Burnham-On-Sea’s St Andrew’s Church is to hold a special service this week to mark and celebrate the first two years of its monthly dementia-friendly 3rd Thursday service.
With a rainbow theme throughout, prayers will be led by the Bishop of Taunton, with a reading by the Mayor of Burnham and Highbridge, Cllr Andy Brewer.
Associate Vicar of St Andrew’s, Reverend Sharon Eldergill said: “3rd Thursday is a monthly dementia friendly space, open to all, and dementia friendly, held at St Andrew’s Church at 2.30pm on the third Thursday of each month.”
“Suitable for all the community, 3rd Thursday was born out of a desire by the church to reach out, serve and include those living with dementia and their carers, who sometimes find a Sunday service difficult to get to.”
“With familiar and well-loved hymns, prayers, and bible reading, along with a thought for the day, 3rd Thursday seeks to provide nourishment for the soul.”
“We then move to the back of the church where tea and coffee, sandwiches, cake and chat nourish and feed our bodies.”
“Over the two years that 3rd Thursday has been running, there has developed a real sense of community and friendship amongst the people who come along, some of whom live with dementia, other who don’t. we all enjoy each others company, and anyone is welcome to come along on the 3rd Thursday of the month, at 2.30pm.“
“We are especially looking forward to celebrating our second birthday this Thursday at 2.30pm at St Andrew’s Church, with visiting guests, a rainbow cake, prayers led by Bishop Ruth, reading by our local mayor, and a thought for the day given by Reverend Peter Tullett, who himself lives with dementia.”
“Open to all, and all are welcome.”
