Sharing faith through storytelling: Jane Jakes publishes My Grandad’s Bench

What began as a series of articles for the Tove Benefice magazine has grown into a published book, as parishioner Jane Jakes shares a collection of heartfelt stories inspired by faith, family and everyday life. 

Jane first started writing short pieces for her benefice magazine, and their popularity soon spread beyond the church community. Encouraged by readers who connected with her writing, she took the step of bringing the stories together in a book. 

Titled, ‘My Grandad’s Bench’, the collection features a range of simple and authentic stories, each carrying a gentle Christian message. Drawing on childhood memories, modern-day encounters, inspirational individuals and personal life experiences, the book reflects the moments that have shaped Jane’s faith journey. 

While Jane is hesitant to describe the book as a traditional testimony, she recognises that, taken together, the stories reveal much of the experience and reflection that has helped form her faith over the years. 

At its heart, the book seeks to share the Christian message in a way that is accessible, relatable and enjoyable for a wide audience. Jane hopes readers, whether regular churchgoers or not, will find encouragement and inspiration in its pages. 

The publication also serves a practical purpose. Jane is donating proceeds to support the work of St Bartholomew’s Church, Greens Norton, helping to raise much-needed funds for the parish and its ongoing ministry. 

The book includes a foreword written by Revd Paula Challen and is available to purchase through Amazon as a paperback (£7.99) or Kindle download (£1.99). 

The publication is a reminder that simple acts of storytelling can be a powerful form of witness, helping to share the good news of God’s love while strengthening the life and ministry of the local church. 

Purchase My Grandad’s Bench here