I was born and brought up in South Wales and became a
Christian in my early teens. Peter and I first joined SBC in 1987
and, after 12 years in Cardiff, returned to Selsdon to retire 3yrs
ago. I value the opportunity given me to be Pastoral Care
Co-ordinator for the church. My personal commitment is to welcoming
newcomers. It is good to be part of a church where all round values
are set out clearly in our Rainbow Vision. Being alongside Peter in
his various ministries, I have been privileged to see God at work in
the lives of individuals, churches, ministers and their families,
and in the wider work of the denomination. For most of my career I
was a part-time teacher in mainstream primary schools working with
children with special needs. I enjoy being a grandma to 3 toddlers.
MERYL SWEETING -
Reach Out & Share
Our Faith
I was born into a Christian family in Woodford Green,
Essex, and spent my childhood there and in Hertfordshire. I became
a Christian as a small girl and was baptised aged 13. I have always
loved young people and when I was 18, took over a Covenanter group
at my local church. I moved with my husband and our two small
children to Knutsford, Cheshire, in 1973, where another baby soon
arrived to complete our family! My husband died very suddenly in
1983. I thank God for His total faithfulness over many years.
I helped with the mother and toddlers’ group at
church and ran a Covenanter group from my home. I chaired Knutsford
Christian Viewpoint (now Activate) for several years, and helped
organise bi-monthly lunches for up to 150 ladies. I was also an
auxiliary member of Mid-Cheshire Gideons and became a deacon at
church. I moved to Warlingham three years ago and now attend
an SBC homegroup, help with Alpha and anywhere else I can!
Paul Burns -
Encourage Through Fellowship
Born in Lewisham in 1968, I started attending SBC when I was 2 when
my family moved to Sanderstead. I became a Christian in 1987 and was
baptised later that same year. I am married to Sarah and have two
children; Rebecca 7 and Thomas 3. During my years at SBC I have been
involved with running the PA Desk, drama, singing group, the Scout
Troop and more recently the Football Club. I also help run Lasers on
a Sunday morning, when I’m not practising ripping leaflets in half
!! I currently attend a Homegroup and have been challenged by the
recent 40 Days series.
Julian Black -
Serve Those In need
Brought up in Buckinghamshire, I became a Christian in my mid teens,
at which point I started to attend the local C of E church. I moved
to Croydon in 1992 after completing university, and started
attending SBC, being baptised soon after. I worked with young people
for a number of years, before serving two terms as a deacon. I am a
strong supporter of helping those in need, as such I am involved in
Social Action through Contact and the Floating Shelter. Active
involvement in a Homegroup is a priority for me; I greatly value the
learning, fellowship and prayer which are given and received in such
groups. I am single and work as a Finance manager for Canon, based
in Reigate.
Andy Crossley -
Support Global Mission
I’ve
been a Christian, I’ve lived in Croydon and I’ve been involved
with guides (through my mum) or scouts for as long as I can
remember. I was brought up in a C of E environment, being a part of
the choir and serving. In my teenage years I drifted a little and
through the scouts ended up at SBC where I’ve now been attending for
over 20 years. I spent 15 years running Venture scouts and helping
with youth groups and youth prayer groups. I’m still interested in
ways to develop kids through challenging activities. I’ve been
married to Karen for 10 years and we now have three bundles of noise
and joy - Anna, Matthew and Joshua - who are very much a challenging
activity. I run a small business from home programming databases and
web sites and trying to keep up with technology.
David Cole
Born in Bristol, I became a
Christian at University. Moved to Croydon and married Valerie. We
attended Croham Road Baptist Church, where I served on the Admin
Team and ran the church PA. We moved to Selsdon with our children
Peter and Gemma, and transferred our membership to SBC five years
ago. I helped at Rock Solid for a few years, and now help run Lasers
on a Sunday morning. I also help at the Cubs at St Johns. Up until a
month ago, I was a keen member of the church football team.
Unfortunately, after a bad tackle I broke a bone in my foot and have
had to give up until at least Christmas. I have however still found
the football and my injury a useful way of mentioning church at
work. I enjoy juggling and have performed on a few church occasions,
even with crutches! I regularly attend homegroup and find discussing
the Bible in a small group helpful.
Pat Hasell
I've
been part of the SBC family for about 23 years during which time I
have served in a number of ways. These have included Sunday School,
the young people's 'After Church Group' and Alpha. I served as a
deacon for three years in the late 1990's. Currently I co-lead the
Thursday morning group where we have a varied programme that
comprises learning together and - very importantly - having a lot of
fun. I teach part-time at Courtwood Primary School and run a guitar
club there. I also have a passion for Japan and thoroughly enjoy my
weekly Japanese evening class. I believe that to function
effectively our church needs an ethos of "all hands on deck" and
that serving our local community should be high on our list of
priorities.
Mike Kerrigan - Church Accountant
Mike keeps the church on a sound financial footing, and helps us
fulfil the challenges the Lord gives to us
Theresa
is our hard working Church Secretary. She ensures everything that needs
doing gets done! 
