a relationship with the living and true God, through fun and interactive teaching, including games, bible stories, craft and more.
Generally each week we will start off playing games and buying tuck (bring some pennies), followed by finding out something amazing about God. Then it’s time for our activity that week! We wind down by finding out who our blobs are that week (blobs are a bit like stars of the week)!
Cost is £1 entry and there is a tuck shop, so bring some extra pennies!
