URC Magazine June 2023

Dear friends in Christ

As I will be sharing at our morning services at both Braishfield and Abbey URC on 4 June, I am convinced that God must have a great sense of humour! After all, God is the source of all that is good – love, beauty, joy and laughter.

I wonder if God especially enjoys Trinity Sunday as He watches preachers around the world trying to explain the great mystery that we celebrate that day – the mystery of the reality of God, the one in three, three in one; one person who is three, each one of the Three being fully God: God One and Three – all at the same time!

I remember at theological college one of our tutors saying to us that, as budding preachers, he had for us some good news and some bad news. First the bad news, he said: you’re going to have to preach about the mystery of the Trinity – three persons in one God, each fully God. The good news is that you only have to do so once a year – on Trinity Sunday!

How have some Christian people tried to explain the mystery of the Trinity?

There’s the three different ways that we experience water: water, ice and steam (an illustration I pinched from another minister from many years ago!). All water, in three different forms.

St Francis of Assisi taught his novice monks by looking at a clover-leaf or shamrock – three parts, one leaf.

There are some beautiful and intricate Celtic designs –ancient and modern – that seek to depict the Trinity through inter-weaving, organic geometric shapes.

Another image is that of an egg – the white, the yellow and the shell – all different parts, the egg would not be complete without one – all together an egg!

But when it comes down to it, no-one can fully and adequately explain the mystery of the Trinity – that’s why it’s a mystery after all! It is beyond human comprehension to grasp the reality of the Trinity – three persons in one God, each fully God! So why worry about trying to fathom the depths of the Trinity? As chance would have it, I think there are three good reasons why we should try to understand the Trinity. But you will have to wait for that until our Trinity Sunday morning services – see you there!

In Christian love, Mike

MORNING PRAYER

If you would like to take the opportunity to reflect upon God’s word and to pray for the needs of the world and the Church in your own time during the week, here are the Psalm and Gospel readings for June:

4 Psalm 8

11 Psalm 50: 7-19

18 Psalm 100

25 Psalm 69: 7-10; 16-18

Matthew 28:16-20(Trinity)

Matthew 9:9-13 and 18-26

Matthew ch 9:35 - ch 10:8

Matthew 10:24-39

For several years I have been making a collection of various species of succulent plants. They can tolerate long periods without water because they draw water up into their leaves as a reserve supply for when the long days of summer heat arrive. They don’t mind poor quality soil either –Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don recommends planting them in 50% compost, 50% grit! The soil needs to be free-draining because they don’t like sitting in water for too long! Yet as simple and as easy as succulent plants are to grow (hence my interest!) they often have a very beautiful and exotic flower.

Loving God,

Help us to be resilient as these plants, especially when times of difficulty and ‘drought’ arrive in our lives.

Help us to store up in our hearts the Love of Jesus, who promises the ‘living water’ by which we will never thirst again.

Help us to bring to flower the justice and peace and love of God’s Kingdom in our lives for all to see.

Amen

“SAY ONE FOR ME”

The 'Say one for me' initiative will be taking place again this year, with the collecting of prayers on the streets up until Saturday, 27 May. Collecting prayers will happen in the morning from the streets and meeting at midday in different churches to pray will take place as previous years.

One of my collection!

Photo – Revd Mike

Our monthly mid-week communion will be held in June, day and time to be confirmed in the service sheet and Sunday morning notices. We had a good discussion regarding this at our recent Church meeting, if you have any further suggestions, please contact Revd Mike.

JUNE BIBLE STUDY

Our Bible study and discussion group will take place on 4 June at 6.30 pm on Zoom (ID 864 1780 6994 PC learning) when we will look more deeply at the Gospel verses we hear at our morning service at Abbey URC. Do contact Revd Mike if you would like to participate and he will email you some notes in advance. All welcome!

WORKING PARTY SATURDAY, 3 JUNE

Time for activity in the church will be limited on our next work morning due to the Chamber Concert and its preparation. There is gardening work to do, providing the weather allows it. Work lists available prior to the day, from Geoff P.

Sarah, Richard and Kathleen are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, 27 May for their coffee morning. There will be refreshments and cake in the Abbey Hall Lounge from10am-12noon – and plenty of chat! We will also be holding a raffle. All donations received will go towards Church funds. We really look forward to seeing you, pop in for 10 minutes or stay for the 2 hours – we’d love to seee you!

Terry and Elizabeth are delighted to announce the birth of their second grandchild! Rufus Tristan was born on Monday 8 May weighing in at 9lb 5oz. Now home and settling in with parents Helena and Tom - all well. A cousin for little Molly who is growing and thriving (and keeping her parents awake!).

AGM FOLLOWED BY BRING AND SHARE SUPPER

Our AGM on 21 May saw two new members elected to our eldership; Wai Chan and Val Lloyd. We are grateful to Carole Cox, Sarah Beaman, Sylvia Anderson-Lewis and Andy Bevan for standing again as elders.

Thanks to Derek Hiscocks and Gill Coates whose terms of office have now expired. We are grateful to the skills, wisdom and Christian love you have brought to our elders’ meetings and the wider church during your service as elders of Abbey United Reformed Church. May God be with you as you take a rest from the responsibilities this has placed upon you.

It was lovely to have a good turn-out on a sunny Saturday evening for the AGM and Church meeting; there were very interesting discussions on timings of special services and how to change some aspects of these services. There were also some very good ideas on alternative fundraising ideas. Revd Mike and the elders appreciate your input in guiding the elders’ discussions.

The bring and share supper was an impressive spread and enjoyed by all those who were able to stay after the meeting. Thank you once again to everyone who participated.

CHURCH ROOF AND CEILING REPAIRS

As reported at our May Church Meeting, work is in hand to repair the roof and resultant ceiling repairs required to ensure our church building is water-tight for the next rains. Scaffolding will be erected outside the back entrance to the church during the week of 12 June, although access into the church will still be possible whilst the scaffolding is in place. Inside, scaffolding will be erected in the approximate sanctuary area which currently has tape across the pew entrances.

A surveyor will then have access to all the roof damaged area to determine the full extent and nature of repairs required. Contractors will then be appointed to undertake these repairs.

We are very grateful to our Synod Trust who have currently agreed be meet the costs of the survey and scaffolding. However, this approval does not presently extend to the costs of the repairs so please be ready with your fund-raising ideas.

As more details emerge the elders will keep you all updated.

OUTREACH TO THE COMMUNITY

At our Church Meeting in March, we received an offer to help arrange a flower festival during 2024. This would encourage more people into the church whilst also hopefully raising funds. We discussed this offer at our May Outreach Meeting and wondered whether there might be other exhibitions which we could host or events which might open our doors.

Some other fundraising and outreach ideas were further offered at the May Church meeting and the Outreach Group will be discussing these at our meeting on 12 July.

If you have any further suggestions, please do share them. Alternatively, is there some skill or talent that you could offer in any event being held in the future. Again, I would love to hear from you.

Andy B

ART IN THE GARDEN

Darren A is exhibiting at the event below; he is excited to be one of five artists being judged by panel and public vote. Free entry.

MAGAZINE DEADLINE

Material for July/August 2023 to be submitted by 2pm (latest) on Sunday, 25 June 2023

Please email to abbeyurcnews@gmail.com

Alternatively, you could call Carole C, pop it in her letter box, or leave in the pigeon-hole at the back of the church. Thank you.

SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The train:

At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel by our side. As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant, ie our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of your life.

However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone. Others will step down over time and leave a permanent vacuum. Some, however, will go so unnoticed that we don't realise they vacated their seats.

This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves.

The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way… love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty, we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life.

I wish you all a joyful journey.

From two souls, at the other side of the world

BEGGARS FAIR REFRESHMENTS

We are planning to serve tea, coffee and cake on 8 July during the Beggars Fair in aid of church funds. If you would be able to help or to provide cakes, small or large, or scones I would be very grateful. The refreshments will be offered in the Abbey Hall or in the Church from approximately 10am until 3.30pm. Please let me know if you can help. Thank you.

Gwen S

JAMBOREE FUNDRAISING

The Italian night was an evening of delicious lasagne freshly made by my Dad and tiramisu made by mother with friends and family socialising. It was a huge success and we finally reached my fundraising target.

This summer I will be flying out for a once in a lifetime opportunity in South Korea. It wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing support of everyone in church, especially all those who attended the evenings, made donations, donated raffle prizes and most importantly helped clean up and cook after the evenings.

I am extremely excited for this and I want to thank everyone once again for making it possible.

Henry

On 26 April 1984, John and Julie Reeves, Alan and Janet Garside and John and Joan Taylor, received the keys to 25 Church Street, and Oasis was born. For almost 39 years the shop has been open 6 days a week, in all weathers. Even when the ground floor was flooded (a tenant in the flat above had left taps running into the bath and went out!) they still had customers paddling in as the door was open to help with the clean-up operation.

More recently in lockdown, the front door was closed but Angie Nelson and husband Mike were working each day, making up parcels to post and deliver. Other team members engaged in a 'click and collect' service which quickly included trips to Boots and Waitrose for customers. So, an unbroken record of retail thus far.

Oasis strap-line is More than a Bookshop, and this covers a multitude of areas, including the range of items sold. Scout uniforms offer an opportunity to encourage folk into the shop who might not attend a church. Hopefully, with the interaction of the staff they can see that Christians are just normal people who have a sense of humour as well as a grumpy day now and then. They also have a great range of cards and gifts for all occasions if you are looking for something special to send to a friend or relative, as well as a wide range of fairly traded foods and toiletries.

You can also support Oasis when you buy any book on-line. Please do not use Amazon, instead go to uk.bookshop.org/shop/oasisromsey and place your order. It does not need to be a Christian book. Oasis will then receive a donation from the site operators from the purchase price you have paid.

So how else can we support Oasis in its Christian outreach to our town?

There is that old request every charity and church has – lack of volunteers, and Oasis is no exception. They desperately need a treasurer to be a figurehead and help their developing treasury team. This is a requirement of the Charity Commissioners, so please pray and ask around. A few more volunteers on the shop floor, particularly on a Saturday (but not students or anyone who needs a wage). Angie says

she has had the privilege of working with 168 staff over the 39 years who have come in, very worried that they couldn't cope with a retail scenario but have later gone back into work full time, some now in quite highpowered jobs, having regained lost self-confidence.

No. 25 became a grade 2 listed building last November, and with that a fair amount of the material costs for repairs and improvements has almost doubled. The cellar has had its supporting oak beams replaced, and new steps down. Next will be the two second floor window frames, a repair to the Velux window, repointing the upper side walls, and various repairs to the roof. Local townsfolk have been great in coming in and buying a tile for £1 upwards, with £5,700 being raised from the local community for their building projects so far.

We are so fortunate in having Oasis (more than just a) bookshop in Romsey so please do remember to support them whenever you are able.

WISDOM CENTRE ACTIVITIES IN JUNE

The Art of Peace: Living Everyday Life in and with the Divine Presence on Saturday, 10 June from 10am to 4pm facilitated by David Cole. Taking examples from the inspirations on his own spiritual journey from the Celtic and Desert Traditions, to Western and Orthodox mystics throughout Christian. Click here or visit the website https://www.wisdomhouseromsey.org.uk/

A Personal Wellbeing Day on Saturday, 1 July from 10am to 4pm facilitated by Carolyn Langlands, Francesca Lazarski, Louise Slimm, Yasmin Zaman and Hayley & Claire from Be Loved, Southampton. Focusing on boosting health and wellbeing with mindfulness, yoga, mini beauty treatments, sound therapy, creativity and the labyrinth. All activities are accessible and optional. The day will include lifestyle and wellbeing tips and techniques to calm and relax you - mind, body and soul. Click here or visit https://www.wisdomhouseromsey.org.uk/

Meditation: weekly in-person meditation every Wednesday evening 7.30pm-8.30pm. This is free of charge and there is no need to prebook. If you'd like to know more about the meditation groups or to be added to the weekly meditation mailing list, please contact the Centre at: reception@wisdomhouseromsey.co.uk

27 7.30pm Elders Meeting in Abbey Hall Lounge

30 12noon-1pm Wedding of Stephen Liney and Emily Bucknell

July

1 9am Working Party around the church premises

1 10am-12.30pm Church open for quiet reflection. 10.30-11.30am Revd Mike available in the church for confidential talk and prayer

1 3-5pm Voices of the Forest Concert

2 10.30am Morning Worship including Holy Communion led by Revd Mike

2 6.30pm Bible Study on Zoom

ROMSEY FOODBANK AND COMMUNITY PANTRY BASKETS

In an attempt to make the church foyer look less cluttered the two baskets to receive your donations for Romsey Foodbank and the Community Pantry have now been merged into one, with bags indicating the recipient organisation to whom contents will be given.

The opening times of the Community Pantry are also shown on their bag so that you can take your excess garden produce directly to them as they also welcome fresh produce.

Romsey Foodbank is currently specifically requesting tinned potatoes, tinned peas, tinned carrots, chocolate and sugar. If you are unable to leave your donation at church, other “drop-off” points can be found at Waitrose, Botley Road Coop, Abbotswood Co-op, The Hundred Co-op, Ganger Farm and Romsey Library.

Please do remember these two worthy causes to help the less fortunate members of our community. Your donations are greatly appreciated.

PROVERB FROM SIERRA LEONE

The cheapest way to improve your looks is to wear a smile.

Braishfield United Reformed Church

Minister: The Reverend Mike Perrott, MA, Abbey Manse, The Abbey, Romsey 01794 512163

Secretary/Elder: Shirley Smith 01794 368447

Elder: Allison Symes 02380 262803

Treasurer: Sharon Whitfield 01794 521937

June

4 9.30 am Holy Communion led by the Minister

11 10.00 am Family Worship led by the Reverend Wendy White

18 10.00 am Family Worship led by the Minister

25 10.00 am Family Worship led by Peter White

July

2 9.30 am Holy Communion led by the Minister 9 10.00 am Favourite Hymns Service

16 10.00 am Family Worship led by the Minister

23 10.00 am Family Worship led by David Stone

30 10.00 am Family Worship led by Andy Bevan

Please note that the third Sunday of the month is the time to bring in tinned goods etc for the food bank collection.

News from Braishfield

While Braishfield did not have a service on Sunday, 7 May, the church was beautifully decorated externally to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III. Many thanks to Maggie and Jack and all who helped do this. Please see the pictures.

Braishfield did hold a service on Sunday, 7 May with All Saints Parish Church at the Village Hall though. It was a lovely 45 minutes service with plenty of singing. Everyone was in good voice and it was lovely to sing I Vow To Thee, My Country, Jerusalem, Praise My Soul The King of Heaven amongst others. We were still in good voice for the National Anthem too.

It was nice to see the Village Hall decorated so beautifully too. It was also great to catch up with friends fromthe Parish Church. After the joint service, there was a toast to His Majesty in the Recreation Ground. Many stayed on to enjoy either a picnic lunch or to share in a communal lunch around tables set out in the Recreation Ground. Many thanks to everyone who organised this wonderful day.

What was nice was the sun just came out as that lunch was starting. I hope a few “thank you” prayers were said for that given Coronation Day was rather damp to put it mildly! Mind you, while I wasn’t around for the late Queen’s Coronation back in 1953, I understand the weather for that wasn’t great either. Maybe this is another British tradition being upheld then!

Some of our church members were able to get to Jim Carter’s funeral on 11 May. Following the service at Test Valley Crematorium, we were all invited back to Stanbridge Earls, where Kath and Jim lived. Jim will be very much missed by his family and friends, his church family, as well as by the friends he and Kath made since moving to Awbridge.

Many of you will recall we recently had to announce the death of Kathleen Eldridge, a much-loved member of our congregation who is much missed. I am sad to have to report Ken Eldridge, Kathleen’s brother-inlaw and Graham’s brother, died on 26 April. The funeral will be held on 7 June at 11.30am at the Test Valley Crematorium. It has been a tough time for the family and we remember them in our thoughts and prayers.

Best wishes go to Alan Smith who had a tumour removed from his brain on 16 May. We uphold in prayer Shirley, Dawn, Nicola and Stephen during this hard time.

In happier news, congratulations go to Tom and Helena Mattingley-Hinks on the birth of their son, Rufus Tristan, on 8 May. Congratulations go to Elizabeth and Terry Hinks on the birth of their grandson, their second grandchild. Rufus is a cousin for Molly Elizabeth Nicholls-Hinks, who we understand is growing and thriving well and keeping her parents (Stephanie and Matthew) awake, as babies do! Molly was born on 2 April

so it has been a busy and happy time for the Hinks family. Congratulations to all and it is lovely to share such happy news.

Many thanks for all the support given to me when I was ordained and inducted as an Elder at Braishfield on 21st May. It was a moving service. Many thanks also to Joan and all helpers for the tea and coffee afterwards. It was so nice having that back at Braishfield again and we all appreciated a good “cuppa”!

Looking ahead a little, we have a Favourite Hymns service coming up on 9 July. So please come along. Be in good voice! There will be a list at the back of the church in due course for you to put your choice down. I don’t know about you but whenever I have to choose a favourite piece of music, I must take my time thinking about it. There are so many wonderful pieces to choose from. The same very much goes for hymns so please get your thinking caps on now. The 9th July will be with us before we know it!

We remember in our prayers Alan Smith (Shirley and Rusty’s son) who has recently undergone major surgery. We pray for Dawn and family, and Shirley, at this time. May Alan experience a full and rapid recovery.

Revd Mike

Allison Symes

BRAISHFIELD URC LOOKING RESPLENDENT FOR THE CORONATION! With thanks to all involved

Photo: Revd Mike

JIM CARTER

Adapted from the Eulogy notes written by the family

‘Jim’ was born James Carter in 1933 in Blackpool where he grew up. He was known as "our Jimmy" by his mother. He was certainly a proud Lancastrian, Northerner and Englishman throughout his long life.

Jim was a good and decent man and devout Christian who tried to live his life the way the Bible taught us - he worked extremely hard all his life, was a qualified accountant and ended up as Managing Director of South Staffordshire Water Company (the first non-engineer to head a Water Company).

Jim married his childhood sweetheart, Cath, who he has known since he was 14 years old; he raised his family, Jude and Paul; he was always there when you needed him.

He very much lived his Christian life, by supporting churches in the Tenerife and the UK, and was a loyal member (along with Cath) at Braishfield URC. He helped others in need, with advice and financially.

In later life he reaped the rewards of his hard work: he came home one day aged 59 and announced he was retiring (which was a shock to Cath, Paul thinks)! After doing consultant work around the world for a few years he and Cath retired to Lytham St Annes. They wintered in Tenerife for many years using timeshares, and later bought a wonderful apartment where Jim sunbathed for hours with his headphones in! Jim spent 30 some years cruising the world with Cath, who he was completely devoted to.

Jim and Cath moved to Hampshire to be near to Jude and Simon and the kids (and near to Southampton, for cruising!) He lived to see their 65th wedding anniversary and telegram from the Queen!

Paul has memories of Jim bringing Cath pickled onions on a date (instead of chocolates) because she liked them; going to watch Ipswich Town every other Saturday with Jon and Uncle Lew which set up a lifelong love of football; listening to “Letter from America” by Alistair Cook (who, like Jim, went to Blackpool Grammar).

Jim was always amazed at the people he knew in government, which he kept to himself mostly as he was not a showy person. As his memory faded he tended to get lost easily - even getting back to his table from the buffet on cruises!

Paul concludes: “Dad, you were loved by us all and we miss you every minute of every day The world was a better place with you in it, and I'm sure you are in heaven now looking down on us (sipping a gin and tonic, if that is allowed!)”

A BRIEF HISTORY OF ABBEY URC

We have recently put together an A5 leaflet giving a brief history of Abbey URC, Romsey. We give the wording below, which we hope you enjoy.

Abbey United Reformed Church has been a part of the life of the town of Romsey for over three centuries; however, its name, and its place of worship, have changed several times. It is one of a select band of non-conformist Christian churches known as the “1662 churches”. In English church history the Nonconformists are Protestant Christians who did not "conform" to the authority and customs of the Church of England.

Prior to the formation of the United Reformed Church (URC) in 1972, our church was known as the Abbey Congregational Church. It has been known as a meeting house, chapel and church.

What is the URC? It all started with Henry VIII, who separated from Roman Catholicism and formed the Church of England in 1534 to enable him to divorce Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn. From 1653-1668, during Cromwell’s rule, the religious life of churches was very strict. During Charles II’s reign, in 1662, the Act of Uniformity was introduced, which required all parish priests to declare “unfeigned consent and assent” to the Articles of Faith in the newly produced Book of Common Prayer or be evicted from their job and home without compensation. This was called The Great Ejection of 1662 and the priests who left were known as “non-conformists”.

One of these was Thomas Warren MA, Rector at Houghton, where he had been parish priest for 12 years. When he was ejected from his position and home he moved to Romsey, where he had like-minded family and friends and they continued to worship in secret from a cottage in Church Street, if found out they faced prison or transportation. Thomas Warren and John Goldwire were granted a licence in 1672, as Presbyterian teachers and preachers, to operate within four houses in Romsey. In 1688, Warren and his congregation made their spiritual home in a house near Abbey Water. Finally in 1689 the Toleration Act allowed Dissenters to worship publicly in their meeting houses.

After 28 years of service, Warren resigned due to ill health and old age; he died 4 years later. In 1888, almost 200 years later, his memorial flagstone was found when the wooden floor was removed in Romsey Abbey.

About 1708, the first meeting house was built on the site opposite the present church. Here Richard Cromwell, son of Oliver Cromwell, worshipped until his death in 1712; he even had his own pew, known as Cromwell’s Seat.

Samuel Tomlins was Minister in 1715, he was dismissed for sacrilege - it is not known what he did, however he was buried in obscurity in Salisbury.

During the ministry of William Johnson (1738-1763) the congregation purchased Abbey Gate House and Archway in 1762. He was followed by Revd Dr Samwell, 1763-1772, who was also a practising doctor. In 1769 the congregation had swelled to 23 men and 28 women. There followed Thomas Porter and John Berry, in whose time the first Sunday School was set up providing local children with basic literacy in the absence of free universal education.

James Bennett became pastor in 1796. He was a very popular preacher, so much so that the Meeting House proved too small - people queued up to secure their seat on a Sunday. As a result, a Chapel was built across the road on the site of the gatehouse, the burial ground of the Meeting House was kept and is now marked by a blue plaque. One of the subscribers to the building fund was the vicar of Romsey Abbey! The first communion in the new Chapel took place on 5 August 1804.

In 1818 John Reynolds, son of Dr Reynolds Physician-in-Ordinary to King George III, started a ministry where the rural mission flourished and in 1818 our sister church in Braishfield was established, as well as various other rural locations. In 1823 a school classroom was set up in the archway. This school was one of many across the country set up for the education of nonconformists’ children. Fifty years later, new classrooms were built for the Sunday School in Narrow Lane; these buildings are now our caretaker’s home, the arch over Narrow Lane and the classrooms, adjacent to La Sagesse, are now owned by the convent.

The chapel needed replacing in 1885 and for three years services were held in Romsey Town Hall, until in 1889 the new and distinctive church buildings were opened, which survive to this day. The church was designed by Messrs Bonella and Paull, architects of London, and included an archway which was connected by a turret with the main building. The building often confuses tourists in search of Romsey Abbey and at one time it was suggested a sign should be erected stating “this is NOT Romsey Abbey”. Needless to say, this sign was never agreed!

In 1903 the Sunday School was flourishing, it was reported “In the [Sunday] school they had 479 and 250 in the Band of Hope”. The young people enjoyed turning out in their Sunday best for the Sunday School Parades which were such a large part of the church, and Romsey, life.

The history of the URC…

Our continual aim is to change ourselves to be a Church for the present day; we do not fear change and we try to run our churches to take everyone’s insight and contribution seriously. Being reformed goes back 500 years to when Martin Luther started challenging tradition witihin the Church. Changes came quickly; Bibles were translated and printed in languages everybody used (not just in Latin) and there was an emphasis on the importance of the whole church and everybody in it – members and ministers together.

The URC is a pioneering church – our first female minster was ordained more than 100 years ago, in 1917. More recently, in July 2016 the URC became the first major Christian denomination in the UK to allow same sex marriages. This has continued to the present day, Abbey URC voted to register to hold same sex marriages in March of 2023.

The creation of the URC in 1972 merged the Presbyterian Church of England and the Congregational Church in England and Wales. A Member of Parliament at the time described this as “one of the most historic measures in the history of the Christian churches in this country.” It expanded further when the Churches of Christ joined it in 1981, followed by Scottish Congregationalists in 2000.

We are a non-conformist Church; this means we are not an ‘established’ Church, we have no formal link to civil authority, such as monarch or Pope. We do not have a parish and our members come from Romsey and surrounding areas.

Each local church is governed by Church Meeting, consisting of all its members. This is the ultimate decision-making body. We have the authority to baptise, infants and adults, and hold marriage and funeral services.

There is no single way of celebrating communion within the URC. It is usual for Elders to hand out bread and individual cups to people in the congregation, asking them to hold the elements until all are served, so the congregation shares together and shows its unity in Christ. The URC welcomes visitors to share communion, not just members of the church.

In 2022 the non-conformist tradition celebrated 360 years since its small beginnings. We are proud to be an intercultural Church, where people with varied ethnic or cultural roots meet, worship, discuss and learn from one another.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL ROMSEY GROUP

For our March meeting we had a Zoom talk about Women’s rights in Iran, given by a young Iranian woman living in London. She has family still in Iran so she had an insider’s view of how life is becoming more difficult and dangerous for women.

Romsey group is thriving and we had 12 people at the April meeting. We started with a very brief AGM, taking 15 minutes to get through the formal business before discussing having a Saturday stall in the Cornmarket during the summer, possibly to coincide with the 75th UN Declaration of Human Rights. As usual, we spent the majority of the evening writing letters to governments around the world highlighting human rights abuses.

Our May meeting was another Zoom talk, this time about India and Nepal. We don't hear a lot about human rights in these countries in the UK media, so it was a shock to discover how many freedoms have been curbed since Modi, the current President, came to power. Human rights workers have been demonised and Amnesty International branded a criminal organisation. We will be following up on this talk with actions over the next few months.

John

Cheers,

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND VOLUNTEERING

At our recent church leaders meeting we had two interesting and overlapping talks with opportunities for mental health support and volunteering.

Dave Walker introduced Val and Stevena from Elim Church who spoke to us about a six-session course they will be offering at Elim Church called 'Living with Life's Losses - wounds of the heart'. A poster with more information is available. The course is based on the Bible Society's 'Navigating Trauma and Healing' course which both Val and Stevena have completed, Alison Dolphin too. If anyone is interested, the next course starts in June, 7.30pm. Contact Val for more info.

Fiona and Alison spoke to us about Tree of Life Cafe, which meets weekly Mondays 2.30-4.30 at Wisdom Centre, 10-15 people attend weekly. This initiative originated from Churches Together in Romsey, run in partnership with Southern Health/Southwest Chaplains. Listening, mental health support, individual and group support are professionally facilitated by trained chaplains. The service is much valued by users.

There is currently a crisis in SW chaplaincy staff. They are seeking partnerships with local churches to attract suitable volunteers to help run the Cafe. Training and support given. A Tree of Life Job Description is available. For those interested there will be an interview with Alison and DBS check.

WORK MORNINGS AT CHURCH

DIY and other odd jobs around the church. Everyone is welcome to join.

Saturday, 3 June 2023 from 9am–12 noon

Contact Geoff Prestage for full work detail information

UNITED CHURCH WINCHESTER’S MEET & GREET SESSIONS FOR REFUGEES

In the hymn “All are welcome” there is a line which says: “Let us bring an end to fear and danger”. I have not been able to reduce fear and danger very often, perhaps with my own children sometimes. But recently these words rang true with me that – for a very short time each week – we might be helping to end fear and danger for a few people. What a privilege!

Since April 2022, United Church Winchester has been offering a Meet & Greet session each Saturday morning for refugees. In practice it was nearly always Ukrainian guests to our city who were coming along. We aimed to offer a relaxed “home from home” atmosphere, with refreshments, a creche, children’s toys, some craft activities, and games. Sometimes those who were hosting Ukrainian refugees also came, especially in the early days when they had just met their families and wanted advice about helping to secure school places, registering with doctors etc. A local councillor regularly attended to know first-hand what experiences people were having.

Over time there were less new arrivals, and we settled to a rhythm including finding a place for some women to form and rehearse as a Ukrainian choir and space for everyone to relax and talk. Lots of us are familiar with the demands of young children, where there is little opportunity to have a proper chat. I can only imagine how important it must be to make the space to have those conversations, to relax and speak in your own language and share experiences with other people who are single parenting in a new country with all the worries about loved ones left behind in a country at war.

We were sometimes listening ears and sometimes helpers, but we did not ever ask many questions, but rather waited for people to tell us how little or much they chose. One church member brought her patchwork and helped some guests learn new skills, while others dusted off their table tennis skills. We grew closer as a group of volunteers learning Ukrainian UNO rules from some children and laughing more than we had done all week. I remember one guest saying that when playing table tennis, she could not think about anything else and so found it really relaxing.

Some of us who were volunteering thought we might just help once a month but soon found that we wanted to come whenever we could. At Christmas, the Ukrainian choir sang in one of church services thanking us for our hospitality.

Our work adapted in January when a group of 50 people seeking asylum were placed, by the Home Office, in accommodation on the outskirts of Winchester. Twenty to thirty of them were brought into the city each day for a few hours. Working in collaboration with a local charity, they came to our Saturday morning gathering. To begin with, we were concerned that the two groups of guests – Ukrainian women and children and men from all over the world – might not mix very well, but in fact our Ukrainian friends recognised that many of these people were also fleeing conflict and danger. Gradually conversations and connections emerged. We had some amazing table tennis doubles matches played with different nationalities. Some of us played Jenga and dominoes with Ukrainian children and refugees from the Middle East and there were loud, highly competitive table football matches with people from 3 continents and virtually no language in common.

In this safe space, the essential work ofthe Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group (SWVG) could take place with English lessons in our small chapel packed with chairs, counselling sessions and individual support given about their asylum applications. A regular walking group began setting off which gave a chance for people to relax, get exercise, fresh air and have informal conversations, sometimes with the aid of google translate.

A short while ago, at less than 24 hours’ notice and after six months, those seeking asylum were moved to London. It was a shock, but as a church with others, we had prepared and collected suitcases and rucksacks so people could leave with greater dignity rather than with belongings stuffed in to black bin liners, as had happened to some people a few weeks earlier.

Our Saturday morning gathering continues mainly with Ukrainian guests, but there is a chance for all of us to take stock. Our visitors were of different faiths and none, we have worked in partnership with all sorts of people in Winchester, different churches, different faiths and none.

The prevailing rhetoric from our government is that migrants are trying to invade our country, stealing our jobs and houses. There are clearly legitimate and complex concerns about immigration and Winchester is a small, relatively affluent city. However, our experience does not accord with this narrative at all. Being hospitable to people seeking asylum was overwhelmingly an experience of being enriched by contact with resourceful, courageous, and gifted people.

The Kingdom of God is like… a mustard seed, yeast, treasure, a pearl of great price… is it also like playing a game of Jenga with children and men who have left their homes and families in fear of their lives and who connect and laugh together? Thanks to God for life in this uncertain, interconnected, surprising, unexpected, world.

Penny Prestage-Roles

Do you enjoy a good walk or bicycle ride, or just a challenging day out?

Would you be interested in joining in the annual Ride and Stride event organised by the Hampshire and the Islands Historic Buildings Trust around local churches. You can join as an individual or go as a group; walk, cycle, drive, or ride to as many churches in Hampshire and the Islands as you wish – why not see how many churches your bus pass can take you to on 10 September between 10.00 am and 6.00 pm. Participants are encouraged to obtain sponsors for their ride, with half their money raised going to the Trust and the remainder to their nominated church.

If you are interested in helping raise funds both for our church and providing funds for other historic churches, as well as enjoying a healthy day out, speak to Andy or see the leaflets available at the back of church.