Pew News - 12 July 2026
Thank you to Ben for this week’s intro
A few weekends ago, I was delighted to be invited back to the Isle of Wight as part of the local Street Pastor initiative to volunteer with the festival. Following on from the previous two years, this year I was asked to help organise the weekend alongside the Coordinator and one of the Trustees from the IoW. I was blessed to be asked and loved the opportunity.
We took a big risk this year and organised more patrols, and, as such, prayed over this and for an increase in volunteers. We were delighted to have the most volunteers we have ever had (just under 65) and the most patrols (around 60 over the four days). Turns out this was the busiest patrol the Street Pastor initiative has ever undertaken!
We also had a base this year, which was an answer to previous prayers, and so we were able to take the time to speak with festival-goers about anything and everything. We also made a conscious decision to focus more on prayer this year, which put us in the right place at the right time, including helping find a missing vulnerable adult in a busy crowd.
Next year’s dates have already been published, and now that I've caught up on sleep and my feet have recovered (about 45 miles walked over the four days), I’m already looking forward to it!
THIE WEEK’S PROGRESS
THIS WEEK PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Carol Q, Sam C, Jake C, Christine O, Juliet G, Stella O, Dave R, Margaret R, Ann J, Cathy E.
The prayer team continues to pray for all who have requested prayer.
To request prayer: Email: prayer@sholing.church
REMEMBERING
Chris A, praying for Jenny, Lee, Shelley and family.
HERITAGE EVENTS
SERVICE OF REDEDICATION
Sunday 1 November - 11am
We are delighted to invite you to our Service of Rededication and Celebration, which will take place in the church on Sunday 1 November at 11.00am.
The service will be attended by Bishop Geoff Annas, the Sheriff of Southampton, the MP for Southampton, and many other invited guests as we
give thanks for the completion of our restoration project and celebrate this important milestone in the life of our church. The service will be followed by lunch.
UPDATE: HERITAGE EVENTS
The Heritage Committee is putting the finishing touches to an exciting programme of additional heritage events taking place this Autumn. Full details will be announced soon.
JULY SERVICES & VISITOR
19 July - Southampton Hospital Charity visiting
REMINDER: AUGUST SERVICES
Last August we paused our regular 10am Sunday services and instead enjoyed the opportunity to gather as a church family in a variety of different and creative ways. From BBQs and beach trips to walks, picnics, and coffee meet-ups. It was a wonderful chance to spend time together, invite others along, and enjoy fellowship in a more informal way.
We are planning to do the same again this August, and we would love as many people as possible to help make it happen!
Could you organise something simple on a Sunday during August? It doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. You might host tea and cake in your garden, organise a short walk, invite people for a picnic, arrange a games afternoon, head to the beach, or gather people for fish and chips. Simple opportunities to spend time together can make a real difference.
As we are a church family of all ages, interests, and mobility levels, it would be wonderful to have a variety of different activities taking place at different times throughout the Sundays. Some events may suit families with children, some may be quieter gatherings, and others may involve getting out and about, there is room for all sorts of ideas.
FOOD BANK - CAN YOU HELP?
The Food Bank is in urgent need of the following items. If you are able to donate, please place items in the basket in the Parish Hall. Thank you!
· Shower gel
· Toothbrushes
RIDE & STRIDE
SAVE THE DATE: Sat 12 Sept
If you would like to take part this year:
Riding your bike – contact Philip - email philip@sholing.church
Striding - contact Mick – email mick@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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