Pew News - 3 May 2026
We are looking for people to prepare a short introduction to Pew News during June. If you would like to share something with our church family, please email Bev on office@sholing.church
FROM SU BRAKEWELL
On Saturday (25th) whilst many people from the Winchester Diocese were going to Wembley for the Saints v Manchester City semi-final, I was in London attending the Central Reader’s Council, Annual Meeting. An enormous privilege to share worship and fellowship with LLMs (Licensed Lay Ministers) from diocese across England.
During the opening worship we were asked to reflect on the ostrich. Ostriches are mentioned in the bible – where God explains that when He created the ostrich He ‘deprived her of wisdom’ – a bird that is with a strange mix of behaviours – she lays her eggs in dirt and then neglects them – yet she is still fearfully and wonderfully made – God gifted her incredible speed. (We now know that neglecting the eggs is not accurate, the alpha male ostrich builds a rudimentary ground hollow as a communal nest – and is the primarily cares for the eggs he has fathered by several females and later cares for the brood.)
The ostrich has a huge wing span (2m) and when it opens them and runs, it looks somewhat comically as if it is trying to take off for flight. The ostrich can’t fly; but God’s gift of speed enables it to outrun a horse and rider.
For our consideration: ‘Where are you trying to fly – when God wants you to run?’
‘Flying’ often represents doing things our way and conversely ‘running’ represents obedience and endurance – using the gifts God has given to each of us to run/walk the course God intends for us (God’s Way).
We were encouraged to listen for God’s will on us and on our community – trusting in the gifts He has given and His timing and, of course, to consider if there were things that needed pruning because we were doing in our own strength or because they were easy.
As we come to move forward with the vision for St Mary’s and the Parish of Sholing, this should be a question we ask as a collective church family and as individuals – ‘Where are we trying to fly and where and when does God want us to run?’
THIS WEEK PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Margaret R, Heather W, Rashmi, Lucy, Anna B, Jake C,
Stella O, Cathy E, Ann J, Jane L.
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
MAY SERVICES
Sun 10 May, 10am service
We will be joined by Vicki from Changing Faces, one of our nominated charities.
PRAY FOR HERITAGE 160 & LUNCH
Sun 31 May 11am-1pm | In the church
You are warmly invited to join the Heritage 160 Committee for a special time of prayer in the church, taking place just before the long-awaited internal building works begin.
This is an important moment in the life of our church, and an opportunity to gather to pray for the project, the building, and our shared future.
Following the prayer service, we will share lunch together.
To help with catering and seating arrangements, please email Bev to let her know if you are attending, along with any dietary requirements, before Mon 18 May: office@sholing.church
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.
CALL FOR ADULT SHIRTS/T-SHIRTS
Do you have any used adult/teen shirts/plain t-shirts/ dressing gown/striped or checked tea towels that we could adapt for Bible characters for primary aged children? Please speak to Su Brakewell or email su@sholing.church
FOOD BANK
The food bank is very short of the following items, so if you are able to donate, it would be much appreciated.
Toilet roll
Sanitary towels
Breakfast cereal
Bars of soap
Clothes washing capsules
Washing up liquid
Baked beans
CLEANING AT THE VERACITY
Sat 9th & Sun 10th May
A few of us are helping with the cleaning/clearing at Veracity pavilion between 8-10th May. This work will help Oasis Hub move their Pantry and Prom Hire clothes to the other changing room space.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH HERITAGE 160 PROJECT?
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped deliver over 750 Heritage fundraising letters across the Sholing community.
Together with the generous donations received from our congregation, we have already raised around £800. This is a wonderful start and will help towards addressing the shortfall for the Heritage 160 project.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
UPDATE FOR KNITTERS/CRAFTERS
Story Telling in Schools
KNITTING – we have a new pattern for bearded hats. Please grab one off Su Brakewell.
CRAFTING – some stories could do with props. 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.
JIGSAWS NEEDED
Annie is thrilled that the jigsaws have all been sold and is now looking for more. If you have any spare, please bring them to church/cuppa or get in touch with Annie Gale to arrange a drop-off. Thank you.
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 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