We have a bumper issue for you this week as there are lots of notices and events to share with you.

INTRO BY SU BRAKEWELL

On Friday (17th October) we joined together for our Harvest Supper. We enjoyed good company and great entertainment, some planned and rehearsed and some unexpected – from a new harvest song, introduced to us by Poppy, which proved to be easily learned but turned out to be an ‘ear-worm’! Thank you Garry and Poppy for giving us a second go on Sunday. Brian, one of our ‘Thursday Cuppa’ stalwarts read us his beautiful poem on Harvest. We enjoyed it so much, Brian has given permission for it to be shared below.

It felt like an extended family, all ages, enjoying each other’s company and encouraging other’s talents. Even Gary the Cat joined in.

A fabulous example of fellowship and community.

The great philosopher Winnie the Pooh says, "It's not really about what's on the table... It's about who's sitting at it" and "it isn't really the food that makes a picnic. It's knowing that someone you care about is sitting beside you".

Poem by Brian

Ta Lord

“Ta” thanks a lot Lord

For all you’ve done for me

I really am amazed

As I sit beneath this tree

Those golden fields so far and wide

With barley, wheat and hay

Ready for the Harvest

What a wonderful display

I see the farmer and his men

With tools of trade in hand

I see the sweat on foreheads

And they toil this fertile land

The birds above are chirping

Others flying to and fro

It won’t be long til winter

And they will have to go

Warmer climes are beckoning

The nights are getting long

But they’ll be back next year

To charm us with their song

Rabbits, hare and mice

Will soon be tucked up warm

When those dry winds appear

And insects cease to swarm

It’s getting chilly now in fact

I’ve been sitting here all day

Giving thanks to Him above

Now I’d best be on my way

I used to take for granted

These things I’ve talked about

But since I’ve been retired

I’ve seen God’s work, there’s no doubt

I may not see tomorrow

Next week, or the coming year

But what I’ve seen this very day

Confirms that God is near

HARVEST DONATIONS

We have received such generous donations for our Food Bank from many of our church family, as well as local schools and preschools. The children from Hopscotch Day Nursery braved the heavy rain on Monday morning to hand deliver their goodies.

FOR OUR PRAYERS

This week we pray especially for:

Cathy E and family, Ann J, Stella O, Jane L, Annie G

Heather W, Iris J, Anna B, Chris A & Jenny, Dave & Nicky

Michelle R.

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.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING US

Our Indoor Car Boot Sales have now finished for 2025.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make them such a success — those who organised and managed the events, volunteered their time, booked tables, donated items, and came along to support us. These sales have been a valuable source of income for the church, and we look forward to welcoming you back in Autumn 2026 once the building works are complete.

HERITAGE160 UPDATE

Our Heritage 160 project continues to move forward positively. Plans are being made for services to move to another location in the community from early 2026 while work takes place at St Mary’s, with lifts arranged for those who need them. The 8.30am and Evensong services will continue to take place in our Hall. Striders will continue on the first 2 Sundays of the month but we have not yet decided if this will take place in the hall or the venue selected for the main service.

The research teams are progressing on the WWI/WWII, Titanic, and local community history themes. Preparations are also taking shape for our 160th Anniversary Celebration Service on 1st November 2026, which Bishop Geoff Annas will attend.

Please keep the project in your prayers as we move into this next phase of planning and preparation.

CHOCOLATE DONATIONS

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