Pew News - 13 Sept 2026
Welcome back to the newly updated St Mary’s Church!
What a fantastic job our younger members, together with their parents, have done painting our church coffee bar. It’s looking bright, fresh and welcoming - and we’re so grateful for all the creativity that has gone into it!
FOR OUR PRAYERS:
Baby Louis, Jane L, Juliet G, Jake C, Garry R, Poppy S, Su B, Sam C, Andrew & Maria, Margaret R.
The prayer team continues to pray for all who have requested prayer.
To request prayer: Contact Claire Buston email: prayer@sholing.church
A FASCINATING EVENING
On Wednesday evening, we were delighted to welcome Andy Skinner from SeaCity Museum, who delivered a thoroughly enjoyable and fascinating talk about Victorian Southampton.
Andy brought the history of the city to life with fascinating facts and stories including the railways, ships and slums.
His incredible knowledge and enthusiasm made for a really engaging evening, and we certainly learned a lot along the way!
SCHOOL STORY TELLERS
Can you help our growing school ministry?
We have been invited to support assembly in three of our local primary schools. We use a great resource, ‘Open the Book’. The bible stories are all prepared, from the Old and New Testament and interactive (acted out by the children).
· St Monica Primary: assembly monthly on Wednesday afternoon;
· Valentine Primary: assembly monthly on Monday morning;
· Sholing Infant: assembly each half term on Wednesday afternoon.
You do not have to do every one of these. If you’d like to see if this is a ministry for you, why don’t you join us as a observer before you make the decision. Speak to Su Brakewell
SINGING GROUP
The group previously known as the church choir has a new name - the Singing Group. This decision has been made as the previous name brings to mind a robed choir singing in four-part harmony and regularly singing as such during services. Our role is to lead the singing during worship and, apart from one bass, we all sing in unison (the tune).
We would love to add to our number. At present we have four men and four ladies, ranging in age from 17 - 85. The only qualifications you need are to sing in tune and love singing. We meet on Thursday evenings from 6-7pm when we practice the music for upcoming services followed by a joyful time singing worship songs. We are a friendly group who always offer a warm welcome.
If you are interested, please contact Claire Buston.
WELCOMERS ROTA
As we return to our newly refurbished church it is an ideal opportunity to review and refresh the welcomers’ rota.
The rota normally covers a three-month period and therefore I intend that a new rota will start on the first Sunday in October and cover the months of October, November and December.
I would like to hold a very short meeting for both existing and new welcomers at 9.30am on the morning of Sunday 20th September in the hall. We can review the role and confirm or otherwise those who would like to be on the list going forward.
I have been made aware of some new volunteers but all who are interested in the role are welcome to attend.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, can you please speak to me separately so that I can make sure that nobody gets missed - Gordon Brakewell.
WELLBEING AT ST MARY’S
AEROBIC & STRENGTHENING - Mon & Wed 6.15pm
As some of you will know, Adrienn holds an aerobic and strengthening class in the hall twice a week. To book, please contact Adrienn on 07761 657311.
OVER 60s KEEP FIT- Wed 9 Sept, 10–11am
Adrienn is now trialling this new class. To book, please contact Adrienn on 07761 657311.
YOGA Beginner friendly - Fri 11 Sept, 7–8.30pm
We now have a Yoga class! Yoga with Becky is trialling a monthly yoga session in the hall. To book, please email Becky becky@beckyyoga.co.uk
SERVICE OF REDEDICATION
Sunday 1 November - 11am
You should now have received your printed invitation from Joyce. If you haven't, please let one of the PCC members know so that we can make sure you receive one.
An RSVP sheet is available at our services. Please let us know if you will be attending and include any dietary requirements. Thank you.
HERITAGE TALKS
Thank you to everyone who has already registered to attend our fabulous Heritage events. We’ve had an incredible level of interest in all the talks.
These events are free to attend, but we ask that you register in advance to help us plan seating.
To register your attendance: Tel: 023 8044 8337 or Email: heritage@sholing.church
IKNOW APP
We hope you are all enjoying using the iknow app and receiving reminders for when you are serving.
If you ‘ve not yet signed up for the phone app, there are a few leaflets in the service folders giving instruction or you can email Bev at office@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
WHAT’S ON - LIVE CALENDAR