On Sundays we currently have these service structures and times:
9:30am Bubble Church (doors open at 9:15am for refreshments)
10:15am Morning Worship for 30-40mins, with ‘thought for the day’ style talk/reflection.
11:15am Holy Communion (with refreshments being served from 10:50am).
Covid has not ‘gone away’: please do not attend services if you have Covid symptoms, even if you think it is just a cold.
For recordings of the 11.15am Holy Communion service simply click on the ‘Online Worship’ tab at the top of the website page and a new menu will appear. You can then select which service you wish to see.
The 10:15 Morning Worship service and the 11.15am Communion service at St John’s are both livestreamed via Zoom. Please contact Sue Blomley if you would like your name added to join the Zoom list. Other acts of worship and activities are advertised on our church website and Facebook pages.
Would you like to contribute to the work of our parish? Please use the QR code on this page to find out how. In church we have a card machine which is easy to use and saves us handling coins and notes. Please contact office@stjohnshythe.org for help or other alternatives.
Thank you!
Dear Friends,
How is it April already? It only seems like yesterday that we celebrated Christ’s coming at Christmas, and here we are, in the middle of Lent, making preparations to celebrate Easter. The Bishop has been booked, Coco the donkey is coming, and we prepare to bring our large cross down from above the vestry. We have had a few meetings with other churches to discuss how we celebrate together and the preparations for Easter are nearly complete.
I wonder how your Lent has been this year? Has it been a season of preparation? A season of repentance, as you take stock of your life and a drawing closer to God? It’s not too late if the season has just passed you by. I’m really enjoying the challenge that Emily & I have set ourselves to read the Bible in a year. It can be difficult as some days are depressing when you read about harrowing things that happened, other days carry familiar stories that we all know. But through it all is the meta-narrative that says ‘no matter how many times God’s people stuff things up, He will always find a way of bringing us back into His family’.
And so, as we prepare for Easter week, and the various emotions of sadness, feeling betrayed, fear, we hold onto the hope of Easter Day, when Christ conquers all, rises from the dead, and proceeds to meet with His people once again.
VICAR’S
VICAR’S LETTER
..those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
NIV
Rest in him as we journey through the rest of Lent. Rest in Him as you journey through Easter week, and rest in Him as we celebrate the Risen King, for He is alive.
Lee
Reverend Lee Davies
Vicar of Hythe
PS: I am now back. If anyone would appreciate a visit (it doesn’t have to be for a reason, it can be just to chat), please do get in touch through the Church office, and I’ll come back to you with a date and time.
Psalm 84:1-2 How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (NIV)
In April we pray especially for:
Maureen & family
Pamela & family
Brian
John, Mary
Tim & Pam
Val, Lee
Vera
We pray for those who have died, especially the families and friends of Tony Halliwell
Norman Curtis
Patricia
Christine
Caroline
Valerie
Veronica
Kate
Chris & Max
Carol, Riley
Cindy and Steve
Rosemary
Phyllis & Tony
Angela and Nikki
Cliff & Val
Gary & Chris
Bob & Faye
Rita & family
Photo by CatPix: taken at Waverley Abbey near Guildford
FOOD FOR THOUGHT—EASTER
We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song
PopeJohnPaulII
Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime
Martin Luther
That’s right, don’t be afraid, no matter what you may see coming. Take courage because Christ was crucified for you.
St Catherine of Siena
To live in the light of the resurrection—that is what Easter means.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The resurrection of Christ changed the midnight of bereavement into a sunrise of reunion; it changed the midnight of disappointment into a sunrise of joy; it changed the midnight of fear to a sunrise of peace.
Billy Graham
Blessed are those who have not seen and have yet believed.
John20:29
Easter is always the answer to “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
Madeleine L’Engle
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures. Nicene Creed
This year's service, held at URC Cornerstone on Friday 7 March, was inspired by Christian women from the Cook Islands, and was a delightful flowery experience. Based on the words of Psalm 139, we were invited to recognise that God created each of us with great attention and loving care. We are unique and special and should cherish all aspects of who we are and of those around us! God knows us and is with us - a wonderful message to share.
Attended by 73 members from the 5 local churches, the collection raised £363.48 towards the ongoing work of the World Day of Prayer in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in their projects run by Christian charities around the world.
Next year's event will be hosted by St Andrew's church on Friday March 6th and will centre on life in Nigeria. Hope to see you there!
Jenny Bithell
MOTHERS’ UNION OUTREACH
Mothers’ Union Outreach is growing along the Waterside and has also been making new links with Mothers’ Union members in Malawi East Central (& Southern) Africa.
Towards the end of last year, Hythe MU branch received an invitation from the Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Blantyre, Southern Malawi Anglican diocese, inviting us to consider establishing a link that would encourage us to share our stories with each other, to celebrate our mission and activities, with the intention of growing and establishing a meaningful relationship.
This was made possible through a family and friends contact that Jane B Chongwe LLM and Deputy Warden of Licensed Ministry – Lyndhurst Deanery has with Malawi. Jane is married to Reuben and they have two grown-up children between them, a son serving in the RAF and a daughter working in the UK Parliament. Jane and Reuben lived in Malawi before moving to Minstead over 20 years ago and have lived locally in Dibden for the past 17 years.
Jane and Reuben visit family and friends in Malawi as often as they can. This connection will help us to grow our understanding of sameness and difference, as we share in the highs & lows of everyday life, with all its challenges and joy.
MU members at St. John’s, Hythe, which includes members from Ashurst & Dibden Purlieu, voted formally to grow these links in January and an introductory video was made to share with members at St. Paul’s, Blantyre. This was great fun to make as we all took part in introducing ourselves and our area, the Waterside and New Forest.
In late January we also received two pieces of cloth (a gift) from MU members in Malawi, and we look forward to using these as an `altar cloth’ at MU services and as a tablecloth at our meetings. We also agreed to support a small tailoring initiative in Blantyre: Boston Tailoring; and after purchasing additional MU cloth in Malawi we are in the process of having waistcoats made that Hythe MU members
MOTHERS’ UNION OUTREACH
(proceeds from the sale of MU cloth received by MU Fundraising Blantyre), will be able to wear at meetings and events, as a way of demonstrating our togetherness (oneness) with members in Malawi.
There are 90 MU members at St. Paul’s, Blantyre and members meet each Saturday at 7.30am for prayer, study and discussion (social and topical issues). Activities include community outreach, visiting the sick and supporting vulnerable families. Advocacy work is central to the Mission of the MU, with members supporting families and communities, as well as fundraising events supporting local and international charities and they support the Anglican Church mission, as well as empowering women through a savings and small loans initiative.
We have agreed to begin our getting to know each other by sharing recipes and monthly updates and by intentionally remembering and praying for each other.
MU members at St. Paul’s have recently appointed a sub committee led by Nellie K, Nellie is a Lay Reader and MU member.
Jane BC, LLM, was also recently asked to speak to Brockenhurst MU members. Donations received from her talk totalled £109 and this was sent to the MU Fundraising account Blantyre for use by the MU Welfare Committee.
New MU members being admitted
MOTHERS’ UNION OUTREACH
Two people have been identified as being in need at this time: an elderly and frail MU member living alone and lacking basic commodities and a young man in his late 20’s with disabilities. He is from a single parent family and has some printing skills, which he uses to earn a living by offering his services at Anglican Church functions and to individuals.
The photo on the right shows how members of the MU helped support those affected by Cyclone Freddy in February 2023. Canon Auster Kalilombe of the Church Army and MU Malawi Patron and Chaplain can be seen here coordinating an emergency response by MU members in Blantyre to those affected by this devastating cyclone that hit Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The cyclone was the longest lasting cyclone ever recorded worldwide.
Although Malawi is considered one of the poorest countries in the world. It has been encouraging to learn that MU members in Blantyre also support international charities and causes and as such, would be interested in supporting community initiatives that we might identify along the Waterside and New Forest area where possible.
Mothers’ Union members along the Waterside usually meet on the second Thursday of the month in St. John’s Hall, Hythe, and we have agreed that in the Autumn we shall be inviting non-members to join us for Tea & Cake & Chat from 3pm, further details will initially be
MOTHERS’ UNION OUTREACH
advertised through local Church offices, we hope to procure a banner that can be used to advertise our Open House initiative. There was no meeting in March due to members attending the World Day of Prayer event at Cornerstone and the annual Lady Day Service at St. Nicholas’ Church, Brockenhurst. The next meeting will take place on Thursday 10th April at 2.30pm in St. John’s Hall. Sue Lynes will be sharing her experiences as a Volunteer Forest Ranger. The sales table will be yellow and, as ever, visitors are always welcome.
From mid - March onwards, Jane BC LLM will be seeking to grow MU Outreach at St. John’s Marchwood at their POP INS Café which is held each Thursday morning from 10am. All are warmly welcome,. Members and non- members are especially welcome as this regular pop-in café seeks to grow relationships and friendships whilst actively reducing social isolation & loneliness, which is often experienced by so many of us.
The Vision held by all MU members is to be part of a vibrant and active community that makes a positive impact on families, communities and the wider world.
For more information please locally please contact Sue Harvey MU Branch Chair, June Smith or Jane BC, through the parish office. (email; office@stjohnshythe.org).
The Mothers’ Union Prayer
Loving Lord, we thank you for your love, so freely given to us all. We pray for families around the world. Bless the work of the Mothers’ Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life.
Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jane B Chongwe LLM, Sue Harvey, June Smith
Electoral Roll
Thank you to all those who have already returned their electoral roll form. Just a reminder that this year we are required to do a complete revision of the electoral roll. Anyone who wishes to be on the electoral roll must fill in a form which you can get either from the back of church or from the Parish Office. The renewal of the electoral roll runs through to Sunday 13th April. Completed forms must be returned to the Parish Office by 13th April and then Shadia will collate all the details.
Hannah Rowlandson Parish Administrator
Contact / Emergency Forms
We also need to update our contacts/permissions lists in keeping with Data Protection legislation. The forms are important as they give the parish permission to contact you via your address, phone number and email address. The form also includes extra consent clauses allowing us to take your photo or film you during church events for use on the church website or in our parish magazine.
More crucially, these forms are also used as emergency contact details for people who are regularly using our buildings. Occasionally accidents or episodes of ill health can happen and the forms are vital if we need to contact a friend or relative in an emergency.
The consent forms are available at the back of church. Please complete the form, sign it and return it to me or to Hannah in the parish office.
Phil Preston philmex123@gmail.com Data Protection Officer
Maundy Thursday Fish and Chip Supper
This year we will once again have a fish and chip supper in St John’s Hall on Maundy Thursday (17 April). During the evening we will also break bread together and reflect on some scripture verses. Please sign up at the back of church if you would like to attend.
Fish and chips will be £10 per person and sausage and chips will be £7.50 per person. This price also includes tea, coffee and soft drinks.
Recycling Bags
If anyone has any surplus rolls of recycling bags that they do not need, we would be grateful to receive them for the church and hall. Just drop them in to the Parish Office. Thank you!
St John’s May Fair
The fair will take place in St John’s Hall on Saturday 17 May from 10am to 1pm. There are sign-up sheets at the back of church if you would like to help out.
Hannah, Parish Administrator
WISHING ALL OUR READERS A VERY HAPPY EASTER!
Lancaster Priory Church
St Thomas’ Church, Salisbury
Carlisle Cathedral Leeds Minster
Romsey Abbey Church of the Holy Name, Manchester
Lincoln Cathedral
EASTER SERVICES AT ST JOHN’S
YOUTH CLUB
EASTER CRAFTS AT ST JOHN’S
NORMAN CURTIS
It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the death of Norman Curtis on 19 March.
Please continue to hold Maureen and the family in your prayers during this difficult time. We don’t yet have a date for Norman’s funeral service but we will advise you of arrangements via church services and Hannah’s weekly newsletter.
With peace.
Lee
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15 : 13.
EASTER? I DIDN’T KNOW THAT!
• Easter is the oldest Christian holiday as the Christian faith is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ
• Jesus appeared to over 500 people after His resurrection (1 Cor 15:-5-8)
• The tradition of decorating eggs at Easter dates back to medieval times. Eggs symbolise new life and the resurrection of Christ. Early Christians dyed eggs red to represent the blood of Jesus
• On Good Friday it is illegal to dance in public in most German states to show respect for this holy day
• The date of Easter is determined by the lunar cycle meaning it changes every year. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox
• Pretzels were once associated with Easter; their twists representing arms crossed in prayer
• The white lily is closely associated with Easter, symbolising hope and rebirth
• The Easter season extends for 50 days ending at Pentecost
We hope you enjoy this issue of ‘Contact’: many thanks to all our contributors this month. You are warmly invited to contribute items to the magazine too.
Contributions by the 14th of the month, please!
Would you like to advertise in ‘Contact’? Please contact St John’s Hall Office 023 80844336
Phil & Cat Preston - email: philmex123@gmail.com
SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUB: CAN YOU HELP?
VICAR: Rev Lee Davies (0756 5763803) Vicar@stjohnshythe.org
LICENSED LAY MINISTER: Sue Blomley (023 80849482) sue.blomley@gmail.com
CHURCH WARDENS:
Martin Deadman (023 81782640) mdeadman@gmail.com Craig Fowkes (07546218718) craigfowkes@aol.co.uk
PRO-WARDEN: Carol Moody (023 80843559) cazbam02@btinternet.com
CHILDREN & FAMILIES PASTOR: Chris McMahon via Hall Office (023 80844336) families@stjohnshythe.org
ST JOHN’S HALL: (023 80844336) office@stjohnshythe.org
‘CONTACT’
EDITORS: Phil & Cat Preston philmex123@gmail.com
ADVERTISING: via Hall Office (023 80844336) office@stjohnshythe.org
DISTRIBUTION: Veronica Clasby (023 80844336)
NOTE FROM THE EDITORS
We hope you enjoy this issue of ‘Contact’: you are warmly invited to contribute items to the magazine.
Contributions by the 14th of the month please!
Would you like to advertise in ‘Contact’?
Please contact St John’s Hall Office: 023 80844336
