THIS SATURDAY: Sarah Coleman (nee Hopkins) Book Launch - 10am

Please note Sarah's email address - it was wrong on the first flyer!

If I will not be seeing you and you would like a copy of my book (or you would like one sooner) you can order one online at
https://bit.ly/44fZNQT

Here is a summary of my book

Life and Hope out of Darkness: Creative Interventions for Helping People in Violent Communities
Can a young arts therapist make a meaningful impact on a community likened to a war zone? How can people heal from trauma when they are constantly experiencing it? Driven by a desire to bring lasting change, Sarah uses art, drama, puppetry, dance, and mindfulness to bring light and hope to individuals who see themselves as broken and trapped in a cycle of violence and poverty.
In Life and Hope out of Darkness: Creative Interventions for Helping People in Violent Communities, Sarah takes readers on a journey through the voices and stories of three women—an amalgamation of people she has worked with—who illustrate the realities of life in challenging circumstances living in a South African township.
Sarah emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for effective therapeutic work in violent communities and provides guidance on how to do so. She also explores how to navigate differences, including the necessity of acknowledging white power and privilege. Sarah highlights ways to help people build strong support systems and seek help from one another.
By incorporating psychoeducation to raise awareness of how trauma affects the body, Sarah shares practical exercises in breathing, dancing, movement and shaking to release trapped trauma and regulate the nervous system.
In a community where isolation is often a survival strategy, her book opens the door to connection—encouraging people to play, support one another, and build healthy relationships. She explores the process of forgiving past wounds and receiving forgiveness, as well as the importance of finding a resource greater than oneself, surrendering to God rather than carrying every burden alone.
The book also addresses the challenge of moving beyond one’s comfort zone. It encourages visualising and rehearsing new possibilities—both through imagination and action. By reflecting on their relationships and taking ownership of their identities, individuals can begin to look outward, seek role models, and step into new opportunities.
Working in violent communities inevitably takes a toll. Sarah shares her personal testimony of its impact on her life and underscores the necessity of self-care. Ultimately, the book affirms that even in the most difficult circumstances, it is possible to live with hope.

Planning your Visit

Welcome from the Vicar

Let me welcome you to St John’s! I am so delighted you have found our web site. We are a Church family in Wimborne for anyone living, working or studying around this area. Whoever you are, whatever your age, whether you’re an experienced Christian or not, we would love you to join us.

From an intrigued onlooker to the committed follower we are keen that everyone should grow in relationship with God through knowing Jesus. To help us do that our emphasis is on hearing God speak to us by his Holy Spirit through his word, the Bible. Each of us knows that we only grow in a relationship with someone and get to know them when we spend time listening to them and responding and reacting to what they say. So the focus of St John’s is on listening to God’s word, talking to him in prayer and taking up all that he says.

The Church family here at St John’s longs to help anyone who wants to investigate the life of Jesus. On this site you will find people, meetings, talks and events shaped to help you take another step forward in finding out more about God and his love for us in Jesus, and to help you get linked into the church family life.

I do hope I will have the opportunity to meet you personally in the very near future and that you will quickly feel at home at St John’s.

Revd. Peter Breckwoldt