On Friday, many in our community celebrated Halloween by carving pumpkins, dressing up, and knocking on doors. For some Christians, it can feel like a day to avoid, given its associations with darkness and fear. But Halloween offered us an opportunity.

At its heart, Halloween began as All Hallows’ Eve, the night before All Saints’ Day, a time to remember that the light of Christ shines even in the darkest places. Rather than retreating, we can engage our neighbours with warmth and kindness, opening our doors instead of closing them. A smile, a cup of hot chocolate, a toasted Marshmallow can speak of Jesus more than we realise.

So, thank you to the Veracity Team who did just this on Friday. Let’s pray for those who came and for our community to know the light that no darkness can overcome.

FOR OUR PRAYERS

This week we pray especially for:

Cathy E & family, Ann J, Iris J, Chris A & Jenny, Adrian & Jane, Hilary & Chris, Yancy T, Tyler, Sam C.

The prayer team continue to pray for all who have requested prayer.

To request prayer: email: prayer@sholing.church

REMEMBERING

Ruby S, praying for Garrie, Symon, family & friends.

Sue Ba, praying for Jeff, Tammie, Darren, family & friends.

CHOCOLATE TOMBOLA DONATIONS

Please continue to bring your chocolate donations into church. Thank you to all those that have already donated

160th YEAR CELEBRATION COOKBOOK

As part of our 160th Anniversary celebrations next year, Julie has had the wonderful idea of creating a special Celebration Cookbook! We’d love to include your favourite tried and tested recipes — family favourites, comfort food, or something passed down through the ages.

If you’d like to contribute a recipe, please speak to Julie email julie56cousens@gmail.com

FLOWERS IN CHURCH

We have a vacancy for someone to take charge of the church flowers. This involves arranging a few displays or vases on a fortnightly basis. If you’re interested, please speak to one of the PCC members.

LITTLE STEPS TODDLER GROUP

Due to the works taking place in church and the limited space in the hall, we’ve decided to pause Little Steps while the church is out of use. The final session before the break will be on Wed 17 Dec.

NOVEMBER AT ST MARY’S

STRIDER EXTRA RELAUNCH

TODAY Sun 2nd Nov | Parish Hall

· 4.30-5.30pm Younger (up to 7 yrs)

· 5.30-6pm – Dinner for both age groups

· 6-7pm Striders Older (age 8+)

FUNERAL - Ruby Smirk

Mon 3 Nov - 11am

Wessex Vale Crematorium

Followed by wake at Parish Hall.

MAINTENANCE & CLEANING

Sat 8 Nov morning

We need a few helpers next Saturday to help us with a few cleaning and clearing jobs. Please speak to Mick.

REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE

Sun 9 Nov, 10.30am

BASIC SAFEGUARDING TRAINING

Tue 11 Nov - 2-3:30pm | In Church

For those that have received an invitation to attend.

BAPTISMS IN NOVEMBER

During November we have the following Baptisms that you may like to attend.

Sun 16 Nov, 2pm – All together Baptism followed by party in the church hall for Bethany James, Poppy Scorer, Alexander Bryett, Timothy Bryett.

Sun 23 Nov, 12.30pm – Mia Howes

CHRISTMAS DECORATING

Sun 30 Nov – From 10am

Join us as we decorate the church and hall for the festive season! Everyone is welcome — many hands make light work. Please speak to Mick to let him know how much help you can offer.