JULY/AUGUST 2024
A MESSAGE FROM OUR MINISTER
Dear friends in Christ,
As unpredictable as the weather has been over this ‘summer’ so far, one thing it seems we can be certain of is that the political scene in the UK will be much changed as a result of the General Election of 4 July –if some of the polls are to be believed.
July 2024
Personally, I feel some trepidation as we approach polling day. I worry about the ‘far right’ gaining influence in our country’s affairs and policies, and elsewhere in the world. I worry that environmental concerns will be placed second, or lower, to the financial gain of massive companies and the growth of the economy. I worry that the spread of unfounded fear will affect the compassion we as a country should show to refugees legitimately fleeing war, persecution, violence and injustice. There are so many concerns people rightly have about the state of the NHS, about education, the cost-of-living crisis, and the continuing inequality of wealth - and thus people’s life quality and opportunities - between different parts of the country. The list seems endless.
As I prepared and led the Sunday morning service at Abbey URC on 23 June for Sanctuary Sunday, the conclusion of Refugee Week, I took encouragement in the way that the so-called ‘Psalms of Lament’ were, and remain, ways to be open and honest to God about the, often dire, circumstances they were currently experiencing. However, they often conclude with a heartfelt and strong belief that God is a God of hope and courage – a God in whom we can, and should, trust.
Psalm 10 is a good example, verses 1, 2, 5 and 6 expressing the all-too often fear that God is absent from and uncaring about human suffering:
Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? In arrogance the wicked persecute the poor— let them be caught in the schemes they have devised.
Their ways prosper at all times; your judgements are on high, out of their sight; as for their foes, they scoff at them. They think in their heart, ‘We shall not be moved; throughout all generations we shall not meet adversity.’
The psalmist is openly and honestly venting their frustration and anger to God about the plight of the poor, as they are being oppressed by the arrogant and faithless ‘wicked’.
Then verse 14 is a reminder that God is not absent, but embraces the plight of the oppressed:
But you do see! Indeed you note trouble and grief, that you may take it into your hands; the helpless commit themselves to you; you have been the helper of the orphan.
Ultimately, the psalmist assures us that all shall be well, that the power and influence of the wicked in the world will not prevail:
O LORD, you will hear the desire of the meek; you will strengthen their heart, you will incline your ear to do justice for the orphan and the oppressed, so that those from earth may strike terror no more.
Bible verses from The New Revised Standard Version Anglicised (NRSVA)
So, as we face the world with all its complexities and uncertainties, we can be certain about the constant compassion and care of God, as we see God at work through the Gospels in the teaching and example of Christ Jesus. I conclude with part of the Intercessions I led on 23 June:
“Loving God, we remember the political battles that are being fought in so many parts of our world right now, including here in the UK. We pray that you will raise up leaders of integrity and humility, people who seek not their own power, but yours. Give us the wisdom to vote for those we know to be people who reflect your will and your ways.”
In Christian love, Mike
MAGAZINE DEADLINE
Material for September 2024 to be submitted by 5pm (latest) on THURSDAY, 22 August 2024
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.
“We have forgotten Gloria!”, cried my little granddaughter anxiously. “Gloria what?” or “Gloria who?” you may ask. In this instance it was a brown teddy bear, an important family member, who was left behind by accident. So, we turned back to rescue Gloria.
Gloria, of course, can mean many things. Maybe you know somebody called Gloria. Some sources give a meaning of immortal glory, fame and praise and glory. More importantly Gloria is used to describe the manifestation of God’s presence amongst us.
In the Bible we find that especially the Psalms declare God’s greatness and glory, for example Psalm 8. Additionally, they provide the church with a language of praise and thanksgiving. During our Sunday services we are very blessed with good music and poetry both ‘ancient’ and modern. In the Rejoice and Sing hymn book, the section of Psalms and Canticles can be found towards the end of the hymn book. They may seem a little old fashioned but continue to be basis for many modern-day songs and hymns, reminding us of our Trinitarian faith and unity.
Therefore, when we are enjoying the beauty of the summer and creation around us, let us not forget Gloria. Let’s sing and say thanks to God, our Creator, for our daily bread, our family and friends and all God provides for us.
GLORIA PATRI
Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever. Amen.
(Rejoice and Sing, final page)
Leena K
MINISTER’S LEAVE
Please note that Revd Mike will be on annual leave from 18 August to 8 September. During his absence please contact:
Braishfield Shirley Smith tel: 01794 368447
Romsey Andy Bevan tel: 07483 319618
Email: andybevan1@btinternet.com
Please note: due to other commitments, there will be no coffee morning between 2 August to 1 September.
ABBEY URC FRIENDS
You may have seen that we launched Abbey URC Friends last month, and it was exciting to receive our first application! A steady stream of notifications followed of where people had seen our news circulated –from Romsey & Wellow Gazette, Test Valley Forum magazine and shared various places on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Don’t forget, everyone is welcome to join Abbey URC Friends; current or past members of our congregation, couples who have been married or people who have been baptised in our church, your friends, people who attend concerts and people who pop in for a quiet 5 minutes on a Saturday morning – or who just love the history of our building. Pass the word – all our welcome to join us. Full details can be found on our website at https://abbeyurc.org.uk/abbey-urc-friends/
BIBLE STUDY AND DISCUSSION GROUP
Our next Bible study and discussion group will take place on 7 July and 4 August at 6.30pm on Zoom; ID 864 1780 6994 PC learning. We will look more deeply at the Gospel verses we hear at our morning service at Abbey URC. All welcome!
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 July and August:
July 7
Psalm 48
14 Psalm 24
21 Psalm 89:20-37
28 Psalm 14
August 4
Psalm 51:1-12
11 Psalm 130
18 Psalm 111
25 Psalm 84
Mark 6:1-13
Mark 6:14-29
Mark 6:30-34 and 53-56
John 6:1-21
John 6:24-35
John 6:35 and 41-51
John 6:51-58
John 6:56-69
Two years ago, many of you shared in praying for baby Louisa, my granddaughter, who was born with serious health problems. Your prayers and support were a great comfort which I really appreciated. Louisa has made amazing progress, although, still has some problems.
During her 7 months in hospital her Mum stayed at Ronald Macdonald House, a charity which accommodates parents of children in the hospital. Louisa’s brother, Oliver, and her Dad also stayed at weekends. As well as providing accommodation the staff at RMH give wonderful care and support to parents at a very difficult time.
Oliver, now 6 years old, wanted to do something to help RMH and came up with idea of collecting toilet rolls at his school, St Francis; they collected 2,800. These will save RMH money which can be spent on other things.
I felt this was such a heart-warming story and worth sharing. Again, many thanks to you all.
Photo courtesy of Solent News & Photo Agency
FABRIC GROUP
Our Fabric Group next meets by Zoom at 7.30pm on Thursday 25 July. The Zoom access code is 851 4528 3637 and the password is ‘business’ .
With monthly working parties no longer being held, we will be looking at different ways to undertake routine tasks. We will also be checking on progress for the larger works being planned to repair and improve our church buildings as well as the more mundane but necessary tasks which our buildings demand of us.
The Fabric Group would welcome new members; whether you have professional skills to offer or basic DIY or gardening skills. We need them all, every offer helps to spread the load a little.
If you would like to know more, please do speak to me, or give me a ring on 07483 319618.
Andy B
AFTERNOON TEA
Then Kirsty entertained us with music and songs that we all knew, and sang together beautifully. Thank you, Kirsty.
We must not forget to thank Andy for printing the invitations, Revd Alan Green for making the speech and all the helpers who made this gathering a great day to remember for everyone present.
On Sunday, 9 June 2024 we gathered in the Abbey Hall for our annual afternoon tea. There were various home-made sandwiches, Victoria sponge cake and chocolate cake with fresh raspberries as well as fresh strawberries and cream, fairy cakes and rock cakes too!
Jeannine and Roy M
Such a lovely afternoon and fabulous to seethe new dishwasher working, it seemed to do a great job! Funds from the TVBC Community Grant Scheme went towards the purchase of the new dishwasher. Our visitors were impressed by the kitchen generally, such a fantastic facility for the local community.
Sandra Gidley said, “It was a delight to have Sunday afternoon tea with the older generation of the United Reformed Church… Once again I was struck by all those who quietly get on with things, doing their bit to make the lives of others just a little bit better.”
From one of our Roving Reporters
OUTREACH
Our Outreach Group meets by Zoom 7.30pm on Thursday 10 July. In addition to reviewing our links with other organisations both locally and internationally we shall be ensuring that we have everything in place to welcome people to the Beggars Fair events being held in the church and hall the following Saturday.
We shall be looking at the new Outreach projects suggested at our May Church Meeting. The first of these was to start an evening group for adults in the town. When we speak of loneliness we generally think of the elderly and house-bound. However, it is quite possible to be lonely, especially if you are new to an area or friends and family have moved away. Would you like to be involved in helping to start such a group?
The second suggestion was that we start a monthly Afternoon Tea, to replace the successful pre-Covid Lunch Club. Some useful suggestions on overcoming the transport problem have already been received
Would you be interested in helping, either by preparing or serving food, or being the host or hostess at the table?
If the answer to either question above is yes, or you would like to be part of our church as it reaches out to meet the needs of others, please join us on 10 July for our next meeting. You do not even need to leave the comfort of your home, just join us on Zoom using code 851 4528 3637 and password business.
Andy B
with Rum’s Eg Singers
Abbey United Reform Church, Romsey Tuesday, 9 July 2024
Singers’ Rehearsal 1.45pm Audience Performance 3.15pm
Join us in Cantique de Jean Racine, Faure, Ave Verum by Mozart and also by Elgar, The Silver Swan by Gibbons and It was a lover and his lass, Morley.
Singers and audience tickets £8 from Romsey Visitor Centre (singers-collect your music pack there!)
Proceeds to Test Valley Prescription Arts and The Mayor’s Community Chest.
annie.george2308@gmail.com for further details.
24-25 August
It is planned to have the church open on 24-25 August for visitors, to mark its 362nd Anniversary.
Please drop in and enjoy some glimpses of our long history. The church will be open both days, and it is planned to have refreshments and live music. Romsey History Society will bring their film of our church and Christine is dusting off some hidden away banners for display.
We look forward to you joining us!
THANK YOU!
Jennifer and Carole
We are very grateful to Gary and Affordable Access for providing the cherry picker and clearing out the hoppers on the church roof, clearing the vegetation growing over the side of the tower, removing the ivy growing up to the church office window and refixing the drainpipe which had been dislodged by the back gate. Thanks also to Carole, Sylvia, Andy, and husband Graham, for helping marshal at 6am on a Sunday morning to ensure the tasks were all completed before most of Romsey woke up from its Sunday morning lie-in.
Andy B
I would like to thank everyone involved with our Church Sale on Saturday 15 June in our Abbey Hall. The total which included donations was £465. Considering the weather, it was amazing. Thank you to all who helped and gave generous donations.
Looking ahead out our next sale is on Saturday, 9 November. Thank you all again.
Gwen S
Thank you all so much for the flowers and balloon, it meant so much and I appreciate everything you've all done to support me through these farrier exams. I must also say a huge thank you to everyone else who has sent me a card or gift; it really does mean so much!
Kathleen
CALENDAR
3 2.30pm Church Table Tennis in Abbey Hall 4 10-11.30am
Coffee morning in Abbey Hall Lounge, including Friends coffee morning, open to all 6 10am-12.30pm Church open for quiet reflection and prayer 6 2.30pm Afternoon Tea Party with Sylvia 7 10.30am
Morning worship including Holy Communion, led by Revd Mike 7 Mayor's Picnic in the Park
7 6.30pm Bible Study on Zoom ID 864 1780 6994 PW learning 8 10.30am BALM in Abbey Hall Lounge
Come and Sing! With Rum’s Eg Singers Singer’s rehearsal Audience performance 10 7.30pm Outreach Group meeting by Zoom Code 851 4528 3637 PW business 11 10-11.30am
Warm welcome coffee morning in Abbey Hall Lounge – open to all
Beggars Fair - Carnival of Animals Drama workshop for 4-12 year olds 13 11am-4.30pm Beggars Fair events in the church and Abbey Hall 14 10.30am Morning worship led by members of the congregation
2.30pm Romsey Ladies Choir with Kirsty Purves
2.30pm Church Table Tennis in Abbey Hall 17 7.30pm Worship Group by Zoom Code 851 4528 3637 PW business 18 10-11.30am Warm welcome coffee morning in Abbey Hall Lounge – open to all
10am-12.30pm Church open for quiet reflection and prayer 21 10.30am Morning worship led by Andy Bevan 24 2.30pm Pastoral Group Meeting in Abbey Hall Lounge 24 7.30pm
Churches Together in Romsey meeting - guest speaker Louisa Rice, Test Valley Community Engagement Officer for Ampfield & Braishfield, Abbey and Cupernham wards 25 10.30am
Mid-week Communion in Abbey Hall Lounge led by Revd Mike
25 7.30pm Fabric Group by Zoom Code 851 4528 3637 PW business
27 10am-12.30pm Church open for quiet reflection and prayer
28 10.30am
Morning worship led by Revd Mike
30 7.30pm Finance Group in Abbey Hall Lounge
August
1 10-11.30am
Coffee morning in Abbey Hall Lounge, including Friends coffee morning, open to all
3 10am-12.30pm Church open for quiet reflection and prayer
4 10.30am
Morning worship including Holy Communion, led by Revd Mike
4 6.30pm Bible Study on Zoom ID 864 1780 6994 PW learning
6 7.30pm Elders Meeting in Abbey Hall Lounge
7 2.30pm Church Table Tennis in Abbey Hall
10 10am-12.30pm Church open for quiet reflection and prayer
11 10.30am Morning worship led by Derek Hiscocks
12 10.30am BALM in Abbey Hall Lounge
16-26 August Artseen exhibition in Abbey Hall
17 10am-12.30pm Church open for quiet reflection and prayer
18 August-8 September Revd Mike on Annual Leave
18 10.30am
Morning worship led by Andy Bevan
21 2.30pm Church Table Tennis in Abbey Hall
22 10.30am
Mid-week Communion in Abbey Hall Lounge
23-26 August Church History Exhibition
24 10am-12.30pm Church open for quiet reflection and prayer
25 10.30am Morning worship led by Nick Tustian
31 10am-12.30pm Church open for quiet reflection and prayer
September
1 10.30am
Morning worship including Holy Communion, led by Revd Wendy White
1 6.30pm Bible Study on Zoom ID 864 1780 6994 PW learning
THURSDAY COMMUNION
Our monthly Thursday Communion continues to take place on the fourth Thursday of the month, at 10.30am. We join together for a 25-minute informal service, then have a general chat. We next meet 25 July and 22 August with refreshments! All welcome!
Braishfield United Reformed Church
Minister: The Reverend Mike Perrott, MA 01794 512163 e-mail: revd.mike13@gmail.com
sarah.hall.swhg@gmail.com
July
August
News from Braishfield
It was lovely to have tea, coffee, and biscuits to celebrate with after our worship on 16 June, our church’s 206th anniversary service. Many thanks go to Joan and helpers for organising and serving the refreshments. They were much appreciated. Most of us remember when Braishfield had to bring the water in for our teas and coffees as well as the refreshments. We are all glad we don’t have to do that anymore!
Bear’s name and new owner were revealed during our 206th Church Anniversary service too. Thank you to Alan and Dawn for giving the church the bear and to Stephen who made the list of names. There were 124 names to choose from so £124 was raised for our church. Thank you to everyone who chose a name for a donation and we are so sorry if you didn’t win Bear! Please see Shirley’s letter of thanks for more on this.
Just to remind people the church will be having its Flower Festival service on Sunday, 21 July. The church will be open on Saturday, 20 July and Sunday, 21 July for visitors. We hope many will come. The church always looks wonderful for this event. I hope to share pictures for a later issue of the magazine.
Anyone wishing to put in an arrangement needs to let Maggie know first. Flowers will be put in the church on Friday, 19 July between 10am and 6pm. Opening times for visitors over the weekend are:-
Saturday, 20 July and Sunday, 21 July between 10am and 6pm
This follows on from the service the Reverend Mike will be taking for us starting at 10am. Everyone is welcome to join us for that first! The church will be open again on Monday, 22 July for the flowers to be collected and taken home.
I also hope everyone is in good voice or will be in time for Sunday, 18 August when we’ll be having a favourite hymn service. Braishfield’s “record” here when we had a service like this a year or so ago was to sing 10 hymns, interspersed with readings, and we still finished five minutes early!
A bit nearer the time a list will be put at the back of the church for people to nominate their favourite hymns. It would be useful to nominate favourite readings too to be read by those choosing them. It has been lovely in the past, when having services like this, to hear the different voices sharing the selections with us all.
Looking even further ahead, Braishfield will be having its Harvest Festival service on 22 September when again the Rev Mike will be with us. Arrangements for decorating and undecorating the church are to be confirmed so please listen out for further notices in church for this. What I can say now is that the church decorating is likely to take place on Saturday, 21 September with the church open from 10am for this. Helpers always welcome and appreciated!
The “un-decorating” of the church is likely to take place on Monday, 23 September, again with the church openfrom 10am. Again, helpers would be appreciated.
Tinned and packet items etc will, as ever, be donated to the Romsey Food Bank. These will be brought up to the front of the church during the service on 22 September (but if anyone wants to bring some in when the church is open on the Saturday that would be fine).
The next magazine will be the September one, of course. Where does the time go, folks? Meantime, I hope everyone has an enjoyable summer.
Allison Symes
BEAR HAS A NAME AND A NEW HOME
I would like to thank everyone who supported our Name The Bear, raising money for our church funds at Braishfield URC.
My son, Alan, and daughter-in-law, Dawn, gave us a lovely big bear for us to sell names at £1 each to guess its name. My grandson, Stephen, made a list of 124 names! Alan and Dawn put a name in a sealed envelope and we started selling names.
On 16 June 2024, during our 206th Church Anniversary Service, Revd Mike Perrott opened the envelope and revealed Bear’s name is Monty. The lists of names were scanned and the lucky winner was Revd Mike and Marie Perrott! However, Mike has donated the bear to Andy Bevan, who in turn will be donating the bear! So, off Monty goes to his new home and £124 has been raised for our church funds.
Bear made many people smile when it came to church at Braishfield with me, sitting in the front seat of my car with its seat belt on to and from church.
Bear had its last outing on 2 June 2024 when it came with me to Romsey URC’s morning service. Many smiled when Andy Bevan put it in the church wheelchair and pushed it into church. There were smiles again when Carole Cox carried it back to my car after the service.
My sincere thanks go to Dawn, Alan, and Stephen and thanks also to everyone who supported this event.
Shirley Smith, Braishfield Church Secretary
MONTY FINDS A NEW HOME!
The Braishfield teddy has finally discovered his name and found a home. The lucky winner was our Minister Revd Mike who correctly choose the name of Monty. Mike kindly donated Monty to Natalia who was delighted to receive him.
Monty even took Natalia to school and now welcomes her home after school each day as they cuddle and play together.
FARRIER UPDATE
Last month’s e-magazine had a last-minute update to our news. Kathleen was very excited to announce that she had passed her final exams. We are pleased to further update you that we attended her graduation ceremony, with her boss for the last 5 years, in London mid-June. It was a lovely, sunny day with a service followed by the presentation – a fitting way to celebrate the hard work Kathleen has undertaken, and a lovely start to the next phase of her journey.
We are so proud of her resilience and how hard she has worked to achieve her dream job. We would like to thank you all for your love, prayers and support, it has mean so much to us all.
Sarah and Richard B
What a pleasure to welcome the Michelmersh Silver Band to perform their D-Day 80 Concert in our church. They featured three of their finest soloists: Paul Griffiths played the beautiful ‘Peace’ by John Holland to accompany Claire reading he poem “As I stand here now” by the late D-Day veteran T Chapman RN, Jan Boler was jazzing out in Glenn Millers ‘American Patrol’ and Matthew Curtis brought Cole Porter’s ‘Every Time We Say Goodbye’ . The young people of the Michelmersh Training Band also performed. The concert had a very local feel, as Pipe Sergeant Philip Garrod joined them to play Highland Cathedral in a musical tribute to soldiers of the Canadian Army’s Cape Breton Highlanders who used Michelmersh Silver Band’s current rehearsal hall in Timsbury as their Mess Hall prior to embarkation to fight in Europe.
All agreed, the concert was an absolute treat! Michelmersh Silver Band pass their sincere thanks to everyone at Abbey URC for making them so welcome and being so helpful.
CHURCH
The church should be a community where messed-up people are welcome, outcasts are loved, underdogs find a champion, the hopeless find hope, and the friendless find a friend.
A ROUSING EVENING
On Saturday, 15 June the church was filled with music provided by Romsey Male Voice Choir and their guests Hart Male Voice choir. They performed separately and together with a wide-ranging selection of music. It was a wonderful concert and with a total of 80 male voices the volume and depth of sound was amazing.
From our Roving Reporter
ROUND THE SOUTHERN FELLOWSHIP OF UNITED REFORMED CHURCHES
Bitterne URC
Praying and Voting During the Election Period –from the Joint Public Issues Team
As we prayerfully engage with the upcoming election, it’s essential to ground our actions in the certainty of God’s care and loving action towards and through us. Here are some themes you might reflect in your prayers:
That political debates will be characterised by listening, kindness and truthfulness: Pray that voters will listen actively and demonstrate lovefilled curiosity towards those they may disagree with or do not understand.
Integrity of leaders and candidates: Pray for those standing in the elections and supporting the democratic process to act with integrity and honesty, prioritising the common good over personal or party interests.
Peace-fostering Campaigning: Pray for a peaceful and respectful campaigning period, free from violence and divisiveness. It would be worth focusing prayers for the vulnerable, that policies that impact them the most are not used for political expediency.
Just policies: Pray for policies that promote justice, equity, and care for the marginalised, reflecting Christ’s love and compassion.
To participate in the election, people need to register to vote, and also take a form of photo ID with them. This will be the first General Election where photographic ID is a requirement, and there is a concern that certain groups could be disenfranchised as a result. Churches can help publicise the availability of free Voter Authority Certificates that need to be applied for in advance. The election period is an opportunity to raise issues of concern in our communities and to our churches. Earlier this year, JPIT published some suggestions for election manifestos, based around ‘Six Hopes’ themes of poverty, environment, refugees, the economy, peace and politics. These could be used as prompts for discussion and to ask questions of candidates. For more information, visit the Joint Public Issues Team website. They will be publishing more election news, initiatives and information as the election approaches.
Get crafting to dream on:
What are your dreams for yourself, your church and the world? The URC are asking you to use your talents and design a fabric square (15cm x 15cm). You can knit or crochet (using any wool you like), or get a square of (any colour) cotton fabric and applique, embroider, paint or draw your design. They will be all sewn together and displayed on the URC’s stand at the Greenbelt Festival. Thank you.
Southampton
action:
If you’d like to help refugees who have recently arrived in Southampton, then please have a look at our local refugee charity, Southampton Actions’ request.
They need: - men’s clothes, shoes, flip flops, coats and new underwear in all sizes. Rucksacks and sports bags.
Non-electrical kitchen equipment for example pots, pans, plates, cutlery (no sharp knives please), cups, mugs, mixing bowls, etc.; bedding and soft furnishings, for example duvets, sheets, pillows, pillow cases, cushions, throws, blankets, good quality and clean; toiletries of all types for men, women, children and babies (they need nappies but not tampons). Clothes for ladies, babies and children are not needed at the moment.
Also volunteers to sort donations on Wednesdays and Saturdays –please see their Facebook page for more information and how to volunteer.
Refugees… from the City of Sanctuary UK website:
We are not talking about refugee rights enough. Maybe we feel overwhelmed, maybe we fear how people will respond; but if we’re to build a kinder and fairer world, we need to get talking. Nothing can be achieved if we exist in a polarised, them-and-us climate where we’re unable to effectively speak to our family members, neighbours, colleagues or change-makers who hold differing opinions to our own. A crucial part of shifting public attitudes is down to people simply talking about what they believe in. It’s down to having conversations –lots of them.
This has never been more important. Increasing humanitarian and climate crises mean there will be more people seeking sanctuary, but hostile rhetoric has led to divided communities and a sharp rise in farright activity. How we treat people seeking sanctuary reflects who we are as a country, and right now we’re at a critical moment. It’s going to take all of us to change the story.
Speaking from the heart, finding common ground and actively listening can markedly reduce prejudice.
Avenue St Andrew’s URC
Coffee and Cake
We hold our monthly Coffee and Cake sessions from 10.30am to noon in The Concourse. Cafetière coffees, teas and cold drinks are served and a trolley of homemade cakes is wheeled round for customers to make their selection. Donations for Church funds (and occasional charities) are collected as people leave. The dates (mostly the final Saturday of each month) are advertised beforehand by poster. Come and meet friends from the church and the local community. All are welcome.
Isaac
Watts Memorial Church
Celebrating the 350th birthday of Isaac Watts
The Sarah Siddons Fan Club present “A Land of Pure Delight” celebrating the 350th birthday of Isaac Watts. A theatrical walk telling the life and times of the father of English Hymnody. Join them on 2, 3 or 4 July at 7.15pm starting from God’s House Tower, Winkle Street, Southampton.
Tickets £7 from www.sarahsiddonsfanclub.org.uk or 02380862882.
HUGH LEWIS
Most people will have heard that our dear friend Hugh Lewis died peacefully on the early afternoon of 27 June with his daughters present. Many of us will remember Hugh as a loyal and regular attendee at our evening services at Abbey URC. He was a proud Welshman and loved singing Welsh Hymns (in Welsh)!
His funeral will take place at Test Valley Crematorium Chapel on Monday 1 July with Revd Mike officiating, a private family occasion, with the possibility of a Thanksgiving Service here in church later in the year. A longer Tribute will be placed in the next edition of this magazine. We remember all Hugh’s family and friends at this time of loss. Rest in peace Hugh.
Pob gras sydd yn yr Eglws fawr, Fry yn y nef neu ar y llawr, Caf feddu’r oll, eu meddu’n un Wrth feddu d’anian di dy hun.
Jesus, I trust that every grace, Treasured in heaven or here on earth, Will fill my heart when I have known Perfect delight in your new birth.
(Rejoice & Sing 540)
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ROMSEY
Churches Together in Romsey next meets on Wednesday, 24 July at 7.30pm – venue to be confirmed. The guest speaker for the evening is Louisa Rice, Test Valley Engagement Manager for Test Valley Borough Council. Louisa will be challenging us to explore how Test Valley and the churches of Braishfield, Ampfield and Romsey can help each other in meeting the needs of our community? This meeting is an open meeting so please do join us. Our weekly service sheet will confirm details of the venue, should you have any queries please contact me at andybevan1@btinternet.com
Attempts are also being made to hold a hustings in Romsey for candidates standing for election at the General Election on Thursday 4 July. More details will be given on the weekly service sheet on 30 June.
Vacancy for Manager
Salary £30k 40-hour week
For application pack, email chairman@oasisromsey.co.uk
Closing date: 19 July 2024
Oasis Christian Trust Reg Charity no: 1171906
With the school summer holidays looming, July and August are expected to see an increase in demands being made of Romsey Food Bank.
If you would like to donate food, please use the basket at the back of the church. The food donated is divided between Romsey Food Bank and Romsey Community Pantry. Goods most in demand at present are instant mash, squash, tinned meat, long life fruit juices, sponge puddings, desserts, chocolate and sweets.
They currently have a large supply of pasta, porridge oats, rice, baked beans, incontinence pads and pet food.
Refugee Week (17-23 June) has been the main focus for the Romsey group this month, in raising awareness of the plight of refugees. None of us would choose to leave our homes under duress, yet millions around the world have no option. We asked people to try and imagine what they would miss if forced to flee - family, safety, comfort…?
Several Romsey churches, and many shops, displayed our posters with inspiring poems and information. We hope that they make people mindful of those who are fleeing war, persecution, poverty and hopelessness.
John
MESSAGE FROM SYNOD: NEW INITIATIVE BY THE JOINT PUBLIC ISSUES TEAM
The Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) is a wonderfulexample of denominations working together to highlight and address current issues.
Nine representatives from the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church, the United Reformed Church and the Church of Scotland meet regularly to oversee the work of the team, and to structure its work and future priorities. They have released the follow statement:
Poverty hurts. It blights the lives of people in the UK and around the world.
But poverty is not inevitable. Choices that are made, and that we make, force people into poverty and trap them there. This means we can make a difference. By using our voices and our votes, by using our heads and our hearts and by deepening our understanding of God’s love for all God has made.
With a General Election coming up, we believe that this is the time to speak out as a Church and show our political leaders that another reality can exist where poverty doesn’t hold anyone down, and that together we can get there.
North West Synod has made us aware that churches are closing disproportionately in areas of deprivation in the UK and has produced a strategy aiming to help its churches serving the poorest areas.
What could we do in Wessex?
Roo Stewart, Programme Officer for Church and Society recommends joining Let’s End Poverty.
Let’s End Poverty is a movement, in the same vein as Make Poverty History and the Jubilee Debt Campaign in previous decades. These movements were successful because of the sheer numbers of diverse organisations and individuals united around a common hope, pressing those in/with power to act. Each movement was limited in scope and time, but they largely achieved their objectives by challenging preconceptions of how economy was ordered. Unfortunately, the time is long overdue to raise this issue with our government again.
The specific ask of the scheme is to get people, and especially politicians, talking about tackling or even eradicating poverty. There is no magic formula that we are suggesting politicians or society need to adopt to end poverty; rather there needs to be the political will to work towards a society where experiencing poverty is uncommon, where no one is trapped in poverty and where immediate help is available to avoid or escape falling into poverty.
That’s it! There is no membership fee or other expectation. Let’s End Poverty is not affiliated with any political party. This is a movement that means to stand out and to speak up for the end of poverty in the UK.
The website of Let’s End Poverty is found at https://letsendpoverty.co.uk/ Further details about other work being undertaken by JPIT can be found on their website https://jpit.uk/about-us.
