Pew News - 29 Mar 2026
Thank you to Su Brakewell for this week’s intro.
It doesn’t matter how old, or young, we are - we all like a good story, either reading to ourselves or reading to others or listening to a storyteller. Garry and I are Bible Society Storytellers. What does that mean? We have trained to be tellers of the Open the Book stories.
Open the Book, is designed to ‘introduce children to the Bible and its teachings through interactive storytelling’. We have a Storytelling Bible – 90 stories from Genesis to Revelation – all written so that children can join in – learning about the characters, acting out to tell the story – teamed with an assembly structure.
We had a wonderful start to this week! On Monday, we took Key Stage 2 (years 4, 5 and 6) assembly at Valentine School, telling the story of Palm Sunday. With, six children playing the key characters the story unfolded.
The ‘mini congregation’ filled the hall, were attentive and engaged in the story. We even had some questions – including, “When are you coming back?”
And returning we are! Not only to Valentine but we have dates to take assemblies at Sholing Infants and St Monica Primary.
Since then we have received wonderful feedback from the school, including telling us that some children that often find it difficult to come into school had turned up for our assembly!
Please pray for us as this ministry develops.
THIS WEEK PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Margaret R, Jake C, Lucy, Ann J, Cathy E, John C,
Sam C, Hilary & Chris L, Michelle R, Tyler.
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
APRIL SERVICES
There will be NO SERVICE 19 April 8.30am.
19 April – 10am – Leprosy Mission is visiting us.
CALLING ALL KNITTERS/CRAFTERS
Story Telling in Schools
As this ministry takes off, we really could do with some costumes to help make the story come alive.
KNITTING – could you knit hats or false beards? We can provide a pattern, even wool if needed.
CLOTHING – think ‘Nativity’ – have you got any clothing that can be adapted to make costumes for primary aged children (4 – 11yrs)? Things like old shirts that we can adapt as tunics, dressing gowns, scarves. You probably have loads of ideas.
Could you help with keeping our ‘dressing-up’ case in tip-top condition?
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.
CHURCH DEVELOPMENT DAY
Thank you to all those who came to the day, and to those unable to make it but want to be part of ‘whatever is next’. Please watch this space for ‘Next Steps’. In the meantime, keep praying. If you haven’t handed in your evaluation forms - can you please let Su Brakewell have them asap.
FOOD BANK – HOW YOU CAN HELP!
This week, the food bank urgently needs:
· Easter Eggs (before Tuesday)
· Child toothbrushes
If you’re able to donate, could you please place them in the basket in the parish hall. Thank you!
MARK FOREMAN’S MARATHON UPDATE
Mark’s training is going really well. He is now up to 15 miles!! Please continue to sponsor him, in aid of St Mary’s Church!
SHARE YOUR USEFUL TIPS TO SAVE TIME IN THE KITCHEN
Within our Heritage160 recipe book we are including a section on Useful tips to save time in the kitchen. What tips and tricks could you share?
Here are some examples already shared:
1. It can be quite tricky to prise the skin off an onion, and it can often hurt your fingernails. All you need to do is put the onions in a bowl of cold water for 2 minutes, and the skins peel off easily!
2. When boiling milk, it can be difficult to clean the pan afterwards. If you rinse the pan in cold water before adding the milk, hey presto, much easier to clean!
Please email Julie Cousens
APCM
Meeting: Mon 27 April, 7.15pm | Parish Hall
You can now join the electoral roll (if not already on it – please check with Sue Clarke).
From 13th April – nominations open for joining PCC and becoming Churchwarden.
WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
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
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, email Ben or Garry.
