As I always say in the February issue of our Magazine, “Christmas is over again for another year (at least, for 11 months!) and everything seems back to normal now”. But I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who did so much to ensure the services taking place over Christmas season went so very well.
It isn’t right to mention some names because this means not to mention others, but a big ‘thank you’ to our musicians and vocalists, readers of Bible verses and poems, the leaders of prayer, all who took part in all the various services and other activities, not to forget those who decorated the church and put up all the candles, both at Braishfield and at Abbey URCs.
As always, the candlelight services, as different as these are in each of our two churches, were very well attended. We continued holding this service at 3 pm on the Sunday afternoon at Braishfield, and at Abbey URC, on the Saturday evening before Christmas! And both services went very well!
Like last year, a very big ‘thank you’ to everyone who produced so many crocheted and knitted angels for Christmas time! There were all placed on the church railings of Abbey URC for passers-by to take home with them and use as part of their Christmas decorations, reminding them that, in the message of the good news of Jesus’ birth, light had come to the world, especially to those who found themselves experiencing dark times in their lives.
Lastly, as many people now know, Marie and I need to move from the Abbey Manse here in Romsey because it needs extensive roof and rewiring works, in addition to other work to improve energy efficiency. We will be relocating to the Valley Park / Chandlers Ford area within the next month or two, which will become our new Manse until I retire in April 2027. Until then my ministry, along with that of Rev Sarah, will continue to all six churches of the now well-established ‘Southern Fellowship of URCs.’
In Christian love, Mike
BALM
We had our Christmas meeting on 9 December. Members all brought a selection of nibbles which we all enjoyed and had a lovely social morning, and we even had Christmas crackers. In recent months we have welcomed another new member. We continue to meet in the Church lounge at 10.30am on the second Monday of the month. New members are always welcome.
PRAYER FOR THE MONTH
During the years I worked as a full-time chaplain in a large NHS hospital we had many line managers. The Minister for Health changed often and so did the policies and management structures. We had to keep up and adjust accordingly. One time it was even suggested that the Chaplaincy Department should come under the Hospital Facilities Department because Jesus was a carpenter!
In practice, however, things usually worked smoothly. We had regular appraisals and kept careful records of everything to justify our position in the organisation.
I personally had the prayerful support of my local church fellowship where I joined and led worship whenever I could. This was not as often as I would have liked because of the 24/7 commitment to the hospital. My chaplaincy role involved leading services, ward visiting, attending
Christine T
meetings, responding to emergencies and supervising students doing placements.
The management knew that we were ‘good value for money’, providing spiritual and religious care for all patients, relatives, friends, staff and volunteers. Additionally, we coordinated the provision of spiritual and bereavement care of all Christian denominations and other faith communities.
In the gospel of Mark chapter 11 and 12, the authority of Jesus is questioned by the chief priests, teachers of the law and the elders. Later on they question him about paying taxes to Caesar, a Roman general and statesman. We remember Jesus’ answer: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”
As Christians we pay our taxes and pray for our governing authorities but we also have to be wise and discerning, remembering who we serve. The ultimate line manager for us is always God. We are obedient to God’s laws when making decisions in ethical and moral issues. This not always easy.
At the beginning of this calendar year, we seek God’s guidance in our personal lives for the coming year. We turn to God when sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the needs and political situations we hear daily in the news and media.
We pray in the words of the hymn 685 in the Rejoice and Sing hymn book, based on Psalm 34.
“Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still my heart and tongue employ.”
BIBLE STUDY
We will be holding a Bible study at 6.30pm on Sunday, 2 February on Zoom (ID 864 1780 6994; PC learning) when we will look more deeply at the Gospel verses we usually hear at the morning service at Abbey URC. All welcome!
Leena
WORKS TO ROMSEY MANSE
There are various urgent works that Synod need to undertake on the Romsey Manse. During the works Revd Mike and Marie will need to move from the Abbey Manse as these works will include re-roofing and a complete rewiring. They will be relocating to a house in the Valley Park area within the next few months and this will become the new manse until Revd Mike retires in April 2027.
Other than not living in the centre of Romsey any longer, Revd Mike's ministry to Abbey and Braishfield URCs plus the wider Southern Fellowship will not be affected. Revd Mike will keep everyone informed as this change moves forward.
MAGAZINE DEADLINE
Material for March 2025 to be submitted by 5pm (latest) on Thursday, 20 February 2025 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.
A plethora of birthday celebrations in January and February!
Wishing Henry a very happy 18th birthday! Also, happy 16th birthday wishes to Freddie! Where did that time go? We hope they both had fabulous days!
Plus, wishing Andy a very special birthday this year, enjoy your celebrations!
What a delightful surprise to find out that I won the Christmas hamper! It’s so full of delicious goodies, all of which will be much enjoyed. With love and best wishes,
Thank you to everyone for all the kindness, messages, cards and flowers that were sent to me after Andrew passed away on 4 December 2024. It was a shock, but I was glad that I was with him at home.
W
To all our friends at Abbey URC, we would like to say Happy New Year and a big thank you for the lovely plant that we received on the 30th anniversary of our marriage at the URC by Alan Green. Appropriately, it was a pearl-coloured chrysanthemum for our Pearl Wedding Anniversary. Its arrival was the beginning of a memorable festive season. Love and thanks from us both,
Sue and Aelred D
Ruth
Angela
February 2
WEEKLY REFLECTIONS
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 February:
Psalm 71:1-6 Luke 4:21-30 9 Psalm 138
5:1-11 16 Psalm 1
6:27-38
6:17-26 23 Psalm 37:1-11; 39-40
CHILL OUT TUESDAY
On the second Tuesday of each month there is the chance to make new acquaintances, chat and share refreshments from 8pm - 9.30pm in the Abbey Hall Lounge. This regular social evening was suggested to Church meeting, to provide a place for anyone and everyone. Not only aimed at our congregation, it is a simple social opportunity for people to take time out of their busy timetables to sit back, relax and socialise.
To find Abbey Hall Lounge, walk under the arch between Abbey URC and TSB towards the Memorial Park, on your left just before Abbey Water is the green door to Abbey Hall. Enter the hall and follow the corridor to the left round to the Lounge. For more information, please email abbeyurc.chillout@gmail.com
PRAYER POST BOX
Each week we receive notes in our prayer post box from people in our community who feel the need to reach out - we include these prayers in our Sunday service. The box can be found by the door 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. There are sheets of paper and pens, so simply write your prayer and pop it into the box Sometimes it helps to know someone is thinking about you.
FLOWER ARRANGING ROTA
Have you considered offering to provide the flowers to decorate the church one Sunday? Perhaps you would like to celebrate a special occasion, the birthday of a departed loved one, or even your own birthday. Alternatively, just help to add a bit of colour in praise to God.
There is no special skill needed, only place some flowers in a vase with some water. If you are very careful when you take them out the wrapper they can even come “ready arranged”.
At the back of the church by the door leading through to the kitchen is a rota to fill in your name against your preferred week. Pinned underneath January to June can be found the list for July to December for those who wish to sign up for a date during the second half of the year.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR CHRISTMAS JUMPERS
Thank you to everyone who has donated Christmas jumpers at Church this January. Chris L will wash them and get them ready to pass to the Methodist Church, ready for their Christmas jumper swap at the end of November.
Two in five Christmas jumpers are only worn once before being thrown away, contributing to the 100 billion garments sent to landfill globally each year. So, Abbey URC decided to do something about it this year; we continue to work towards a more sustainable future, taking action that makes environmental sense for our church, for people and for our community.
CHARITY DONATIONS
Thank you to all who supported our appeals over the Christmas period. In total Abbey URC was able to support the following charities:
o £612.11 Commitment for Life made up of 2024 donations plus reclaimed gift aid for 2023/4
o £157.15 Commitment for Life Gaza appeal from Christmas card donations
o £36 Crisis
o £53.75 Olive trees from 2024 donations year plus 2023/24 gift aid
o £200.00 each to Wessex Synod Benevolent Fund, Romsey Carers Together and Romsey Family Support Group, as agreed at our last Church Meeting.
Dear Friends,
First, let me express my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your dedication and hard work over the Christmas season. Whether through community events, activities, or leading worship – often including special and extra services - you have gone above and beyond. In doing so, you have not only shared the story of Jesus but also made Christ visible in the world today. There is no greater calling, and your commitment is deeply appreciated.
As we step into a new year, I wish you a Happy New Year. For many, 2024 brought its share of challenges and a mix of sadness and joy. While some achieved much, for others, simply making it through was an accomplishment in itself. As we look to 2025, our hopes are renewed.
2025 also marks a significant milestone: the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a defining moment in the formation of our faith. At our Synod meeting on 11 October, we will be privileged to welcome the Revd Dr Susan Durber, President of the World Council of Churches and a familiar figure to many in Wessex. She will guide us in reflecting on this important anniversary. Such moments remind us that our hope is not in the turning of the calendar but in Christ, who makes all things new.
You may have noticed the popular refrain of “New Year, New You.” Yet this idea, rooted in both self-criticism and consumerism, can feel harsh. We are not disposable objects to be replaced annually, nor should we discard ourselves like outdated electronic devices. Instead, I encourage you to reclaim the “old you.” Refine, evolve, and improve if you can, but move toward your true self, not away from it. Be kind to yourself and your mind.
This brings me to an alternative approach for the start of the year: Gentle January. In a season where many feel the weight of exhaustion rather than refreshment, let’s embrace gentleness:
Gentle with ourselves,
Gentle with each other,
Gentle with our to-do lists and plans,
Gentle with our creation,
Gentle tones of voice to accompany gentle footsteps and gentle thoughts, all of which can be gently brought into our pauses and prayers.
Gentle January sounds inviting to me: a soothing, restorative alternative to the hurried resolutions and relentless pace of the world. May it bring you peace, renewal, and grace as we journey together into this new year.
With every blessing for 2025,
Michael Hopkins
THANK YOU FOR SHARING CHRISTMAS JOY
As Revd Mike mentioned, Abbey URC shared the joy of Christmas with our local community again this year. Thank you so much to everyone who knitted or crafted angels. One Sunday after church, they were placed on the railings with a note sending our good wishes and later that afternoon they had all flown off to their new homes.
Can you help this year? If you, your friends or your local craft group can knit, crochet or craft some angels for us, we would be very grateful We’re happy to receive them during the year, and look after them for next Christmas. This simple act of sharing means so much; 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.
If you have queries, please email abbeyurcpr@gmail.com. Thank you! Sarah
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Thank you to everyone who gave time to prepare our church for the Christmas celebrations, who took part in services, read, played and to those who helped tidy up after the festive season. Plus, those who bought tickets for the Christmas hamper, raising funds for our church. Especially, thanks to those who helped at the Carols by Candlelight service last year. It was lovely to welcome so many people and the church looked beautiful in the candlelight Revd Mike arranged alternative readings and the music provided by Kirsty and Rod added to the atmosphere.
It was a pleasure to welcome everyone to celebrate Christ’s birth. One of our invited guests, Councillor John Parker, commented, “a very lovely service with some interesting readings that were new to me”.
A STEP AT A TIME
Take a step at a time… and you’ll cover a mile… without any haste or hurry…
Lay one brick at a time… and you’ll finish the pile… without overworking or worry.
Do one thing at a time… and whatever you do… be sure it’s the best you are doing…
Live one day at a time… and your whole life through… you’ll find that your life is worth living.
Author unknown
CANDLES AND TINS FOR UKRAINE
Thank you to all who supported the appeal for candles and tins by the Romsey Ukraine Support Group. It was a great gesture of fellowship that four churches within the Southern Fellowship responded, and four large tins of candles plus a few bags of tins were collected.
The gentleman who came in to collect the candles and cans was very surprised by the quantity. He extended his thanks to Andy for organising it and to everyone who had donated.
These will be greatly appreciated by the soldiers protecting their homeland in the Ukrainian trenches who will derive both warmth and light from the new candles in tins derived when these are melted down. Some should also add an interesting scent in the air as they mix the scented candles offered.
Romsey Ukrainian Support Group said on Facebook “Wow! Thanks so much to everyone who helped Romsey Ukrainian Support Group on the day (and before). We made 634 trench candles for Ukraine. A busy productive day… another one soon. The mayor came along and we were on BBC news… fabulous community effort opposing the war.”
Should you wish to continue collecting candles and tins please do so, another collection date will be arranged in the future.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Mothering Sunday this year falls on Sunday, 30 March. We will share posies of flowers with the congregation and remember themany caregivers who have impacted our lives, who provide love and support, not least the unconditional love and support offered by our Lord.
Our Easter breakfast will be held in the Abbey Hall Lounge at 9am on Sunday, 20 April 2025. We meet to celebrate Easter morning before our communion service, everyone is welcome.
We will be holding an Easter egg raffle. Tickets will be on sale after the service from 16 March onwards and will be drawn on Sunday, 20 April. If you would like to donate Easter eggs to the raffle, we would be grateful to receive these. They can be left at the back of church during March and April.
There will be Bingo with a bring and share tea on Saturday, 26 April in our church hall. It’s always a fun, social afternoon with lots of laughter - we look forward to you joining us.
Further details in our March magazine.
CALENDAR
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:
February 2 9.30 am Holy Communion led by the Revd Mike Perrott
10.00 am Family Worship led by Chris Noyce
10.00 am Family Worship led by Nick Tustian
10.00 am Family Worship led by Peter White
March 2 9.30 am Holy Communion led by the Revd Dr Sarah Hall
10.00 am Family Worship led by Daniel Symes
10.00 am Family Worship led by the Revd Mike Perrott. The Annual General Meeting to follow the service.
10.00 am Family Worship led by Pat Oliver
10.00 am Mothering Sunday Family Worship led by Pam Humphreys
April 6 9.30 am Holy Communion led by the Revd Mike Perrott
10.00 am Palm Sunday - Family Worship led by Margaret Axford
Please note that the third Sunday of the month is the time to bring in tinned goods etc for the food bank collection.
I must thank everyone for their help with the wonderful Christmas decorations, in putting them up and taking them down. The church looked lovely during the Christmas season.
Moving on, the nice thing with February is you just start to see the first signs of spring and we start to get lighter evenings. I’ve already seen daffodils about.
It was good to welcome Rosemary Walker from the Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust to receive from Margaret Batchelor our charity cheque for £546.22 on Sunday, 19 January. It was lovely to have Chris Balchin join us for this service. He takes part in the annual Ride and Stride event. Half of the money he raises from this goes to the Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust and the other half comes to us. The service was led by Sharon Whitfield, our treasurer, and her topic, aptly, was on the theme of money.
Just to flag up we will have our Annual General Meeting after a short service led by the Reverend Mike on Sunday, 16 March. All are welcome. There will be a jobs list put at the back of the church so please do put your name down for a job you would like to do/continue to do. May I say a huge thank you to all who have served the church and those who continue to do so. It makes such a difference.
It would be lovely if the jobs list was completed ahead of the meeting so we can vote people in. It will also save time at the meeting so do bear that in mind!
Allison Symes
WESSEX SYNOD YOUTH
In mid-January Kathleen spent a weekend away with other people aged between 14- 25 as part of the Wessex Synod Winter Youth Retreat! They stayed at Waverley Abbey in Farnham and spent a relaxing weekend discussing the seasons and how they are reflected in our daily lives.
There was time to watch movies, do art, meditate, or play excessive amounts of Uno! Downtime to retreat from the busy world giving everyone time to reflect and recharge.
There were also the ruins of the original Waverley Abbey to explore which were beautiful. It was such a lovely time, it felt so relaxing, catching up with friends – and making new ones - whilst thinking about God.
ROMSEY AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
On Monday 9 December we had our ‘Write for Rights’ evening, when we wrote over 70 cards and messages of support to individuals or groups around the world who have suffered injustice or persecution, to give them hope and let them know they haven’t been forgotten. We also sent two cards signed by church members, and over 100,000 other people across the country wrote.
On 7 January we had great news about one of the people we’d written to: Ana de Silva Miguel, an Angolan woman who had been in jail for 16 months for criticising the president, was given a presidential pardon.
John H
2026 URC PRAYER HANDBOOK
The theme of the 2026 URC Prayer Handbook is Touching God. Under the editorship of the Revd Dr Susan Durber and the Revd Jonnie Hill, prayers are invited which express gratitude for, or a yearning to experience, the touch of God in our lives moments when the sacred mystery of God breaks into the everyday, filling it with awe and wonder; prayers that celebrate the sacramental nature of all life, affirming the presence of the divine throughout the world we share. The deadline is 21 February 2025. Learn more about the 2026 URC Prayer Handbook.
UP, UP AND AWAY……
Hello everyone, in December I let you know I’d been given the wonderful opportunity by the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association, in partnership with the American Farriers Association, to travel to America for three months.
I'll be flying to Massachusetts on Sunday, 2 February and then onwards to various places in the US to learn more about farriery, improve my skills, make connections, and meet some amazing people - all as part of the Edward Cullen Cultural Exchange. I'll be giving regular updates of what I've been up to online; if you have Facebook you can find me as "Farrier Faye", or as "farrierfaye" on Instagram! I’ll be back early May ready to tell you all about my trip!
Kathleen x
ROMSEY CHAMBER MUSIC WINTERFEST
I was privileged to steward the final concert in our church of the Romsey Chamber Music WinterFest.
The three performers, violinist and artistic director Laura Pickard, cellist Rainer Crosett and pianist Tomoki Park gave a varied performance which included compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach 1685-1974, Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) as well as two modern day composers, Joseph Phibbs (born 1974) and Katherine Balch (born 1991). Some were “Chamber music” played as you may never have heard it before, whilst others were of the more traditional music we would assume to be of “Chamber” genre, all enjoyed by an audience which filled our sanctuary and overflowed into the balcony.
The pieces offered were varied and of the highest standard, leading Rainer Crosett, an internationally renowned cellist, to admit that they challenged him with the demands some of the pieces made of the musicians.
The Romsey Chamber Music Festival is rapidly gaining an international reputation for its high standards of performance, placing Romsey firmly on the classical music map. They return in the summer with a whole range of musical events for all ages. The Festival, entitled 'Coda' runs from 31 May to 8 June 2025 and more details can be found on their website www.romseychambermusic.com.
SOUTHAMPTON REGIONAL THEOLOGY FORUM
Tom Stuckey and John Evans invite you to the next meeting of the Southampton Regional Theology Forum of the Methodist Church, to be held from 10 am on Thursday, 13 February 2025 in Romsey Methodist Church (https://www.romseymethodist.church).
The discussion will be led by Paul Morrison, the policy advisor for issues around the economy in the Joint Public Issues team, who’s mission is to promote responsible environmental stewardship in accordance with Christian principles and the wise use of science and technology.
The title and outline of Paul’s forum are: Unsettling Economics:
“The UK economy has grown in 22 of the 24 years of this century. On average we hold more wealth with higher incomes than ever before – yet churches fed more than 3 million people in foodbanks last year and 1 million children experienced destitution.
We will look at how assumptions baked into how the economy works lead to poor outcomes for people and planet and ask if theology offers us ways to challenge these damaging economic systems.”
This will be a morning-only meeting starting with a welcome drink, and the discussion will be in a cafe-style environment, aided by the products of a Swedish Bakery from Hedge End, thanks to the help of our local zero-waste shop and cafe, Lemon and Jinja.
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
It is so easy to get caught up with life and forget how many blessings have happened in a year.
This year, start with an empty jar.
Each week, add a note with a good thing that happened.
On New Year’s Eve, open the jar and read about the amazing year you had, filled with blessings large and small.
CHRISTIAN AID CHANGE MAKER CONFERENCE
8 March 2025 10am-2pm
Christian Aid invites you to be a changemaker for love, equality, dignity and justice by getting involved in their Changemakers Conference on 8 March from 10am to 2pm. You can become involved in one of the following three ways:
The main London Event: you are invited to St Johns Waterloo on Saturday 8 March 2025. The event will feature key speakers who will share news, ideas and resources in readiness for Christian Aid Week.
One of our In-Person regional Watch Parties: Christian Aid is hosting a series of watch parties around the country, live streaming the conference. Find an event near you which you can attend to discuss themes and share ideas with fellow supporters and your local Christian Aid representative.
Livestream from home: we're also streaming the London event live online, for anyone who wants to join in from the comfort of their own home or office.
More details can be found on the Christian Aid website www.christianaid.org.uk
Did you know that the legacy of Tradecraft lives on as Transform Trade? Transform Trade partners with inspirational producer collectives and social enterprises around the world to find new ways to tackle global challenges of poverty, climate change and inequality. It supports producers around the world in their fight for a fairer trade system with their work at present focusing on the food we eat, the clothes we wear and the devices in our pocket.
One initiative launched by Transform Trade is the opportunity to become a sponsor in one or more of three collectives.
Sadhna began with just 15 employees making clothing and textile products in Udaipur, India. She now employs 700 women, but their future is far from certain as they are challenged by the larger companies exploiting workers to produce similar goods.
Tanzania Delicious Cashews is owned by seven women and one man and aims to expand their operations in the Makonde region of Tanzania. They are working towards building a new factory and providing high quality jobs to enable the value of cashew processing to remain within the Tanzanian communities.
The Nyeri Chai Association of tea growers is working together to transform the whole of Kenya’s smallholder tea industry. They are fighting forfairer prices, gender equality and better representation as they grow tea that travels across the world, including the UK.
For £18.00 per month, you could help sponsor one of these communities. More details about Transform Trade, its activities and how you can help can be found on their website www.transform-trade.org
REVD MIKE’S PREACHING ROTA
ANDREW WOLFE
(written by his sisters, lightly edited by Revd Mike)
Andrew’s first jobs included time at the Tax Office and Southern TV but he spent most of his working life in Southampton Docks with his favourite occupation being a Checker crane driver. He loved climbing up to his ‘penthouse’ view of Southampton Water from the cab at the top of the crane. Unfortunately, ill-health ended his time in the docks and his last job wasfor Flower Welch – they were very kind to Andrew as he struggled with the onset of Parkinson’s Disease.
Andrew and Angela met in 1973 and, after a ten-year courtship, finally married in 1983. They started their married life in Eastleigh then moved to a lodge cottage working for a retired Colonel and his wife at Martyr Worthy near Winchester, while still keeping Andrew’s main job at Southampton Docks. This was a wonderful time because young Andrew was born in 1986.
The next move was to Southampton where the two Andrews were very happy riding their bikes through the parks and The Common and just enjoying city life. Andrew was a great dad and uncle to all his nieces and nephews. He first met his grandchildren Jackson (3) and pearl (2) on a family holiday in 2023 when we all went to Cornwall. They live in Nashville with young Andrew and his wife Candice, so ‘FaceTime’ calls have been an essential – they soon learnt to say ‘grandpa’!
In 1996 Andrew and Angela made the move to Romsey and this was the start of a very happy and settled time. Andrew loved walking into Romsey with his beloved Labrador, Sacha – never on a lead, just trotting at his heels waiting patiently outside the shops, even though he arrived home without her once, leaving her outside Boots!
Andrew’s favourite holiday destinations were Spain and then, when travelling became more difficult, Cornwall – especially Port Isaac and Sennen Cove. He was a great fan of ‘Doc Marrtin’ as it was filmed in Port Isaac, also the Fisherman’s Friends and their sea shanties.
He had a great love of music, especially Motown, and he had an impressive vinyl collection. He used to spend his teenage years at ‘Henry’s’ record shop in St Mary’s Street with the manager, John C, sharing his extensive knowledge of the latest records with Andrew.
Later in life, we were really proud of Andrew, how he dealt with his Parkinson’s. He never complained, was always cheerful, with a cheeky grin and jokey comment! The twinkle in his eye, as he thought of something witty to make people happy, never left him.
Everyone who knew Andrew loved his sense of humour and joy for life –always so sharp-witted and fun! Andrew was our big brother who was always there, and he will be sorely missed.
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity runs each year from the feast of St Peter on 18 January to the feast of St Paul on 25 January with resources for use throughout the week being produced by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
With 2025 being the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea at which Christians of all denominations came together and the Nicene creed was agreed, the daily meditations offered this year were based upon different aspects of the creed.
However, the highlight of the week for us as members of Churches Together in Romsey was the united service in Romsey Abbey held on Sunday evening. This year the service was based upon the material prepared by the community of Bose, an ecumenical monastery of brothers and sisters in northern Italy, using the Nicene Creed as its basis. The scripture readings focused on belief. A distinctive feature of this year’s worship was the inclusion of early Christian writers, most notably in the prayers of intercession. For the sisters and brothers of Bose, these writers are a living source for their shared life.
The symbol of Christ as the light of the world was demonstrated as each member of the congregation gradually lit a candle, spreading light down through the nave of the Abbey.
The sermon was offered by Revd Andrew deVille, Circuit Minister for Winchester, Eastleigh and Romsey Methodist Circuit who set us challenges for our future Christian pathway.
It was great to be part of a congregation of representatives from all denominations as they shared alongside each other in such a moving act of worship.
Finally, I offer you the following anonymous quote contained within the literature provided within this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity resource material: hope is like a bird that senses the dawn and carefully starts to sing while it is still dark.”
NEW WAYS TO DONATE
You may have noticed posters around church with a QR code. These provide an opportunity for anyone with a smart-phone or smart-watch(!) to scan the QR code and make a donation to church funds. When you scan the code it takes you to SumUp. You then input the amount you wish to donate and a payment will be made by SumUp to the church bank account.
Many people no longer carry cash, so it is hoped this will help people who wish to donate, but have no cash with them.
WISDOM CENTRE
Throughout the year the Wisdom Centre run a varied in-house programme of workshops, quiet days and retreats. With wellbeing of mind, body and spirit at the heart of Wisdom Spirituality, these days include reflection on themes within Christian and World Spirituality, Mindfulness and Psychotherapy. Art, craft and creativity is also play an important part and creative workshops are included within their programme.
All in-house days include refreshments, a simple home cooked lunch and afternoon tea.
Their events for Spring 2025 are below, for the full events programme visit www.wisdomhouseromsey.org.uk/wellbeing-and-spirituality/ or to book please email: reception@wisdomhouseromsey.co.uk or phone 01794 830206
New Life and Renewal in Celtic Spirituality – Saturday, 8 February from10am-4pm facilitated by David Cole
Entering into Lent Praying, Loving, Remembering – Saturday, 8 March from 10am to 4pm facilitated by Malcolm Clayton
A Spiritualty of Ageing: The Evening of Life – Thursday, 22 May from 10am to 12noon facilitated by Mary Dunn.
Silent Retreat Day – Saturday, 14 June from 10am to 4pm facilitated by the Breathing Space Team.
