Suzanne Saunders
This week we interviewed Suzanne another of our amazing team who is serving us in more ways than one. Suzanne is retired now but had a 40 year career in education – has been a principal in several South West schools and a Principal Consultant to all the state schools.
- Roles at St Nicholas:
- Church or People’s Warden
- Coordinate preparation and operation of church services on computer – have done this for 9 years. – Ministry role
- Care & Share Coordinator – Ministry Role
- Ladies Bible Study / Fellowship Leader – Ministry Role
- Licensed Lay Minister – Liturgical and Pastoral – lead some services, teach/preach at some services, member of Pastoral Care Team
- On roster for Intercession, Chalice, Readings (sometimes)
- Other Roles / Ministry
- Safe Church Committee Coordinator – 2015
- When did you become a Christian?
I have always had a belief – was baptized at birth, confirmed by own choice at 15, regularly attended church until I was about 17 but I don’t think I really “got it”. I stopped attending church when I went to university and stayed away for about 40 years but still maintained my belief. It wasn’t until 2006 that I really became a Christian – when I walked through the doors of St Nic’s the week before Christmas in 2006 and I haven’t looked back since.
- What helps you daily with your walk with Jesus?
- Walking along the estuary and praying in the mornings.
- Reading my Bible every day – I use a devotional Every Day with Jesus by Selwyn Hughes – while I have breakfast with God.
- Belonging to a small group – the sharing and encouragement from others
- Being at church every week with the larger group
- Favourite Hymn or Worship Song
There are so many! I particularly like
- Humble King
- Shout to the Lord
- Hosanna – I See the King of Glory
- I the Lord of Sea and Sky
- Last Thoughts
Favourite Scriptures:
Philippians 4: 13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength
Jeremiah 29: 11” For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Reading
Just recently I have been reading a series of Christian fiction – novels written by Karen Kingsbury, an American author – written about a particular family and their close friends who face all kinds of challenges. Lots of scriptures are used – sometimes quite inspiring because of the Biblical base even though it is all fiction.
I feel as though my background has in fact been some sort of training for my church involvement – it has become more obvious as the years roll on. I am at a crossroads, trying to figure what God wants me to focus on so lots of prayer, thinking and waiting going on. Not sure what the future holds!