Pew News - 19 Apr 2026
Warmest welcome
Over the past few weeks, it has been a real joy to welcome several new faces to our Sunday services. We are so glad that you have joined us and hope you are beginning to feel at home among us.
As it says in Romans 15:7, “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” These words remind us that offering a warm and genuine welcome is at the heart of who we are as a church community.
If you are new, please do feel free to come and have a chat after the service. Rev Garry, Su, and members of the PCC are always up for a chat and would be very happy to answer any questions you may have.
We look forward to sharing in worship, fellowship, and community life together.
Also, if you’re ever unable to attend church, you can catch up on Pew News on the News page of our website, also shared on our Facebook page each week.
THIS WEEK PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Anna B, Lucy, Stella O, Juliet G, Jane L, Heather W, Rashmi, Jake C, Ann J, Cathy E.
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
FUNERAL: ROY TIMMS
The funeral service for Roy Timms will take place on Friday 1st May 2026, 1.30pm at Wessex Vale Crematorium.
Daisy invites you to attend. Please continue to hold Daisy and the family & friends in your prayers.
APRIL SERVICES
19 April - 8.30am - no service
19 April - 10am – Leprosy Mission is visiting us.
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.
SCHOOL ASSEMBLY SUPPORT
CLOTHING: Do you have any clothing we can adapt for Bible characters for primary aged children (4 – 11yrs)? Things like old shirts that we can adapt as tunics, dressing gowns, scarves.
VOLUNTEERS: Can you help keep the clothing clean & tidy?
PHOTOS: Has anybody got a good photos of our nativity scene (see below) with all the characters?
Please speak to Su Brakewell or email su@sholing.church
GARRY’S ANNUAL LEAVE
Garry is on holiday from 12th to 20th April. If you have any urgent enquiries during this time, please email Bev at office@sholing.church or call 023 8044 8337.
CAN YOU SUPPORT OUR HERITAGE 160 PROJECT?
Due to rising building costs and additional requirements mean that we now face a funding shortfall. To complete this work well, we are inviting support from our congregation and from all those who have worshipped here or used St Mary’s for baptisms, weddings, funerals, enjoyed a community event or moments of quiet prayer.
If St Mary’s has been part of your story, we would be deeply grateful for any donation you are able to make. Every gift, large or small, will help ensure that this church and its stories are cared for and shared with future generations.
FOOD BANK – HOW YOU CAN HELP!
This week, the food bank urgently needs tinned meats. If you can help, please leave the items in the basket in the hall. Thank you!
CALLING ALL KNITTERS/CRAFTERS
Story Telling in Schools
KNITTING – could you knit hats or false beards? We can provide a pattern, even wool if needed.
CRAFTING – some stories could do with props – for example palm branches. We plan stories in advance so will be able to give a reasonable notice. 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.
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
We’re really surprised not to have received many of your stories of 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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