As we approach our Faithful Generations event and workshop, we hear from two of our dedicated volunteers, Annette Teschner and Bill Hughes, about what Faithful Generations means to them, and why it is so close to their hearts.
Annette Teschner: “Thinking Outside the Box”
For Annette Teschner, a member of the Diocese of Gloucester’s Mission and Ministry Department, and a volunteer at the event on 1 February, Faithful Generations represents an opportunity to deepen understanding and connection between people of all ages.
She shared: “I am super excited about this event. I adore children and their wonder for all the things around them. One can always learn so much from them in so many ways.
“Past encounters have often opened my eyes to their world, literally, and to my own surroundings as well. These experiences have also deepened my trust in God and strengthened my faith. I am a single lady who has had lots of children in her life, including a few god-children and grand-god-children.
“Faithful Generations will encourage these relationships, and a sense of understanding with the younger generation. In German, we would say ‘it always helps to look over the rim of a plate’, or ‘Es ist gut über den Tellerrand zu schauen’; essentially, it’s good to think outside the box. This event is such a wonderful opportunity to strengthen connections between people of all ages, to think differently, and to engage with faith in new ways.”
Another part of Annette’s motivation for volunteering is her desire to support her colleague Jo Wetherall, who leads the Faithful Generations initiative. She said: “I think it’s important to help colleagues, even if they work in a different field. I love collaborative working and thinking, and you can always gain insights for your own field of work – or your own life – through these shared experiences.”
Bill Hughes: “Keeping young at heart”
For Bill Hughes, volunteering with children and families in his church has been a rewarding experience. His involvement began years ago with a crèche and has since evolved into helping with the church’s mother and toddler group on Mondays. There, Bill can be found chatting with mums, playing with children, setting up sessions, and, of course, handing out tea and biscuits.
He explained: “Being at the sessions makes me feel good. I feel that I am of use and I’m serving. I’ve formed relationships; you find out about people. It’s in our church hall, so people get this positive, Christian vibe when they attend.
“Faithful Generations is a great opportunity to experience this feeling. The Cathedral is such a welcoming space, and what’s organised sounds like great fun for the children. It will also be a chance for the Holy Spirit to work with them.”
Bill also helps out with the church youth group on Sunday evenings, where he plays games, watches films, and joins in special events like firework displays, often preparing food for the young people.
“As you get older and become a grandparent, you do wonder whether you can relate to your grandchildren, but in fact, we seem to get along well. Interacting with children keeps you young at heart.”
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