Seeing 'This is my Story' book three on the entrance hall table my first thoughts were ah! another good read.As there was only one copy I asked permission to borrow it. Looking forward to reading the book I opened it and oh dear!! Absolutely nothing just blank pages. Oh! and an invitation to write it yourself.

Ok I'm no writer but here goes…..as a child I went to Sunday school with my two older sisters and learned a little about Jesus.As time went on I gave up and didn't think much about it at that time In my teens I went to church for a short time but again gave up. It was to be some years later when I resumed.

I was married at St Michael's East Ardsley and carried on with a new part of my life, coming to live in Huddersfield.When my children were young we went to church on an intermittent basis. Later my daughters married and left home to start their own families.
A few years later my husband had a stroke and time was taken up caring for him - no time for church or so I thought. After he died
I was at a loss, even though I had supportfrom my family I needed
something to point the way. I went to my daughter's church at Sandal, my sister's church at Wrenthorpe and the church where I was married -seeking but not finding- a settled place to worship.I almost went Methodist but at that time their services were fortnightly and I would never remember which Sunday to go!!

St Thomas's was not an option at that time-I didn't like the building- shame on me, the building doesn't matter , it's what goes on inside that matters.However my sister Hazel encouraged me try St Thomas's as winter was approaching and getting further afieldcould become difficult in bad weather. Hazel came with me that first time. Audrey and Margaret were the two people I remember making us feel welcome.

Meeting my friend Christina was a bonus, her encouragement and support priceless. We went to "Christian's for life" where I gave my life to the Lord and with the help and encouragement of a few people took a step forward in my walk of faith and was confirmed. Shortly after Marion invited me to join the house group so feeling apprehensive, not knowing what to expect I attended my first meeting.Joan the leader made me welcome and I soon felt part of the group where we can share problems and worries in absolute confidence, knowing it stays with the group.

Although I still occasionally attend St John's Wakefield, and St Annes Wrenthorpeit is good to come home to my church family at St Thomas and give thanks to God for them.

Rita Simpson
Rita is part of the afternoon study group that meets on a Thursday afternoon in church. She and her friend Christina arrange our beautiful church flowers each week.