A MESSAGE FROM REVD MIKE
Dear friends in Christ,
June 2025
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze
Then sings my soul, my saviour God to thee
How great thou art …
I’m not sure about how comfortable I am with the third line, and ‘looking down from lofty mountain grandeur’, since I have no head for hights! But I think Marie and I are very lucky to be now living so close to some ancient woodland where we enjoy walking our dog each day – he loves it too!
Walking among the ‘woodland glades’, hearing the birds sing in the trees, there is a brook too – all of which makes my soul sing … ‘How great thou art’!
Thanking God for the wonder of God’s creation, and remembering our Godgiven calling to cherish and be good stewards of what God has entrusted to our care, is all part of our prayer and our living out of our faith.
For me, being in the midst of woodland, with the sound of traffic and other noise muffled out, is like experiencing that sacred feeling you might feel inside those great vaulted Gothic cathedrals.
In 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt visiting Yosemite National Park wrote:
“The majestic trunks, beautiful in colour and in symmetry, rose round us like the pillars of a mightier cathedral than ever was conceived even by the fervour of the Middle Ages.”
Photo – Revd Mike
A poem by a Latvian poet, Rasma Raisters, says it all. (source: https://www.creativeexiles.com/2018/07/gods-cathedral/)
Far so very far, from all the noise, far from the crowds and the traffic in the street. There is quiet here, there is the peace I seek, high above my head, tall pines bend their tops, along with the wind and as I twirl about, I see the blue of the sky and the green of the trees. I hear the whisper of the breeze and the gurgling of a stream. Here where I can dream, here where nature has made, God’s cathedral. Down beneath my feet, soft pine needles, like a blanket –covering the ground. Wildflowers grow and way up high, in the tree branches, birds sing their songs, sending them echoing through –the quiet of the forest. Tree stumps offer a place to rest and sit for awhile. The tops of the pines, wave at me from above and it seems as if the world is far away, here among nature, where it is so quiet –in God’s cathedral. In any season it never closes, in the spring when nature awakens and in the green of summer, when the scent of pine –fills the air, blown by gentle breezes.
In the autumn when everywhere, you look the colours are changing and in the frozen splendour of winter, when pine branches, are covered in winter white. The greatest joy it brings to me, is in the summertime, when the blue of the sky, the green of the pines –all swirl together in a kaleidoscope. It is a wonderful place to be, here in the forest –in God’s cathedral.
In Christian love, Mike
BIBLE STUDY
We will be holding our monthly Bible study at 6.30pm on Sunday, 1 June on Zoom (ID 864 1780 6994; PC learning) when we will focus on the Gospel verses John 17:20-26 or Acts 16:16-34 (7-20). All welcome!
MORNING PRAYERS
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 the month.
June 1 Psalm 97
John 17:20-26 or Acts 16:16-34
8 Psalm 104:24-34 & 35b John 14:8-17 (25-27) or Acts 2:1-21
15 Psalm 8 John 16:12-15
22 Psalm 22:19-28 Luke 8:26-39
29 Psalm 16 Luke 9:51-62
MAGAZINE DEADLINE
Material for July/August 2025 to be submitted by 5pm (latest) on Thursday, 19 June 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.
PENTECOST PRAYER FOR JUNE
We read in The Acts of the Apostles of that first Pentecost when the disciples were gathered together in one place. Suddenly a strong wind came from the sky like a driving wind and there rested upon each one a tongue of fire as they could be heard speaking in a medley of different languages. To quash the accusations that they were drunk Peter, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, began to explain to the crowd about Jesus and how he was the Messiah. Peter’s words were so powerful that over three thousand people were baptized that day.
These new believersmet constantly together to pray and to hear the word of God. So, the Christian church grew rapidly in strength and numbers.
As we celebrate the season of Pentecost let us marvel at the power of the Holy Spirit and let us pray that the faith accepted by so many when they heard the words of Peter can be an example for us to follow today.
Lord God,
We give thanks to you for the power you offer through your Holy Spirit. We thank you for the example of faith shown to us by your followers after the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ.
As we come to know you more fully through our meeting for prayer and hearing your word, may your Spirit empower us today to be effective witnesses to your word and so bring others to faith in you.
THURSDAY MORNING COFFEE
You’ll find a warm welcome in Abbey Hall Lounge on a Thursday morning between 10am-11.30am when you can pop in for a cup of tea or coffee – or a glass of water! Everyone is very welcome.
Please note, there will be a break during summer; so, the coffee morning will not be happening from 31 July until September.
Amen
Andy B
CHURCH NEWS
We send our best wishes to Trudie Lawrence and Charlotte Lockwood following their wedding on 10 May and to Michael White and Michelle Lambert who were married at Abbey URC on 24 May. May both couples be blessed with long and joyful marriages.
I had a nice surprise when I opened the door and found a ‘flower’ lady standing there. Thank you to my Church friends for thinking of me and to Fran for kindly organising the flowers.
Joan D
After one table tennis session, I found I was suffering from a painful back. A quick investigation and I was told I was suffering from shingles. I know many of youmay have suffered from this, and realise it takes a few weeks before it can be overcome. I would like to thank all those who have expressed their sympathy and good wishes. I have been assured that it does not mean an end to playing table tennis!
Alan G
Thank you so much to everyone who has followed along with my cultural exchange in American. Your kind messages and good wishes were much appreciated. It was a wonderful experience, but it’s nice to be home again!
Kathleen
Reminder: Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Willie McKenna at Cadnam Methodist Church at 12 noon on 2 July.
DEREK HISCOCKS
Everyone within our church family are deeply saddened by Derek’s death; a long-serving, faithful member and friend of Abbey URC. He was involved in many different areas of church life and ministry – pastoral, worship, social and practical, and eldership. He served the wider church too, on the Synod Pastoral Committee and as a recognised lay-preacher.
We especially pray for Ruby and family at this time, as we begin to plan the funeral service, which is due to take place on Tuesday 17 June, at Abbey URC, at 2pm, followed by a private committal. Further details will be in our church notices.
CARETAKER’S HOLIDAY
Please note that Angela W will be on holiday from 27 June to 12 July.
COMMUNITY AWARENESS SUNDAY: 15 JUNE
We are holding our Community Awareness Service on at 10.30 am on Sunday 15 June.
This year we shall be learning about the work of Step by Step, a national charity helping young people experiencing problems in their lives. We are fortunate to be joined by Nic Goom who works for the charity at their home in Totton. Nic will be sharing her first-hand experiences of the services provided by Step by Step and the differences these have made to the young people they help.
We hope you will be able to join us for the service.
STOP AND TAKE SOME TIME….
There is a belief that if we are not actively grateful for what we have, we risk losing it. We have many things to be thankful for each day, but sometimes our busy lives get in the way of our view.
Take a couple of minutes, whilst reading the prayer below, to stop and thank God for the good things in our lives, that are always there and often go un-noticed.
Thank you for Abbey URC in Romsey.
Thank you for the magnificent building which welcomes people for worship weekly.
Thank you for ministers and lay preachers who prepare and deliver services for us.
Thank you for our musicians who accompany our hymns and provide music for meditation.
Thank you for our flower arrangers who bring us colour and evidence of God’s creation.
Thank you to our elders who work tirelessly, preparing the church for worship, meeting regularly for decision making in all aspects of church life.
Thank you for members of the congregation who come to God’s house for worship and fellowship.
Thank you for those who look after the church finances, counting the money, paying the bills, getting us grants.
Thank you for those who keep the church going, each in their own way, helping with admin, fabric, prayer, welcoming, reading, making refreshments, preparing communion, and many other ways too.
Thank you for those who book the church for concerts, bringing vibrancy and music.
Thank you that we live in a country where we are free to worship as we wish.
Amen Anonymous
SONGS OF PRAISE SERVICE
I shall be leading the Songs of Praise service on Sunday, 29 June and I need your help! Your contributions are needed –so please decide on your favourite hymn and add it to the sheet at the back of the church by 15 June.
I’d also like to know what makes this so special to you; something in the words, something about the music or an association with a particular place or person, or a combination of all these factors. On the day you can either introduce the hymn yourself, or I can introduce it for you. I’m looking forward to you joining me at the service to “sing to the Lord a joyful song!”. Thank you for your help.
Howard C
CONCERT STEWARDS
We are extremely lucky, as a church, to be used as a venue for many different musical events. Local youth choirs, the ladies’ choirs, Romsey Chamber Music Festival and the Beggars Fair to name a few, everyone enjoys performing in our church. For each concert we provide at least one steward to welcome the performers and their audience, as well as ensuring the lighting and heating is on (if necessary) and being on hand if anyone has any questions. Is this a way you could help – as well as enjoying the event? If you would like to know more about stewarding, please speak to Andy or any elder. Thank you.
EXCITING NEWS
We are delighted to share some wonderful news with our church family and the wider community - a generous grant has been received from the National Lottery Community Fund towards much-needed repairs to Abbey Hall roof, plus the installation of new energy-efficient lighting throughout the hall. We are thrilled that the grant will allow us to move forward with these essential improvements.
The lighting upgrade will feature smart controls and high-quality LED fittings, which will not only improve the lighting conditions in the hall but also help to reduce running costs. Most importantly, it will replace the current outdated fluorescent tube lighting, which is being phased out and is increasingly difficult - and costly - to maintain.
Abbey Hall plays a vital role in our local community, offering a welcoming and well-used space for a wide range of groups and events. We were heartened by the many letters of support from hall users during our grant application process - thank you to all who took the time to share how much Abbey Hall means to you. Your input undoubtedly strengthened our case and helped secure this funding. We look forward to keeping you updated as work progresses and are excited for the benefits these improvements will bring to everyone who uses Abbey Hall.
A WONDERFUL SPRING CONCERT
It was a pleasure to welcome the Mountbatten Community Choir, Mountbatten Community Wind Band with Southern Brass Collective to Abbey URC for their Spring Concert. As the first public concert for the community ensembles, it was a roaring success, and well attended by friends, family and church members. It was great to see so many people there, and everyone really enjoyed the wide variety of music.
One performer commented ”What an evening! The church is such a lovely venue for a music concert, and everyone performing had a good time. I’m sure we would love to return in the future; the church family hosted us so well”.
The choir and Wind Band are actively welcoming new members; they rehearse in the Lantern Theatre at Mountbatten School Wind Band meet Wednesdays and the Choir meet Thursdays from 7pm-8.30pm. They are both super friendly groups, with no auditions required.
Thérèse M
CALENDAR
June
1 10.30am Morning Worship including Holy Communion led by Revd Mike Perrott 1 11.45am Annual General Church Meeting 1 6.30pm Zoom Study ID 864 1780 6994 PW learning
4 2.30pm Church Table Tennis in Abbey Hall 5 10-11.30am Coffee morning in Abbey Hall Lounge 5 7.30-9pm
Romsey Chamber Music Festival: The Devil's Violinist: Paganini’s 24 Caprices
5 7.30pm Outreach and Youth Group on Zoom Meeting ID: 851 4528 3637 – PW business
6 1-2pm Romsey Chamber Music Festival: For the End of Time
6 6-7.30pm Romsey Chamber Music Festival: Angels
7 11.30am-12.15pm Romsey Chamber Music Festival: Family Concert
7 4.30- 6.20pm Romsey Chamber Music Festival: Heiliger Dankgesang 8 10.30am Pentecost service led by Revd Sarah Hall 8 1.30-2.20pm Romsey Chamber Music Festival: Junyan Chen
8 6.30-8.30pm Romsey Chamber Music Festival: Festival Finale
10.30am BALM in Abbey Hall Lounge
8-9.30pm Chill Out Tuesday in Abbey Hall Lounge
2.30pm Pastoral Group meeting in Abbey Hall Lounge
10-11.30am Coffee morning in Abbey Hall Lounge
10-11.30am Church open for quiet reflection and prayer
10.30am Community Awareness service led by Andy Bevan, with guest speaker Ms Nic Goom of Step by Step
Elders Meeting in Abbey Hall Lounge 26 10-11.30am Coffee morning in Abbey Hall Lounge
7.30pm Romsey Singers Concert
10-12.30pm Church open for quiet reflection and prayer 29 10.30am Songs of Praise service led by Howard Coulson
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
June
July
10.00 207th Church Anniversary Service to be led by Revd Dr Sarah Hall
Family Worship led by Peter White
10.00 Family Worship to be led by the Moderator, Rev Michael Hopkins, refreshments to follow after the service.
9.30 Holy Communion led by Revd Mike Perrott
10.00
Worship led by Pam Humphreys 19&20 Flower Festival Weekend; the church will be open from 10 am to 6 pm. Visitors welcome.
August
10.00 Family Worship led by Revd Mike Perrott
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
We were deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Derek Hiscocks, who was a great friend to Braishfield URC for many years and often took services for us. He will be missed by us all and we send our sympathies to Ruby and the family.
We also send our sympathies to Maggie and Jack following the loss of Jack’s mother, Rhoda Williams, recently.
I understand the united Christian Aid service went well at Braishfield on Sunday, 11th May. The village churches take it in turns to host this and it is always a joy to welcome our friends from All Saints Parish Church. I hope to report on how much the village raised for Christian Aid in a future News from Braishfield but would like to thank all who help here. Work behind the scenes is always more than people realise. It is appreciated.
I am glad to report the Easter Egg raffle raised £50.00 which will go to our charity project in due course.
We look forward to celebrating our 207th Church Anniversary Service on 15th June with Reverend Sarah taking the service. Tea and coffee will follow the service. Do join us.
We will welcome the Moderator, the Reverend Michael Hopkins, on 29th June. Again, there will be refreshments (and we make great teas and coffees!). It would be lovely if you could join us. We like to share the celebrations (and the beverages)!
The church’s Flower Festival is fast approaching. If you’ve not seen Braishfield decorated with flowers, come and join us on Saturday 19th July and Sunday 20th July when the church will be open for visitors from 10 am to 6 pm. We would love to see you at our service on the Sunday too. The church looks at its very best when fully decorated like this.
Allison Symes
ROMSEY CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
We are pleased to welcome to Romsey Chamber Music Festival back for 2025! The festival runs from 31 May to 8 June with concerts in various locations, culminating in concerts in Abbey URC from 5-8 June.
Abbey URC is the venue for their Family Concert on Saturday, 7 June at 11.30am. This relaxed concert for people of all ages to enjoy story-telling and excerpts from the festival programme. This concert will finish at approximately 12.15pm and is a pay-as-you-wish event, there is no obligation to purchase a ticket.
Laura Rickard, Artistic Director, is, as always, thrilled to bring internationally celebrated musicians from across Europe to her home town of Romsey, she looks forward to welcoming music lovers to the seventh edition of the Romsey Chamber Music Festival!
Please visit https://www.romseychambermusic.com/concerts-list for full details and to book tickets.
AMNESTY UPDATE
We had a great morning in the sun at Southampton Marathon in April cheering on the runners and raising Amnesty’s profile.
The death penalty is still used in 15 countries; the number of countries is reducing but those countries continue to execute increasing numbers. We are currently writing emails to the Tennessee authorities on behalf of Oscar Smith, who has been on death row since 1990 after a dubious conviction and has only recently been given an execution date
Refugee Week is at the end of June and we are organising a Refugee Art exhibition in the Town Hall on Saturday, 28 June with paintings, sculptures and crafts made by refugees and people working with them.
Romsey Amnesty local group meet one Monday a month in Abbey URC’s Hall, at SO51 8EL. When you enter Abbey Hall through the green door, turn left and find them in the Lounge, through the last door on the right. You can contact them at Romsey.amnesty@gmail.com
ROUND THE SOUTHERN FELLOWSHIP OF UNITED REFORMED CHURCHES
Southern Fellowship First Anniversary Service 10 May 2025
Bitterne
Bitterne United Reformed Church wishes to invite you to their Summer Praise evening service to be held on Sunday, 22 June 2025.
Starting with tea and cake at 6.30pm the service starts at 7pm led by Ian Abrahams. They would welcome one hymn from each of the Southern Fellowship Churches, so everyone can enjoy a favourite hymn on the evening.
If you can give us a hymn once you have decided and give us a rough idea of how many people might be coming that will be great.
Please inform Andy Bevan if you are interested in going, and your hymn suggestions, by Wednesday 11 June. Thank you.
AMERICAN ADVENURES – THE FINAL EPISODE
For the penultimate stop of my trip, I stayed with Ally LeGeyt in Connecticut. The weather really started to turn around, and we even had a day where it reached 24°C!
At one of our stops, we got to talk to a group of students about the job and answer the questions they had about being a farrier.
During the week we also visited lots of Ally’s clients and enjoyed the warmer weather. In our spare time we even managed to go on a couple of amazing trail rides – and it was my first chance to try Western riding! It was great fun, and such a fab, relaxed experience. We also managed to get out on the lake – but I was glad to stay in the kayak, as the water was still very chilly!
We also managed a whistle stop tour to New York city! Obviously, I managed to go to the Ghostbusters firehouse and I also managed to get to Broadway to see Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. Where one of my favourite music artists had a leading role; Orville Peck was the EmCee (and he was amazing!).
Such a good day, but after the train journey and a drive back to the house I was ready for my bed for a good night’s sleep before I went onto my next, and final, host!
What a wonderful way to end my American journey! Back in Rhode Island staying with Mike Paparo, who I had previously stayed with right at the beginning of my trip.
It was so lovely to be welcomed back into Mike's home and work with him again, a real treat for my last stop before heading home. In that final last week, the weather was glorious. The blossom, greenery and blue skies were amazing - and such a change from last time I was here. We spent the week working in the wonderful sunshine along with Taylor, Mike’s helper.
Part way through the week, we headed to Connecticut for a shoe making workshop run by Nigel Fennell. What an amazing day, we really dissected the basics of shoe making as well as finding new tricks for fullering! It was great to be there, and to meet the other farriers who attended.
I was also very lucky to be taken out by Mike when he was carriage driving. When I was here earlier in my trip the weather was too bad, and the ground too hard and icy, for us to go out driving behind his two gorgeous horses. This time the weather was perfect and it was a real treat!
Suddenly, it was my final day, but I don’t want you to think I had a quiet day getting ready to come home! I was packed first thing, the bags in the van, then off we went to do Mike’s jobs for the day – before we headed back to Boston airport for my flight home!
It’s hard to believe that it’s been three months; I’ve had fab experiences and great adventures. Everyone has been so welcoming, I’ve learned so much and been welcomed into the homes and lives of some amazing farriers. To all my hosts, the organisers and planners behind the scenes, what an amazing experience you all provided for me to expand my knowledge and experience of the profession. Thank you!
I hope everyone enjoyed following along, it was great to meet so many new people and hopefully get people interested in what amazing chances our respective associations have to offer us!
Kathleen x
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things.
Robert Brault
BIG DAY IN
This is early notice of the Synod Big Day In on 6 September 2025 at High Cross Church, Camberley. It’s a day for churches to come and be inspired, and is for anyone who is involved or interested in exploring mission in your local area. It’s not a day suitable for children but young people who are actively involved in their church would be welcome and would find the day useful.
Many of the details are still to be confirmed but the day will run from 10am to 4pm and will start with vibrant worship and a keynote speaker; followed by interactive workshops on many aspects of church discipleship and mission. A hot meal will also be provided.
More finalised information will be coming soon, so watch this space and book the date now.
On Friday, 9 May Romsey Youth Choirs held a really special evening in our church remembering VE Day with songs, poems and reminiscences. It was an evening filled with wonderful music, touching poems and Attendees said “wonderful music (as always), touching poems and really special to hear VE Day memories, a privilege to be there.”
“Great evening with the wonderful choirs.”
“What amazing young people.”
Thank you so much for holding this concert in our church, it was a moving evening,
If you know of a young person who loves to sing and would like to know more about the choir, please contact md@romseyyouthchoir.org.uk
1 9.30 am Braishfield URC (Holy Communion) 10.30 am Abbey URC (Holy Communion)
8 10.30 am Bitterne Park URC (Pentecost)
15 10.30 am Bitterne URC (Trinity)
22 10.30 am Isaac Watts Memorial URC (Holy Communion)
29 10.30 am Avenue St Andrew’s URC (with Isaac Watts)
PRAYING FOR ROMSEY - SAY ONE FOR ME
Plans are nearly completed for the Churches Together in Romsey Pentecost Initiative Praying for Romsey – Say One for Me The purpose is to engage with people on the streets, collecting their prayers and listening to them, loving and praying for all who pass by as well as praying for shops and businesses in the town.
On Monday 2 June it is proposed to meet at Romsey Abbey South Garth on 12 noon before completing a Prayer Walk around Romsey. It is hoped that sufficient volunteers and leaders can be found each day between Tuesday, 3 June to Saturday, 7 June to engage with people in Romsey. Volunteers will meet for a briefing and prayer before going onto the streets to chat with passers-by and collect their prayer request. They will then return to the designated church for 12 noon when the prayers collected during the morning will be offered.
Volunteers are needed both for the prayer collecting on the streets and to be part of the mid-day congregation offering the prayers.
At the time of going to print details of the church hosting each day have still to be announced, these will be available for our 1 June service sheet.
ABBEY URC PRAYER POST BOX
Please remember you can find our prayer post box with pens and little prayer cards in Abbey URC doorway, available for anyone to use – at any time. Simply tell us what you'd like us to pray for on your behalf, then pop it into the box.
Prayers are gathered and included in the prayers during the week and on Sundays. You don’t need to be specific or use names - messages are confidential. It's free and there's no catch - we'll "pray it forward" for you.
KEEPING SAFE FROM FRAUD
After reading about recent data breaches for some well-known retailers, many people are concerned about how criminals could use our details.
Usually, information gathered by hackers from data breaches on its own is not enough for someone else get into your online accounts or online banking. They probably also don’t have enough information to get into your bank account to make payments, or even open a bank account in your name.
They may contact you pretending to be a company/someone you trust, such as a shop, a bank, etc. Using the information they have obtained from the data breach they may be able to convince you that they are genuine.
To protect yourself, follow the steps below.
o Never share bank details, personal information, One Time Passcodes or security information with anyone on any calls, emails or messages.
o Don’t use the same passwords or PINs.
o Remember your bank or the police will never request you move your money to keep it safe.
o Be very wary of anybody unexpectedly contacting you.
o If you’re unsure if you are speaking to a genuine company, they will be happy for you to call them back on a trusted number.
If you notice any unusual activity or have any concerns regarding your bank account, report to your own bank straight away.
If you realise you’ve lost money or been hacked due to an online scam or fraud, please report it to Action Fraud, the national reporting centre, either online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phone at 0300 123 2040.
One Romsey, a vibrant festival in the heart of Romsey that unites people from all walks of life in a colourful blend of traditions, music, dance, art, food, and storytelling, all reflecting the full spectrum of who we are as a community. Bring along your energy, joy, and spirit of togetherness as we celebrate connection and understanding.
