Special church service held to mark 20 years of service for popular Peasedown Vicar
A Celebration of Ministry
A special church service was held in Peasedown St John last Sunday to mark and celebrate the 20 years of dedication to the community of the village’s local vicar.
Revd Matthew Street, along with his wife Jane, moved to Peasedown some two decades ago to take up the post of ‘rector’ or ‘priest-in-charge’ at St John’s Anglican Church. And, 20 years later he is still there!
As well as St John’s in Peasedown he is also the vicar of St Julian’s in Wellow, St James’ in Foxcote and St Julian’s in Shoscombe.
Last Sunday 12th January 2025, parishioners, local residents and civic leaders gathered together to give thanks for Matthew and Jane’s 20 years of devotion to the community.
Nigel Vening is one of the church wardens at St John’s Church in Peasedown. He said:
“We’re incredibly grateful for Matthew and Jane’s 20 years of support, encouragement, leadership and friendship. We couldn’t let this milestone pass without saying a special thank you and coming together, in prayer, to mark their years of service.”
Since Revd Street took up the post in January 2005, St John’s Church has expanded and been instrumental in either creating or supporting a wide range of initiatives. These have included:
The creation of ‘Soul Food’ – a dynamic Sunday afternoon worship service
The enablement of ‘Movement Worship Nights’ and ‘The Filling Station’ – two pioneering projects that have taken off nationally and internationally, both of which encourage innovative and contemporary styles of Christian worship
The creation of The Hive Community Centre
The creation and management of the Somer Valley Foodbank
Giving out grants to local, regional and international causes
A counselling service to support those in need in the community
Setting up a pre-school, toy library and after-school club for children and local families
Providing a new home for Peasedown’s Learning Tree Day Nursery Pre-School
Support for wider civic projects such as the Party in the Park festival and the Dementia Friendly Peasedown initiative
Matthew Street’s 20 years as priest-in-charge means he is currently the 4th longest service Anglican vicar in the whole of the Diocese of Bath & Wells (which comprises some 400 churches) and is also the 4th longest serving vicar in Peasedown’s history. The record is currently held by Revd Gamlen, who served for 26 years from 1883 to 1908.
He is also currently serving in his second term as Area Dean for the Midsomer Norton Deanery, which involves supporting other vicars across the area and liaising with the Diocese of their behalf.
Revd Matthew Street, added:
“When Jane and I moved into the community all those years ago we never dreamt that we’d still be here 20 years later. What an incredible 20 years it’s been – full of sharing the Christian message with others and providing support and care for those in need.
We’re very grateful to everyone for coming to along to celebrate 20 years with us last Sunday. It was such a blessing to see so many people, particularly those who returned to join us from years gone by.”
To listen to the service - click - https://youtu.be/hSlU1AIO0l8
