Can you offer a prayer for Pew News during our building works (June & July). If so, please email Bev on office@sholing.church and she will allocate you a week.

BUILD – Building Community Together

Over the past couple of years, it has been wonderful to see BUILD growing into a warm, welcoming and creative space within the life of our church. Beginning with breakfast together, BUILD offers a relaxed and informal way of exploring faith and community. Through short videos, dramatised Bible stories, crafts, LEGO activities and interactive prayer, we have been discovering that church can be both thoughtful and joyful, simple and meaningful.

What has encouraged me most is seeing how BUILD is something shaped by the congregation rather than simply led by the clergy. Jo and Pete have been helping to suggest themes for many months, this month Michele organised our craft activities, and others have contributed ideas, practical help and encouragement along the way. This is exactly the spirit I hope BUILD will continue to grow in: Building Community Together.

As priest, I will always be very happy to support, encourage and advise, but I do not believe BUILD needs to depend upon me in order to flourish. In fact, one of the healthiest signs of church life is when

people feel confident to use their gifts, creativity and faith to lead and serve together. My hope is that a small team might gradually develop to plan and lead BUILD collaboratively. Sharing ideas, organising activities, leading prayers and helping create the welcoming atmosphere that makes the service so special.

BUILD was always intended to be a gentle doorway into church life for those who may find traditional services daunting, while also being a place where existing church members can connect, learn and grow together in new ways. The informal style allows people of all ages to join in, ask questions, be creative and simply spend time together.

Thank you to everyone who has already helped BUILD become what it is today. If you feel you might like to be involved in planning, leading or supporting future services, whether regularly or occasionally, I would love to hear from you. Together, I believe we can continue building something very special.

THIS WEEK PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Heather W, Rashmi, Margaret R, Lucy, Stella O, Jake, Kevin, Chris & Jenny, Sally A.

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

To request prayer: Email: prayer@sholing.church

REMEMBERING

Gill, praying for Mandy, Elana, Dale, Lewis, family and friends

Sheila, praying for Clive, Christine, Georgina, grandchildren Marie, Edward, great grandchildren and great, great granddaughter.

FOOD BANK

The food bank urgently needs the following items. If you can help, please either drop items to the Church Hall during an arranged activity or email the office to arrange a convenient time - Office@Sholing.Church

· Deodorant (men and women)

· Shower gel

· Body soap

CHRISTIAN AID – THANK YOU!

A very big thank you to everyone who contributed so generously to this year’s Christian Aid collection. Your kindness and support are greatly appreciated.

We are delighted to report that Christian Aid donations from St Mary’s totalled £410, plus an additional £40 in Gift Aid.

Thank you again to all who gave so generously and helped support the vital work of Christian Aid around the world.

‍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 ‍ ‍

This Summer’s Church Camps is on Thurs 6th - Mon 10th August including a ‘Camping Communion’ by Garry on the Sunday morning.

So far, we have 5/6 families attending. If anyone would like more information, please contact Michele Adams on 07555136378.

WHAT’S ON - LIVE CALENDAR

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Pew News - 31 May 2026