FROME Baptist Church has welcomed Rev Clarissa Shaw Notice as their new minister/pastor who will be joining the church from Easter Sunday.
Clarissa is already well known and appreciated in Frome, having been a curate at Holy Trinity Church from 2016-2021. Since then, she has been the vicar of a group of churches near Taunton and, until two weeks ago, a chaplain at RUH Bath.
She comes as the minister of Frome Baptist Church on a ‘free transfer’ from the Church of England ministry. This demonstrates the close working relationship that Baptists in Frome have with C of E churches, particularly Holy Trinity, which is very different from the opposition they encountered from the established church when they first started in 1705.
Frome Baptist Church now worships on Sunday mornings in a very comfortable and welcoming community centre, the Key Centre, next to Christ Church Church School on the Mount, in Keyford.
Clarissa said, “As I embark on this new chapter at Frome Baptist Church, I am excited to collaborate with our talented musicians to create worship experiences that resonate deeply with our congregation. My vision is to cultivate a space where all individuals feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to explore their spirituality and their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”
Though she doesn’t see her role just within the congregation as she explained, “One of the most inspiring compliments I have ever received was, ‘I’m glad you’re not just a vicar for the church, but for the community as well.”
Clarissa has very wide experience in many fields, as a psychiatric nurse, a community social worker, in counselling and in education. This has been in many different parts of the world and in many different settings: with refugees, with young people, in prisons and in pastoral settings.
She added, “My commitment to serving others has led me to engage in a wide range of projects and initiatives, including the development of women’s healing retreats, youth clubs, bereavement and dementia cafes, counselling centres and small group ministries.
“I am deeply honoured to step into the role of Minister of Frome Baptist Church and its surrounding community. I extend a heartfelt invitation to everyone to join us for celebration and prayer for myself and my husband, Lloyd, at the induction service on Sunday 7th April at 3pm at the Key Centre. Following the service we will gather for delicious cake and drinks, rejoicing in new beginnings and shared faith in Frome.
