Pew News - 10 May 2026
We are looking for people to prepare a short introduction to Pew News during June. If you would like to share something with our church family, please email Bev on office@sholing.church
APCM Invitation
You may have noticed that our Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) is coming up on 18 May - but what exactly is it, and why does it matter?
In simple terms, the APCM is the church’s annual meeting, a bit like an AGM. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the past year, hear about what’s been happening in the life of the church, and look ahead to where God might be leading us next.
We also elect members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and other key roles that help guide and support our ministry.
But more than just reports and elections, the APCM is a moment of shared responsibility and encouragement. It’s where we celebrate all that God has been doing among us, and where every voice has a chance to be heard. Whether you’ve been part of the church for years or are newer to the community, your presence matters.
So do come along on 18 May if you can. It’s your church, and this is one of the ways we shape its life together.
We’d love to see you there.
Meeting: Mon 18th May 7.15pm, Church Hall
Nomination forms are now available for anyone who is interested in becoming a PCC member/church warden. Please speak to Joyce.
THIS WEEK PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Michelle R, Tyler, Jake C, Juliet G, Hilary & Chris L, Anna B, Margaret R, Sam C, Cathy E, Ann J.
The prayer team continues to pray for all who have requested prayer.
To request prayer: Email: prayer@sholing.church
REMEMBERING
Joan K, praying for her family and friends
Roy T, praying for Daisy, family and friends
MAY SERVICES
Sun 10 May, 10am service
We will be joined by Vicki from Changing Faces, one of our nominated charities.
PRAY FOR HERITAGE 160 & LUNCH
Sun 31 May 11am-1pm | In the church
You are warmly invited to join the Heritage 160 Committee for a special time of prayer in the church, taking place just before the long-awaited internal building works begin.
This is an important moment in the life of our church, and an opportunity to gather to pray for the project, the building, and our shared future.
Following the prayer service, we will share lunch together.
To help with catering and seating arrangements, please email Bev to let her know if you are attending, along with any dietary requirements, before Mon 18 May: office@sholing.church
Christian Aid Week 10-16 May
Here in Sholing we have been keen supporters of Christian Aid which next year celebrates its 70th year. They have sent this message:
‘This year, the need is real and urgent. In Gaza, families are rebuilding lives amid ongoing conflict. In Sudan, millions have been forced to flee their homes. Across the world, our partners, rooted in communities and trusted by the people they serve are responding with compassion and courage.’
Envelopes for your gifts are available in the Parish Centre and in the school. Please return when attending services and Sally Axton, our representative, will send in our donations. Thank You.
MARK’S MARATHON SUCCESS
Congratulations to Mark Foreman, who successfully completed the Southampton Marathon last Sunday!
Mark finished the race in an impressive time of 5 hours, 35 minutes, and 3 seconds - a fantastic achievement. He reports that he has now “just about recovered,” though his legs were understandably a bit sore for a couple of days afterwards!
In addition to the physical challenge, Mark also raised an outstanding £1,000 through JustGiving in support of the church’s heritage work.
A huge thank you to everyone in the church family who sponsored Mark and helped raise this incredible amount. Your generosity and encouragement are greatly appreciated and will make a real difference to the heritage work of the church. Well done and thank you, Mark!
SCHOOL RULES
As you all know, you MUST bring screw top cups to services at the school (school rules). We have a few spares, but they are for visitors and new people only. It’s very embarrassing if we have new people arrive and we’re unable to offer them a drink.
CALL FOR ADULT SHIRTS/T-SHIRTS
Do you have any used adult/teen shirts/plain t-shirts/ dressing gown/striped or checked tea towels that we could adapt for Bible characters for primary aged children? Please speak to Su Brakewell or email su@sholing.church
FOOD BANK
The food bank is very short of the following items, so if you are able to donate, it would be much appreciated.
· Shower gel
· Shampoo
· Loo roll
· Toothpaste
· Soap
CLEANING AT THE VERACITY
Sat 9th & Sun 10th May
A few of us are helping with the cleaning/clearing at Veracity pavilion between 8-10th May. This work will help Oasis Hub move their Pantry and Prom Hire clothes to the other changing room space.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH HERITAGE 160 PROJECT?
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped deliver over 750 Heritage fundraising letters across the Sholing community.
Together with the generous donations received from our congregation, we have already raised around £1,500. This is a wonderful start and will help towards addressing the shortfall for the Heritage 160 project.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
UPDATE FOR KNITTERS/CRAFTERS
Story Telling in Schools
KNITTING – we have a new pattern for bearded hats. Please grab one off Su Brakewell.
CRAFTING – some stories could do with props. We have all sorts of crafting stuff in the cupboard.
Please let Su Brakewell know if you can help.
APCM (CHANGE OF DATE)
Meeting: Mon 18th May 7.15pm | Hall
Due to this change of date, Nomination forms will be available from 4 May for anyone who is interested in becoming a PCC member/church warden.
Please speak to Joyce if you have any questions.
JIGSAWS NEEDED
Annie is thrilled that the jigsaws have all been sold and is now looking for more. If you have any spare, please bring them to church/cuppa or get in touch with Annie Gale to arrange a drop-off. Thank you.
SUMMER FETE
Sat 27 June 2026
We are teaming up with St Monica School for this year’s Summer Fete.
Could you spare time to help plan the event or to help out on the day itself?
Please speak to Ben or email ben@sholing.church
The Parish Giving Scheme - A simple and efficient way to support your church regularly. The Parish Giving Scheme makes giving easy, secure, and tax-efficient - helping your gift go further and reducing administration for the parish. If you’d like to know more, please speak to Ben or Garry.
SHARE YOUR STORIES OF SHOLING & ST MARY’S
We’d really love to hear from you.
As part of our Heritage 160 celebrations, we are collecting stories, memories, and treasures that make up the living history of our parish.
We’d love to hear about your connections to St Mary’s Church Sholing or the wider Parish of Sholing. Your contribution will help preserve our shared heritage for future generations. There are forms and envelopes available in the Hall or you can speak to one of our team or email us at Heritage@Sholing.Church
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