A MESSAGE FROM REVD MIKE
Dear friends in Christ,
November 2024
On our evening dog-walks in the Memorial Park at this time of year I find myself in a reflective mood, pondering on how, at this time of year, God’s glorious creation is preparing to sleep and rest.
Autumn, with its vibrant colours and gentle breeze, is a season of transition and transformation. As the leaves fall and nature prepares for the colder months ahead, we can find inspiration in this beautiful time of year to reflect on our faith and seek renewal in our spiritual journey.
Here is a poem that captures the essence of autumn, its symbolism, and its connection to our Christian walk.
The leaves, like souls, begin to change, From green to gold in a vast exchange; Autumn's embrace, a gentle reminder, Of our own seasons, a time to surrender.
God's hand, like the wind, guides our way, As we walk through life, both night and day; And just as the trees, we shed our fears, Trusting that His love will dry our tears. For every leaf that falls to the ground, A new prayer rises, a hopeful sound; Our hearts, like branches, sway in the breeze, As we find solace on our spiritual knees.
The harvest of the Spirit (Grace Johnson) With permission
In Christian love, Mike
OUR NEXT CHURCH MEETINGNOMINATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS CHARITIES
Please do join us for our Church Meeting after the service on Sunday, 17 November. All members and friends are welcome to share ideas and learn more about the life of the church, though only church members are eligible to vote on any decisions.
This meeting will agree two charities which will receive Christmas donations from the church, in addition to Wessex Synod Benevolent Fund. If you have a special local charity you would like to benefit from one of these donations, it would be helpful if you could pass details of the charity to Andy B by 16 November. Thank you.
COUNTDOWN TO ADVENT
This November we are again supporting Amber whose outreach team meet women on the streets of Southampton offering a listening ear, emotional and practical support, and prayer. Below is a list of suggested items to donate; if you are able, we invite you to place items from the list into the box provided at the back of the church.
A representative from Amber will join our service on 24 November to collect our gifts. Please remember, anything will be gratefully received but there is no obligation to take part.
Body Spray (Impulse, Charlie, etc)
Handbag size wipes
Bar/bag of chocolate (please avoid nuts)
Christmas decoration/bauble
Item of jewellery (earrings/bracelet)
Lip Salve
Hand cream
Chocolate coins
Christmas decoration
Christmas card with message (unsealed)
Thank you so much for your kindness. It means so much to Amber and the people they support. God bless.
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 followed by refreshments and an opportunity to chat. All are welcome to join us on 28 November.
MAGAZINE DEADLINE
Material for November 2024 to be submitted by 5pm (latest) on Thursday, 21 November 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.
PRAYER FOR THE MONTH
While doing a vacation job I met up with 2 fellow students who were likewise employed. They were both accomplished cavers and invited me to join them.
My memories of being underground are still vivid although the last time I was in a cave was 65 years ago. I remember working our way through very narrow passages and experiencing total blackness (we could not see our hands in front of our faces). We saw some magnificent chambers with our torches, one was a beautiful quartz-lined chamber of cathedral proportions. I remember the contrast with total darkness causing us to blink as we emerged into the light of day.
Often, I have been able to pray through those memories when I have needed the strength of the Lord to guide me through difficult times.
Prayer:
Great God,
When we are feeling down and in a dark place bring us a vision that shows us the intense beauty of your creation, and when, with your help, we emerge from our darkness with grateful hearts, guide us forward by the light of your love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen
Derek
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 November:
03 Psalm 146
10 Psalm 127
17 Psalm 90
24 Psalm 93
Mark 12:28-34
Mark 12:38-44
Mark 13:1-8
John 18:33-37
ABBEY URC CHURCH SALE
Just a reminder that the Abbey URC Church sale is on Saturday, 9 November from 10am to 12noon. We would be grateful for donations to fill our stalls. We are looking for unwanted gifts of household items, tombola and raffle prizes, cakes or jams, Christmas gifts.
Many thanks.
TOY SERVICE ON SUNDAY, 1 DECEMBER
Gwen S
We will be holding our annual toy service on Advent Sunday. Colin McPherson of Southampton Voluntary Services toy appeal will be attending the service to receive gifts from the congregation for distribution to children in the Southampton area, who would otherwise not receive any gifts on Christmas morning. If you wish to donate, please bring your gift either to Abbey URC on Saturday, 30 November between 10am and 12.30pm, to the Abbey URC Toy Service on Sunday, 1 December at 10.30am or the Braishfield Toy Service at 10 am on 8 December.
It is requested that toys, or suitable gifts for older young people, should be of no more than £20 in value and should be left unwrapped so they can be easily identified for suitability for their recipients. Your support, as always, will be greatly appreciated.
Andy
CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR OUR CONGREGATION
The Abbey URC Christmas card post box will be available to you from 18 December. Please only use this for people you know will be in church to collect them. They will be available for collection from 15 December.
Alternatively, a board will be available for you to pin one card to the congregation and make a donation towards the special Commitment for Life Gaza Appeal aimed at supporting the displaced and injured people of Gaza.
REVD MIKE’S PREACHING ROTA
Some people have mentioned that it would be interesting to know where Revd Mike will be leading worship on a Sunday morning now the Southern Fellowship has formed and (almost!) fully functioning.
During November he will be at:
03 Avenue St Andrew’s URC
10 Ecumenical Remembrance Sunday Service at Romsey Abbey and procession in Romsey
17 Braishfield URC (Remembering/All Souls service) 24 Bitterne URC (with church meeting)
SKITTLES EVENING
We look forward to you joining us at Wellow Golf Club for our annual skittles evening, which is always fun with good food and fellowship. This year it is taking place on 9 November at 6pm. Come along and enjoy the company of others for a fun evening - you don’t have to ‘skittle’ if you would rather not.
The charge is only the cost of your meal and whatever you spend at the bar. There will be a raffle in aid of church funds. My email address is carole.cox@btinternet.com or call me on 07787 630297 for more information. If you require a lift, then please let me know.
The food choices can be found at the back of church; please confirm your food order by the first weekend of November, or you can contact me with the details.
Carole
HARVEST DONATIONS TO ROMSEY COMMUNITY PANTRY
Thank you to all who supported our Harvest appeal by donating food items at our Harvest Festival Service at the beginning of October and coming to our Harvest Supper.
In addition to all the produce, we were also able to give £95 to Romsey Community Pantry to use in their work.
It was unfortunate that unforeseen circumstances prevented Danny from being with us for our Harvest Service to tell us more about the services offered by the Pantry We hope she will be able to join on some future occasions.
In the meantime, did you know that you can also donate good quality books and toys to the Pantry as well as food? (noelectrical goods though please)
Barbara G kindly sent in the poem that she read at the Harvest Supper which was written by her granddaughter three years ago when she was 9 years old.
In The Green
A forest is like a house. You can build dens with your imagination. It makes you feel happy and be calm when you listen to the birds and the river. It is calming and it fills you up with happiness and it helps you when you need it.
A forest is like a family because forests make you feel safe. And forests are there for you day and night. Thank you, God, for giving us the forest.
Katie N
PRAYER
Our prayer post box can be found in the front garden outside Abbey URC. It stays out day and night, as the need to pray does not always come at a convenient time.
We all have worries, concerns or something on our mind; anyone who feels the need is invited to write a prayer, pop it into the box - we will then include these prayers in our service on Sunday, and keep them in our thoughts and prayers during the week.
Sometimes it helps to know someone is thinking about you.
BIBLE STUDY AND DISCUSSION GROUP
Our next Bible study and discussion group will take place on 17 November (please note the change of the usual week in the month) 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!
COMMITMENT FOR LIFE SERVICE 24 NOVEMBER
We look forward to welcoming Pam Humphreys to lead our morning worship on 24 November when we shall be hearing about the URC Commitment for Life programme. As reported elsewhere, we shall also be welcoming representatives from Amber who will be coming to collect the gifts donated for them to distribute to those whom they help in Southampton.
Commitment for Life operates with partners in Bangladesh, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Zimbabwe. 75% of Commitment for Life donations made through the URC are used to support Christian Aid partners in these three countries, 5% of total income is given to Global Justice Now to support its work against poverty and 20% is retained to cover education, grants, administration and advocacy.
We support Commitment for Life by sending the proceeds from refreshments served after morning worship. Collection boxes and jars are also available from the table in the church foyer, if you wish to collect coins for this worthy cause and give them to Jennifer P to add to the church total sent at the end of the year.
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS APPEALS
It seems the year is coming to a close too quickly when we start including information about our Advent and Christmas activities in our Magazine. With some starting in November and others in early December, within this magazine there are details of the opportunities to share our Christian love amongst our congregation and further afield for those less fortunate than ourselves.
SHARING GOD’S LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS
Do you have time to try your hand at crafting one or two (or more) angels to share? We are looking for angels that are knitted, crocheted, made, crafted – all are welcome. Please bring your completed angels to church and leave them at the back for Sarah B by the end of November.
In the last few years, it has been a joy getting them ready to send on their way, with our love and prayers, ready for their new families to find them on our railings in December and taking them home to decorate their homes at Christmas.
It's a lovely way to celebrate this special season; for young people it is a small piece of magic, for people struggling or on their own it shares some love and shows we care.
The angels will be blessed in church in early December, before going out into the world. Please feel free to take one if you know a friend or neighbour who would appreciate it. Should you have any queries, please contact me at abbeyurcpr@gmail.com. Thank you.
Sarah B
CALENDAR
2025 MAGAZINE CHARGES
We hope you have enjoyed our 2024 magazines. The subscription for 2025 is due in January. If you collect a printed version from church, or if you have it delivered by hand, the cost for the year will be £10. Please let Jill Girdlestone know if you want your name added to the list.
Payment can be made:
• by banktransfer/BACS to: Abbey United Reformed Church Romsey, Sort Code 40-52-40, Account Number 00033457 (please use the reference MAG and your name; also let Reg know)
• by post with a cheque to Jill Girdlestone and a note stating MAG and your name/address. Cheques to be made payable to “Abbey United Reformed Church”.
You can have a hard copy posted to you at a cost of £19.50 per year, to cover the printing, envelopes and postage for 10 issues. If you wish the magazine posted to you, please tell Jill Girdlestone, and ensure payment is received by 15 January 2025.
It will continue to be available as an e-magazine, delivered by email. Although this is free, a donation would be much appreciated. The magazine can also be viewed on the church website at www.abbeyurc.org.uk, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram Thank you.
Braishfield United Reformed Church
Minister: The Reverend Mike Perrott, MA 01794 512163 e-mail: revd.mike13@gmail.com Day off: Mondays
The Reverend Doctor Sarah Hall e-mail: sarah.hall.swhg@gmail.com 02380 768004 Day off: Thursdays
Secretary: Shirley Smith 01794 368447
Treasurer: Sharon Whitfield 01794 521937
Serving Elders: Shirley Smith 01794 368447 Allison Symes 02380 262803
November 3 9.30 am Holy Communion led by Rev. Dr Sarah Hall 10 10.50 am Remembrance Sunday Service at the village War Memorial with two minutes’ silence held at 11 am. Andy Bevan is to take part.
10.00 am Remembering Service led by Revd Mike Perrott
10.00 am Family Worship led by Revd Wendy White
9.30 am Holy Communion led by Rev Mike Perrott
10.00 am Toy Service: Family Worship led by Andy Bevan
10.00 am Family Worship led by Rev Dr Sarah Hall; jars of coins to be brought to church
3.00 pm Afternoon Carols by Candlelight service led by Revd Mike Perrott. Refreshments to follow. All are welcome.
9.30 am Christmas Day short service led by Revd Mike Perrott
10.00 am Family Worship led by Pam Humphreys January 2025
9.30 am Holy Communion to be led by the Revd Sarah Hall 12 10.00 am Family Worship to be led by Derek Hiscocks
10.00 am Family Worship to be led by Sharon Whitfield. Presentation of charity cheque will occur during this service.
10.00 am Family Worship to be led by David Stone
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
Many thanks to all who came to our church meeting after the short service on Sunday, 20 October.
Thanks to all who help the church in any way throughout the year, especially since everyone has being doing this for many years, decades even! Your support and hard work is much appreciated by us all.
Also, thanks goes to those remembering to sweep up in front of the church every Sunday morning. It makes the path a lot less slippery.
If you do spot something amiss (light not working, that kind of thing), do let the Fabric Group know (Adrian and David). Thanks.
Please remember there is no church service in our church on 10 November as we are joining the village at the War Memorial 10.50am for the Remembrance Sunday service. Andy Bevan will be taking part in this service.
Do add any names of loved ones to the list at the back of the church for our Remembering Service on 17 November.
Looking a little further ahead, our Toy Service will be on Sunday, 8 December when the service will be led by Andy Bevan. Please bring in new toys (they need to be in unopened boxes). These will be collected by Colin Macpherson from Southampton City Council and the toys will be given to those most in need in the area. As ever, thank you to all who have donated gifts before and plan to do so this year. These toys bring joy to many.
As many of you know, the church collects coins or paper money (or both!) during the year. The money is put in jars or other containers.
I have a special edition Tate and Lyle tin with a slot in the lid for the purpose! The money raised this way goes to our charity project for the year.
I mention this as, on 15 December, when our service will be led by the Revd Sarah Hall, we will be bringing in our jars of coins. The money raised will go to our charity project this year, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Historic Churches Trust.
It is amazing just how much these jars can bring in so do bring your full one along. We will soon empty it! Just so you know the money collected gets tipped into a bucket – what a super noise the coins make! Okay the paper money doesn’t make any noise but it is all very welcome for our charity fundraising! Thank you for your support. Talking of the charity, the presentation of the cheque will be made during the service on 19 January 2025.
Before that, do ensure you’re in good voice for our Carols by Candlelight service at 3pm on Sunday, 22nd December. There will be refreshments afterwards. If we sing as well as we usually do, we shall be glad of those teas and coffees!
Also, our Christmas Day service is at 9.30am and will be led by the Reverend Mike. It is a short service only but it is always lovely to see people for this one.
To finish, I can’t resist asking the unanswerable question – how come this year has gone by even faster than the last one? I can hardly believe I’m flagging up Advent and Christmas events. It seems like yesterday I was flagging up the Easter ones!
Allison Symes
A HUGE THANK YOU TO ROMSEY VOICES AND ROMSEY YOUTH CHOIR!
We are very grateful to Marion Maxey for organising the concert on 11 October in aid of church funds, with Romsey Voices and Romsey Youth Choir. When the children are performing there is always a real buzz, as they bring with them so much joy and enthusiasm. Revd Mike welcomed the audience, who enjoyed beautiful music from both choirs. Nick Nack Paddy Wack performed by the children was great fun - a challenge for Marion, as well as for Chris on the piano. Members of the congregation served refreshments and raffle prizes were donated by many local businesses as well as individuals. Everyone was very generous enabling us to raise over £1,360.
The choirs also enjoyed themselves! This is what they had to say:
Romsey Voices: Great concert on Friday evening in Abbey United Reformed Church, Romsey. We all had a fabulous time performing and raising money for this great building.
Romsey Youth Choir: So proud of our Children’s Choir’s performance at the Romsey Voices Autumn Concert in Abbey United Reformed Church, Romsey last night. A huge well done everyone.
INTRODUCING
Stepwise is the discipleship development programme from the United Reformed Church. It is for everyone: all ages, shapes and sizes –including you! Stepwise is made up of several broad learning streams including Faith-filled Life,Faith-filled Worship, Faith-filled Community and Faith-filled Leadership.
Faith-filled Life is for anyone who wants to develop and grow in their Christian faith and discipleship. It provides a foundation for exploring more deeply the call to discipleship in the 21st century and gives an introduction to the way Stepwise works. It is also a requirement for the other Stepwise streams that Faith-filled Life is completed first.
Faith-filled Life is made up of seven key themes:
• Why Stepwise? An introduction to Faith-filled Life
• Who am I? Exploring identity and faith
• Where do I fit? How faith shapes our daily life
• Where do I fit in my community? Thinking more about God's mission in the world and how you are part of it.
• My walk with God - what journey am I on?
• Dealing with challenges? Building confidence and resilience for facing life's challenges
• Which way now? Looking back and looking forward
We are looking to organise a group for the Stepwise discipleship programme, do let us know if you are interested. The group is expected to meet regularly for the Stepwise session over coffee or tea; to explore deepening our walk with God. For more information visit https://urc.org.uk/your-faith/developing-your-faith/stepwise/
BEGGARS FAIR CHRISTMAS EVENTS
In July the Beggars Fair celebrated its 30th anniversary, with more events than ever hosted throughout the town. To continue this success, it is hoping to organise events at different venues during the 30 days from 23 November, when the Christmas lights switch on, through to 23 December. Details of these events will be available later in November.
ROMSEY DEMENTIA ACTION GROUP SERVICE TO REMEMBER
Join Romsey Dementia Action Group (ROMDAG) at Abbey URC for a Service to Remember on Tuesday, 12 November from 11am for 11.30am start.
A short service with traditional hymns, followed by refreshments. The theme is "When I Was 10", as Romsey was declared a Dementia Friendly Town ten years ago. The service is for people living with dementia and their carers; no need to book, just turn up with your memories and voices.
Should you have any queries please text 07857 881913 or email romseydementiaactiongroup@gmail.com.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Our hand knitted poppies will once again be on the railings of Abbey URC and the poppies loaned by the Town Hall will be “planted” in our front garden.
The nation, and Romsey, gathers on Sunday, 10 November, remembering the service and sacrifice of all those who have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
Remembrance unites people of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds but it is also deeply personal. It does not glorify war and its symbol, the red poppy, is a sign of both remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.
We will remember them.
CALL OUT FOR CHRISTMAS JUMPERS!
CHRISTMAS JUMPER SWAP AT CHURCH SALE IN ABBEY HALL ON 9 NOVEMBER 2024
Do you have a Christmas jumper you no longer wear? Why not donate it to Abbey URC? At our Church Sale on 9 November, we will have a Christmas jumper swap - but we'd also like to offer people the opportunity to pick up a "new to them" Christmas jumper.
It is estimated that 1 in 4 Christmas jumpers are thrown away each year, or never worn more than once. So this year, instead of throwing that jumper away, why not give it a new lease of life with someone else?
Drop your unwanted Christmas jumpers to Abbey URC on a Saturday or Sunday morning before the sale - or pop into Abbey URC hall on the morning of 9 November to drop them off, and have a browse of our Church Sale at the same time!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT…
Be kind to unkind people, they need it the most
ROUND THE SOUTHERN FELLOWSHIP OF UNITED REFORMED CHURCHES
Bitterne Outlook
Saturday, 2 November from 10am-3pm visit their Jigsaw Puzzle Festival. Hundreds of puzzles new and completed to buy. Light refreshments available. Admission £1, accompanied children free.
Sunday, 3 November Ugandan Lunch to raise money for the charity Anthony Boys is hoping to establish. Come to the service Anthony is leading that day to find out more.
Thursday, 7 November First Thursday Community Lunch, everyone is welcome to come. Cost £6.
Saturday, 16 November Bitterne Precinct Christmas light switch with input from Churches Together in Bitterne and the launch of the Big Bitterne Sheep Trail!
Avenue St Andrews – Hope Herald
You'll already know that if we try to be active all the time, it's not good for us: body, mind or spirit. So how do you find the right balance between activity and rest? Here are some ways to rest: quality sleep; taking breaks; nurturing relationships; being open about emotions; expressing creativity. What do you most need to focus on?
Saturday, 16 November at 2pm a cream tea and indoor curling event in The Avenue Hall raising funds for a new cooker for their church kitchen. For more information, please contact Revd Sarah. Tickets £10.
Saturday, 30 November 10.30am-noon Mini-Christmas Fair. Coffee & Cake in November is enhanced by the creativity of crafters, bringing us the chance to find unique Christmas presents, plus a raffle and a cake stall. Come and look, eat, chat and buy!
Dates from the Fellowship
Bitterne URC Wednesdays 10am-11.30am Community Café
Bitterne URC 2nd Wednesday (monthly) 10am-11.30am Jigsaw Drop In Avenue St Andrews 2nd Wednesday Film Club
Avenue St Andrews 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 7pm-8pm Avenue Singers
Bitterne URC Saturdays 10am-11.30am Community Café
ABBEY URC FRIENDS
In May this year we were excited to launch Abbey United Reformed Church Friends; we are pleased that the numbers are steadily increasing through the year. As the new year approaches, why not join Abbey URC Friends? Or give membership as a Christmas gift!
Anyone can become a friend of Abbey URC – you could be a current member of our congregation, a part of our Southern Fellowship, a member of our local community or part of a community group who meet in our church buildings. By joining, you will help us to continue our work in Romsey, as well as preserving our beautiful, listed building.
Abbey URC Friends is an important link between the church and the town. Previous generations have ensured our heritage is preserved, now we need to ensure these much-loved buildings continue to be available to our church, and to the wider Romsey community into the future.
For full details of Abbey URC Friends, and to download an application form, please visit https://abbeyurc.org.uk/abbey-urc-friends/
GETTING THE WORD OUT
If you follow Abbey URC on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, can you help spread the word? Firstly, like and follow our page. To further help reach more people, and to share our posts far and wide, it is really helpful if you would click “like” on our posts and, if you feel it is suitable, “share” to your page – so friends and family also see what is going on at Abbey URC.
Why? A regular post reaches between 60 and 100 people, a post that is shared between 3-7 times will reach between 500 to 3,500 people! We have 373 followers – if everyone likes and shares our posts, it will really increase our reach on social media.
The larger our reach on social media, the more likely people will know we are there for them, when they need us. Thank you.
Church is…..
Where your PARENTS bring you to be baptised
Where your FRIENDS bring you to be married
Where your RELATIONS bring you to be buried….. Why not try coming on your own some time?
REGISTER FOR URC YOUTH ASSEMBLY 2025
Registration for URC Youth Assembly 2025, themed All Are Welcome, is now open. The date and venue has changed to 7-9 March 2025 at King'sPark Conference Centre in Northampton. Learn more about URC Youth Assembly 2025 and book your space.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return. You should give a good thought to the happiness that you can give out.
Eleanor Roosevelt
