Stewards Scribblings - July 2022

I don't know if any of you collect things! My husband had a very extensive record collection accumulated over many years. I have been collecting Wedgwood Jasper ware since 1971, the first, a 60th commemorative plate from Girl Guiding. I then received several pieces for my 21st birthday and am still collecting - 91 pieces to date (and still counting!). Although my main interest is the pale blue and commemorative pieces, I have since widened the colour range and added pieces of different shapes. It is not at all valuable, but I love the matt finish of the pieces, and can pick up a shape or colour I haven't got for £5 in a charity shop or second-hand shop.

Isn’t it amazing how what is lovely and valuable to one person, another wouldn’t give houseroom to. We are all different, look different, sound different, and have different interests and personalities, but when it comes to our faith, we are the same – the same God, the same beliefs. When we gather on a Sunday morning to share our faith and express ourselves in our prayers, listen to the Bible readings and share in what the preacher is telling us, we are one. Differences of background, age, life experiences don't matter - we are one, and we are able to share and enjoy each other's company, we feel comfortable with each other. We have a reputation for being a friendly church and hope very much that that continues for many years to come.

When a person, or family are experiencing problems, we are there for them. The Methodist Church is unique in having an official pastoral system, whereby members are looked after by a pastoral visitor, and they were invaluable during the pandemic when we were unable to see each other week by week. May we always be there for each other, whatever our differences.

Jill

Jill Read, Senior Steward

Money & Property Matters – and Barry’s Babblings - July 2022

During the coming two months we say our farewells to Rev Tricia Williams and welcome the Rev Crawford Logan to be our new minister. We give Tricia and husband Dave our thanks, and wish them every blessing for their retirement to Seaford. There will be a farewell service for Tricia at Little Common Church at 4pm on Sunday 24th July. Do come along of you can.

During August the Rev Crawford Logan will move to Bexhill from Essex to live in the Manse in ‘Woodlands’ Bexhill that is being vacated by Tricia and Dave. Crawford will have a welcome service at St Leonards–on–Sea Methodist church at 4pm on Sunday 4th September. For the past year Philip Wagstaff has been our Minister and he will continue to have pastoral responsibility for the churches in the east of the circuit. Crawford will look after Christchurch, St Leonards-on-Sea, Ninfield and Little Common plus a short time each week at Battle.

Please do remember these ministers and their families as they embark upon another stage of their life’s journey. Every blessing to them.

The small garden at the entrance to the church has been a blaze of colour for many months and reflects the ribbons and flag on the railings signifying our support for the people of Ukraine. Our thanks to Derek and Hazel for looking after the garden. The slope to the church has also been improved and is much safer. There is always something needing to be done to keep the premises in good shape. In addition, we are grateful to all the volunteers who help with the cleaning etc each week.

The annual Festival of Flowers held in May was very successful and the Ladies who Lunch have very kindly donated £1650 to help our church funds, and they have also made donation of £250 to the Bexhill Community Bus charity. Well done, Ladies, and all who helped and supported the Festival.

The Christchurch Singers Jubilee Concert was a great success. The church was packed and as well as the choir we also had music on the organ, drums, bass guitar, clavinova, keyboard and flute. The singing was really inspiring and well done to all involved. Particularly thanks to conductor Pat Reigh, and to Elizabeth Bush, the accompanist, who has retired from this role. Happy retirement to Elizabeth and husband David. Date for the diary – next Christmas Concert is on Saturday 3rd December at 6pm.

On Sunday 10th July we are delighted to welcome Sussex Harmony, a West Gallery Quire, from the Lewes/Brighton area. There will be a Workshop from 2.30pm and then, after refreshments, the service at 6pm. It is some years since the Quire visited us and please do try to come along – you will not be disappointed. For further details see the handbills or give me a call.

The Fun and Friendship Social group continues to meet on the second and fourth Tuesday afternoons in the halls. This is a lovely relaxed time and I am even trying to win at Scrabble! Nigel usually wins and Geoff has a great skill at inventing new words! There is plenty to do from table tennis to jigsaws, from knitting to snooker – all are welcome so just come along.

Above all these happenings the most vital part of church life is our worship and the congregation are grateful to all who lead and help in the preparation for our services. We are also having a little chorus time on occasions and a small worship group to play for us. We are also hoping to welcome some new members and if you would like to join with us in that way do let us know. There is a very helpful book that you can read explaining about being a member of the Methodist church.

Final thought ‘God loves each of us as if there were only one of us’, St Augustine.

Enjoy a wonderful summer.

Barry Turnwell

Treasurer and a Property Steward

Winchelsea Methodist Chapel
www.winchelseachapel.org

July 2022

As I write this report I have just returned from the Chapel where we had an excellent Methodist Musical Meditation led by Stephen Page. In the afternoon 20 people gathered to form a choir, and rehearsed some of the old Methodist hymns ready for the service to follow. After a cup of tea, the Rev Philip Wagstaff led the service with Stephen leading the singing.

It was lovely to see the Chapel almost full and Stephen lead a very inspiring and meaningful Meditation.

The previous day the Chapel had an Open Day to link with the open gardens in the town – this too was a very happy occasion with 92 visitors coming to view the Chapel. The display boards are in course of being improved. In addition, we have had to have some major work done to the Chapel wooden floor and we are all much safer now!

Do try and come along on Sunday July 17th to celebrate the 237th Chapel Anniversary. At 2.30pm there will be hymn singing under the Wesley Tree followed at 3pm with the service led by the Rev Tricia Williams.

Barry Turnwell,

Publicity Officer