NEWS From United Reformed Churches of Romsey and Braishfield
OCTOBER 2026 www.abbeyurc.org.uk
Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Romsey or Braishfield URC, nor the elders nor production team. 2
A MESSAGE FROM REVD MIKE October 2026 Dear friends in Christ As in previous years we will be holding our annual All Souls memorial and thanksgiving service, where we will remember our loved-ones and friends that have died, especially over this last year. This year we will hold this service on Sunday, 25 October at Abbey URC at 3pm in the afternoon. Refreshments will be available in the church following the service. There will be a similar service at Braishfield URC at 10am on the morning of 15 November, led by Revd Sarah. During these services, as in past years, the names of our church members and friends, family members, friends from further afield, and those from the local community, that I have conducted funerals for, will be read out. I will be sending a letter and card to everyone who has experienced bereavement since the All Souls service last year, inviting them to share in this service. If you have lost a loved one, and are reading this as a non-member of our church communities and would like your loved one or friend to be remembered by having their name read out, please do phone or email me with any names of people who have died over the past year, or longer ago, that you wish to be included in either the Abbey URC or the Braishfield URC service. My details are inside the front cover of our magazine. As at previous All Souls services, there will be the opportunity for anyone in church to light a candle during a time of quiet contemplation. It is not so much in our Reformed tradition to light candles, except during Advent, and the use of candles was, at one time, scorned upon! However, the symbolism of a flame, offering warmth and light, is a very important one in times of darkness and grief. The flame flickers in the breeze, mirroring how emotionally vulnerable we can sometimes feel. We remember that Jesus, the Living Word who was with God in the beginning, is the Light: “in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:4-5). In Jesus we have a source of abiding hope in the Light that is permanent and unquenchable. We share with you now the prayer that will be prayed as the candles are lit during our All Souls service, hoping it brings consolation and greater trust in our God of Life and Light, in Christ Jesus. 3
Living God, We light this candle to remember those we see no more. Your promise to us, through your Son Jesus is that, by your grace, they are with you. Hold them and us in your amazing love, lighting our lives with your comfort and peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen In Christian love, Revd Mike
THOUGHT AND PRAYER FOR OCTOBER Our basic need is to belong, to be loved, to be accepted, to be known and share in fellowship. Our church and its premises open their doors not only to those who gather to worship God on Sundays and take part in other Christian services, but also throughout the week, when many people from the local and wider community use the building for various activities and meetings. Christian ministry is ‘cross-shaped’. The cross in the front garden and the one on the wall behind the altar hold a central place in our church. We serve because Christ gave us the example of true servanthood. God’s presence can be felt in many ways and in many places. Sometimes a place becomes holy and meaningful to us without us even realising it. Yet we also need physical sacred places for worship and prayer that are consecrated for this purpose. Many people, although they do not attend church regularly, sometimes feel drawn to experience an “otherness” - a presence that is difficult to put into words, something greater than ourselves, something to hold on to. This often happens during critical times in our lives, when circumstances change and uncertainty surrounds us. So, we keep our beautiful church building open, not only on Sundays when we gather to worship God, but during the week as well. We continue to pray for God’s guidance for each other in the fellowship and for those whom God is sending to become part of our church family in the future. We especially give thanks to our premises officer working in many ways behind the scenes, making our church visible in the local community. Prayerfully, Leena 4
CHURCH NEWS Congratulations to Thomas and Isabelle on their recent marriage at our church, wishing them every happiness together. Autumn and Pearl were baptised at Abbey URC on 27 September. It was lovely to welcome their families to our service and to celebrate with them. Chris celebrated his 90th birthday recently. He sends his thanks to fellowship friends for their best wishes, prayers, cards, flowers and visits. They have given him such joy. Stella Everyone at Abbey URC send our love and best wishes to Chris G on his very special birthday. We hope you had a lovely day. It was such a lovely surprise to see Brenda and Barbara last week. The flowers were beautiful and brightened up my day. I am trying to find a way of getting to church regularly, I do miss coming. Angela P I want to thank you all for the lovely flowers from the church, given to me by Elizabeth and Reg, as I celebrated my special birthday. I really appreciate them and, two weeks later, am still enjoying looking at them. Barbara G Thank you for your lovely warm welcome extended us at the Harvest lunch. We had a very filling lunch which sustained us well on our journey home; we arrived back at 11.30pm, a much better journey than last time. Andy B
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THE RUTH FELLOWSHIP (formerly the Roman Catholic/United Reformed Church Dialogue Group)
We will meet next on Tuesdays 13 October and 17 November at St Joseph’s Parish Rooms – which can be found just opposite 1 Abbey Water - at 2.30pm. Please contact Revd Mike for further details. Refreshments will be available - all welcome!
DATE OF NEXT CHURCH MEETING AND NOMINATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS DONATIONS 2026 Our next Church Meeting is at 11.30am on Sunday, 15 November after the service. The meeting will be discussing our Christmas charity donations. If you have a charity you would like the church to support, please let Sarah Beaman know. Thank you.
PRAYING FOR OUR DIRECTION Abbey URC are considering the direction and mission of our church, as we move towards Revd Mike’s retirement in April 2027. Change provides a good opportunity for our church to review our mission and our activities, ensuring we are being led by God to undertake his work within our church and our local community. Members of the congregation are invited to pray each Wednesday evening at 7pm, in their own space, using the prayer below for direction as we look to our future. God of wisdom, show us your direction and guide us as we prepare our Pastorate Profile. Help us to listen for your voice, to trust where you are leading us and to follow the path you set before us. May all that we do reflect your will, and the future you have planned for us. Amen.
BIBLE STUDY Our monthly Zoom Sunday evening Bible study will take place on Sunday, 4 October at 6.30 pm (ID 864 1780 6994, PC learning) when we will look more deeply at the readings set for that Sunday (please see ‘morning prayer’ readings). Everyone is very welcome to attend! 6
CAN YOU HELP? As we know, our church is a very popular venue for concerts with lovely acoustics; it allows people from our wider community to enjoy our building, and it is a source of revenue. We are looking for a second steward for the concerts below, if you can help please let me know as soon as possible. Or if you are unsure and have queries, please do not hesitate to ask. Saturday 5 December 5pm-6pm and 7pm-9pm Lumos - 2 concerts Sunday 13 December 2.30pm Romsey Ladies Choir Concert Thank you! Sarah
GOOD NEWS ON ABBEY HALL ENERGY SAVINGS It is now more than a year since LED lights were installed in Abbey Hall, so it is a good time to see what difference they have made. The results are encouraging! Over the last twelve months, Abbey Hall has used 1,748 kWh less electricity than in the previous twelve-month period – a 20% reduction, avoiding around 350 kg of carbon emissions. We are hoping to see further savings as a result of LED lights in the church and will continue to monitor electricity use in both buildings to see how effective these measures are. Thérèse
FUNDRIAISNG AT ABBEY URC At our recent Elders meeting, an opportunity was discussed regarding fundraising at Abbey URC. We are looking for a few members of our church to join a small Fundraising Group to investigate the options and possibilities moving forward. If you are interested in joining this small team, please talk to Carole or Sarah by 10 October. Thank you!
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT Are you a regular at our morning worship but have never formally become a Church Member? As we look ahead to Revd Mike’s retirement, and the search for a new Minister, we thought it was a good time to highlight the part Church Members can play. When a suitable Minister applies, they will be invited to lead one of our Sunday services. The Fellowship will be invited to attend, and Church Members will then have the opportunity to vote on their suitability for the role. If you are not a Church Member, you cannot take part in this vote. If you would like to find out more about becoming a Church Member, please speak to Revd Mike. He can arrange a short series of informal meetings where you can learn more about the URC, ask questions and decide whether membership is right for you. There’s no pressure – just an opportunity to find out more.
DISCIPLESHIP COURSE At our recent Worship group meeting we thought it would be a good idea to invite church members and friends to join together in a discipleship course. The focus and purpose of this course would be, as the URC website states, to think about how “your faith (discipleship) is learning that enables us to love God, self and neighbour in order to grow as people of God. It is a journey that lasts our whole life and involves our whole being”. This course will use the Stepwise resources and is very accessible and thought-provoking material. If you are interested in joining this group, please do contact Revd Mike and let him know what time(s) of the day and days of the week would be convenient to you. The course encourages you to reflect on, and develop your Christian faith; it is shaped around your strengths and needs, in the context of your own community and church. It emphasises the importance of learning from your daily life – wherever you are and whoever God might be calling you to be. Stepwise is for everyone: all ages, shapes and sizes – including you! Further information on Stepwise can be found at Stepwise. 8
COUNTDOWN TO ADVENT This November, we will once again be supporting Amber, a charity working with women involved in street work in Southampton, and also collecting toys to support the Southampton Voluntary Services Toy Appeal. On the first Sunday of Advent, 29 November, we will be joined by Amber and Southampton Voluntary Services when we pass our donations over to them for distribution before Christmas. There is no obligation to take part, and anything you can give will be gratefully received. For Amber you are asked to donate some of the items below, please choose as many as you like, or are able: Handy wipes, body spray, hand cream, pocket tissues, lip salves, foundation, face cream, bars of chocolate, hand gel, small cartons of drink. You’re also invited to include an unsealed Christmas card with a message of hope and encouragement. For the Toy Appeal please donate: new toys or suitable gifts for children and young people; kindly do not wrap the gifts as they can then check they go to the right young person. Please drop off donations by Saturday, 28 November. The church is open on Saturday mornings between 10am–12:30pm or Sunday, 29 November between 10am and 10.30am before our service. As we journey towards Advent, let’s bring light and love to those who need it most by filling our donation boxes with care and kindness. Thank you.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY 2027 - SKITTLES EVENING The date for our annual skittles evening has been postponed to Saturday, 13 February 2027 at Wellow Golf Club. Put the date in your diary and invite your friends and family too – everyone is very welcome! If you don’t fancy playing skittles, come along for a fun evening with other members of our church family. Further details will be in the December /January magazine. 9
HERITAGE OPEN DAY IN ABBEY URC Ordinary lives, extraordinary legacy Many of you will have seen the Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Legacy exhibition in the church this September, held as part of Heritage Open Days 2026. This year’s national theme, "Everyday Lives", gave us a fitting opportunity to look back at some of the people connected with the church over the past 350 years and celebrate the quiet but lasting mark they left on church and town life. Visitors discovered stories of local families and individuals from Romsey, alongside the connections of Thomas Warren, Richard Cromwell and soldiers stationed near the town during wartime. The exhibition also remembered those who served through the church choir, Sunday School and the many willing volunteers whose contributions often go quietly unrecorded. Together, these stories painted a vivid picture of a small town shaped by faith, service, hard work and moral fortitude. About 170 people visited over the three days, not including those who came to church for the Battle of Britain service on Sunday morning. Many also took time to write in the visitors’ book, with one comment capturing what several people seemed to feel about the building itself: “beautiful, peaceful place”. If you missed the exhibition, or would simply like another look, we hope to make the material available so that it can be explored again. It is a reminder that the legacy of a church is found not only in its building, but in the ordinary people who have worshipped, served and belonged here. Thérèse
Abbey URC would like to thank Thérèse and Carole for all their hard work in ensuring the exhibition was such an excellent experience. We would also like to thank all the organisations and people who helped by providing support, photos, stories and information. We learned so much about the church over the years and how it is so closely linked to the Romsey community. The Romsey Mayor particularly liked finding a photo of his chain of office – as you’ll notice from his thank you note! 10
THANK YOU Dear Therese, Now that I'm back from an excellent holiday, I must belatedly thank you for your warm and hospitable reception at the preview evening (of the heritage exhibition), which thankfully fell just before my departure. I must compliment you and your team for the in-depth research and presentation of the contributions to Romsey by its "great and good" during the 19th and 20th centuries. As you can probably guess, I was particularly fascinated by William Purchase, as he gifted the Town its Mayoral Chain which I feel honoured and privileged to currently possess. It was also wonderful to meet descendants of a couple of dignitaries (Evans being one) and to hear their personal memories of their grandfathers. Thank you again for your contributions in keeping Romsey's history alive and for sharing it with me. Please pass on my gratitude to all who assisted. Regards, Cllr Colin Burgess, Romsey Town Mayor
HARVEST FESTIVAL This year’s Harvest Festival service was held on 20 September, and we welcomed Andy B back to lead our service. As part of our celebrations, we asked you to bring fresh or tinned produce, which were donated to Romsey Community Pantry to support their work in our local community. They were very grateful for the donations and said “Thank you to Abbey United Reformed Church, Romsey for their wonderful harvest donation. It really makes a difference. We then joined together for a Bring and Share Harvest Lunch in the Abbey Hall. It was lovely to share good company and tasty food as we celebrated the harvest together. Thank you to members of our Pastoral Group for ensuring it went smoothly, and to all who contributed towards the lunch and helped make it such an enjoyable time. 11
CALENDAR 1 3 4
10-11.30am 10am-12.30pm 10.30am
4
6.30pm
7 8 10 10 11 12 13
2.30 pm 10-11.30am 10am-12.30pm 2pm-4pm 10.30 am 10.30 am 2.30 pm
15 10-11.30am 17 10am-12.30pm 18 10.30 am 19 20 21 22 22 24 25 25 26 27 27 29 31
7.30 pm 7.30 pm 2.30 pm 10-11.30am 7.30 pm 10am-12.30pm 10.30 am 3.00 pm to 01-11-2026 7.30 pm to 31-10-2026 10-11.30am 10am-12.30pm
The Social Cup in Abbey Hall Lounge Church open for quiet reflection and prayer Morning Worship, including Holy Communion, led by Revd Sarah Hall Bible Study on Zoom; ID 864 1780 6994 PW learning Church Table Tennis in Abbey Hall The Social Cup in Abbey Hall Lounge Church open for quiet reflection and prayer Drop In and Draw with Elizabeth Hammond Morning Worship led by Mrs Andy Bevan BALM in Abbey Hall Lounge The Ruth Fellowship: RC/URC dialogue meeting in St Joseph's Parish Room (opposite 1 Abbey Water) The Social Cup in Abbey Hall Lounge Church open for quiet reflection and prayer Community Thanksgiving Service led by Revd Wendy White and Pat Oliver, including baptism of Melody Churches Together in Romsey venue TBA Finance Group in Abbey Hall Lounge Church Table Tennis in Abbey Hall The Social Cup in Abbey Hall Lounge Finance & Fabric Group in Abbey Hall Lounge Church open for quiet reflection and prayer Morning worship led by Marion Carter All Souls service led by Revd Mike Revd Mike on study leave Elders Meeting in Abbey Hall Lounge Bitterne URC Jigsaw Puzzle Festival The Social Cup in Abbey Hall Lounge Church open for quiet reflection and prayer
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Braishfield United Reformed Church Minister:
The Reverend Mike Perrott, MA e-mail: revd.mike13@gmail.com Day off: Mondays
01794 512163
The Reverend Dr Sarah Hall e-mail: sarah.hall.swhg@gmail.com 02380 768004 Day off: Thursdays Secretary: Treasurer:
Shirley Smith Sharon Whitfield
01794 368447 01794 328853
Serving Elders:
Shirley Smith Allison Symes Sharon Whitfield
01794 368447 02380 262803 01794 328853
October 4 9.30 Holy Communion led by Revd Dr Sarah Hall 11 10.00 Family Worship led by Pam Humphreys 18 10.00 Short Family Worship led by Daniel Symes, followed by Church Meeting 25 10.00 Family Worship led by Revd Wendy White November 1 9.30 Holy Communion led by Revd Bernie Collins 8 No service at Braishfield URC 8 10.50 Remembrance Sunday Meet at the Village War Memorial for 10.50am. There will be the Two Minutes Silence at 11am and the names of the dead will be read out. 15 15 10.00 Memory Service led by Revd Dr Sarah Hall 22 10.00 Family Worship led by David Stone 29 10.00 Toy Service – First Sunday in Advent led by Revd Mike December 6 9.30 Holy Communion led by Andy Bevan 13 10.00 Family Worship led by Daniel Symes Please note that the third Sunday of the month is the time to bring in tinned goods etc for the food bank collection. 13
News from Braishfield It has been a busy period for the church. It was good to have our front door repaired and the vestry door replaced. We appreciated the skills of our carpenter here. Many thanks go to him and to our church members for repainting the vestry door in a beautiful dark green and also for taking away the waste wood to the tip. The front door furniture still needs repainting but the doors do look so much better. Many thanks for all who donated food items for the church’s Harvest Festival service at the end of September. As ever, the church looked lovely and the food bank will ensure the donations will go to where they are most needed. The Braishfield Elders will meet on Saturday, 10 October and that will shortly be followed by the second church meeting of the year which will be on Sunday 18, October, after a short service led by Daniel Symes. There will be no service at Braishfield URC on 8 November, when we will be joining the village at the War Memorial for the annual Service of Remembrance, starting at 10.50am with the two minutes silence at 11am. We will be back in church the following Sunday, 15 November, when the Revd Sarah Hall will lead our Memory Service. This is where we remember our loved ones and it is a touching and moving service. A list for people to write down the names of those they would like remembered in this service will be put at the back of the church soon. Those names will be read out during the service. November will be an especially busy month as Revd Mike Perrott will be leading our Toy Service at the end of it. Southampton Social Services will collect the toys we donate (and from those given at Romsey URC too) to be distributed to those in need. All donated toys need to be new and in gift bags, please. It makes the task of Southampton Social Services so much easier when it comes to distribution. And if to confirm the year is whizzing by, the service on 29 November will also be the first one for Advent. It seems like it was only five minutes ago I was writing something similar for last year’s magazine at this time! Allison S
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DROP IN AND DRAW Explore a variety of approaches to capturing the historic building of Abbey United Reformed Church on paper to create a collaborative mapping of the space at this free event. Discover the joy of drawing in this event, free and open to all. You are invited to join URC resident artist and educator Elizabeth Hammond to create a collaborative map of the historic building of Abbey United Reformed Church through drawing. Inspiration, guidance and ideas will be provided as well as a variety of materials to explore. Such as frottage (creating a rubbing) and gesture drawing (quick sketching). The drawings will be added to a huge roll of paper so we can watch the building and our mapping of the space grow. This will be exhibited in the church and open to public viewing after the event. This experience is very inclusive, open to any who would like to leave their mark. Age, experience or ability are not boundaries, everybody is welcome! Elizabeth Hammond, Artist and Educator
MORNING PRAYER If you would like to take the opportunity to reflect upon the weekly bible readings and to pray for the needs of the world, and the Church, in your own time during the week, below are the relevant passages. October
4 11 18 25
Psalm 19 Psalm 106:1-6 and19-23 Psalm 99 Psalm 90:1-6 and13-17 15
Matthew 21.33-46 Matthew 22.1-14 Matthew 22.15-22 Matthew 22.34-46
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UPDATE FROM MICHAEL HOPKINS, SYNOD MODERATOR REGARDING THE SOUTHERN FELLOWSHIP Michael Hopkins has recently confirmed that Peartree Green has decided to not join the Southern Fellows at this time. However, he is pleased to announce that Trinity Totton have recently discussed this at their recent Church Meeting, and have voted to join the Southern Fellowship. We look forward to welcoming them to our fellowship, and working alongside them as we move into vacancy and search for our new Minister.
ROUND THE SOUTHERN FELLOWSHIP OF UNITED REFORMED CHURCHES Bitterne Jigsaw Puzzle Festival Tuesday, 27 to Saturday, 31 October 2026 10am–2pm. Enjoy hundreds of pre‑loved puzzles, homemade cakes and refreshments, and a warm welcome for all ages. It’s great for your brain, your mood, and the planet with £1 entry, free return visits, and kids go free! Eco Day Saturday, 17 October 10am–2pm. Join us for a day of eco ideas and inspiration in Bitterne, exploring local initiatives, charities, and community projects. Bitterne URC are looking to run a First Aid Training course, however they are looking for members from the Fellowship churches to join this course to obtain funding from the URC. If you are interested in gaining, or renewing, your training please let Anne Wood know by email to bitterneurc_sec@yahoo.co.uk Thank you.
Avenue St Andrews Coffee & Cake from 10.30am-noon on Saturdays: 26 September, 31 October, 28 November & 12 December. All welcome. Please note that on 28 November there will also be a mini Christmas Fair alongside the coffee and cake. Kurling and Cream Tea on Saturday 14 November from 2pm- 4.30pm, tickets priced at £10 and there will also be a raffle. Please email Avenue St Andrews at office@asaurc.org.uk to let them know if you would like tickets (for catering purposes). Many thanks. 17
CAN YOU KNIT, CROCHET OR CRAFT? Can you knit, crochet or craft some angels by the end of November? Do you know a craft group who would like to get involved? Or pop into a Thursday coffee morning in the Abbey Hall and bring your knitting, crochet, etc with you! People in Romsey have started crafting – but the more the merrier! Any type of angel is welcome – let your imagination run wild. Pattern ideas can be found on the links below: https://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/news-events/latest-news/angels-of-hope/ https://www.livingstones.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/christmas-angels-knitting-pattern.pdf https://www.5littlemonsters.com/2019/07/lacy-crocheted-angel-ornament.html https://atty-s.com/2019/11/free-crochet-angel-pattern.html
In November we collect your crafted angels at church, bless them and then send them out into the local community for people to find in early December. Finding these angels is a small piece of magic for all who find them. Thank you!
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ABBEY URC BALM Grief can feel very lonely, but you don’t have to go through it alone. BALM, our Bereavement and Loss Meeting, meets at Abbey Hall Lounge on Monday, 12 October at 10.30am. for tea, chat and the opportunity to meet others who are also grieving the loss of someone they love. It’s a relaxed and welcoming space to talk, listen or simply spend time with others who understand. Everyone is welcome. Come along and join us. Unsure where Abbey Hall is? Walk under the arch by TSB towards the park. Abbey Hall is the second green door on the left, just before the road widens.
MENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT TO US ALL The mental health charity MIND recently popped up on my Facebook page with a gentle reminder that mental health doesn’t take a day off. I’m a Mental Health First Aider at work, and strongly believe it’s important to make time for anyone who is struggling with their mental health. Our family has recently been personally touched by the devastation that can happen when someone feels life is all too much. It’s a reminder that we never really know what someone else may be going through. In the church entrance are cards with contact details for organisations that can offer help and support if you, or someone you know, is struggling. MIND says: Healing is often not a linear process. You can have good mental health days and bad mental health days along the way. Be kind and patient with yourself. Check in regularly with yourself and your friends about how you’re feeling - really feeling. You are not alone. Sarah B
MAGAZINE DEADLINE Material for November 2026 to be submitted by 5pm (latest) on Thursday, 22 October 2026 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. 19
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WE MUST ALL KEEP WORKING FOR PEACE This is a reflection from former Christian Aid staff member and volunteer Robert Hayward OBE. For more than 30 years Robert Hayward has been at the beating heart of Christian Aid's operations in Sudan and later South Sudan despite 'retiring' many years ago. Now in his 80s with an OBE for his work, he has never given up on the people of the region and continues to visit partners, church leaders and communities regularly. A lifetime of service When I first worked in Sudan in the 1990s it was mainly relief work. We were supporting communities who had no medical care, and we also worked to empower women and support schools. That was a tremendous thing because education is absolutely vital - especially for girls. Then from 2004 Christian Aid led a Darfur Emergency Appeal. The world was looking on in horror at what was happening in Darfur. A lot of organisations were thrown out of Darfur, but we were very careful and Christian Aid was able to stay there. We had the advantage because we worked with local church partners. I was Sudan Country Manager and lived in Khartoum for four years until I retired in 2011. After three months I got tired of being retired and was fortunate enough to be brought back on board by Christian Aid as a volunteer. Blessed with good health and Her Majesty, the late Queen having given me an OBE in Buckingham Palace, I felt that I couldn't leave. Why I still believe in hope The conflicts and humanitarian crises in Sudan South Sudan have long been among the world's neglected emergencies despite the devastating impact on millions of lives. Wars elsewhere in the world garner more headlines here because they seem closer to home or directly affect the price of our fuel and our food. I've seen for myself the difference your support can make when we stand in solidarity with people in the moment of crisis, and by doing so we are answering Christ’s call to love our neighbour.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT….. Sign seen in a Scottish Village Community Centre: You are never fully dressed without a smile! 21
REVD MIKE’S PREACHING ROTA October 4 11 18 25
10.30 10.30 10.30 10.30
Bitterne URC Harvest Avenue St Andrew’s URC Bitterne Park URC Isaac Watts URC
CANCER CARERS SURVEY FROM NHS WESSEX CANCER ALLIANCE Your experience matters; real change can only happen if driven by local people. The NHS Wessex Cancer Alliance are undertaking a survey of anyone who is, or has, provided unpaid care or support to a family member, friend of loved one affected by cancer. Your feedback can help drive improvements for local services and shape future support. The Cancer Carers Survey from NHS Wessex Cancer Alliance is open until 31 October 2026 – please have your say. Follow this link to take part in the survey.
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NEWS FROM GENERAL ASSEMBLY The General Assembly has agreed the change of name from Wessex Synod to Wessex and Islands Synod, taking effect from 1 January 2027. This is a modest change, but it is not an unimportant one. It does not alter Synod boundaries. It does not change the status of any church, area, island, or part of the Synod. It is simply a clearer and more truthful way of naming the Synod we already are. Our Synod includes mainland communities across southern England, but also island communities, including the Channel Islands, the Isle of Wight, Portsea Island, and Hayling Island. In Christian tradition, names matter. They are not only labels. They can express recognition, belonging, and care. Wessex and Islands is intended to say something simple and important: island communities are not at the edge of our common life, but part of who we are together. Further information will follow, including guidance about timing and practical steps, and a new logo will be made available in due course. For now, I simply ask you to receive this as a small but significant act of recognition. We remain one Synod, held together in Christ, sharing in fellowship, responsibility, and mission across mainland, coastal, and island contexts. Michael Hopkins, Synod Moderator
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