'I identity myself as a child of God, and I can't get up here without thanking God. A few years ago I saw myself in a deep state of depression... the only thing that pretty much pulled me out of that was God, my belief, my faith, my family...
I just want to encourage you, anyone that is going through a hard time, or something in their soul, they've lost their light; I want to encourage you, God made you and you're important. God loves you.' Letitia Wright, BAFTA Awards Speech 10/02/19

Today (11/18/18) Anna (Mrs Vicarage) spoke about our Christian response to mental health issues and shared this video from The Mind and Soul Foundation.  Many of  you found the video helpful - and sadly a few of you shared how you, or someone you knew, had experienced this kind of approach to prayer. At St James' we can't guarantee to get it right, but by talking about it and sharing our common experiences we are taking a step in the right direction.

This poem was found and recommended by AH, one of St James' hip and wise teenagers, doing her A Levels at Devizes School and a 20/20 regular.

We had Jim Davis from The Children's Society at St James' this morning, speaking about social media. The talks are well worth a listen, click here if you want to hear his thoughts. 
This video was shown at the 11am service. Made by the Diocese of Gloucester, it asked teenagers from across the region how image-first social media made them feel.  

For those of you who wondered where the words came from for the wonderful prayer some of our young people read at today's 11am service....

Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can't cure
So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You're not too far
So lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are

So a big bunch of our youth went to SS and had a cracking time. But don't take my word for it, watch the video and hear it in their own words.

Simply musically and lyrically uplifting and inspiring...
​Lord, I've been broken
Although I'm not worthy
You fixed me, I'm blinded
By your grace
You came and saved me
Lord, I've been broken
Although I'm not worthy
You fixed me, now I'm blinded
By your grace
You came and saved me

Some wonderful words about worship.