November 2024

Stewards Scribblings

Only a few weeks to go till Christmas. I am looking forward to singing carols and all the decorating that goes on in the church. It is a time to remember the magical story of Jesus and how he came into our lives. I am sure we are rushing around to get the last things for the big day but we need to look forward to Carol Services and Christmas Bazaars at many of our sister churches. We also need to think of the way many people will be celebrating in foreign countries that are enveloped in war and religious persecution. We have a lot to be thankful for.

I hope you all have a happy Christmas and I will be here for the new year after staying with friends and attending midnight mass at the village of Horton.

God Bless you all, over the season of good will.

Anne Pitchforth, Senior Steward

Money & Property Matters – and Barry’s Babblings

It is pleasing to see the new Audio/Visual equipment in full use with very clear pictures. We just await the final installation of the full WiFi system that will be available in both the church and the main hall. Our thanks to all who have made the move possible.

A meeting of the Finance and Property Committee is required as various matters urgently require our ongoing attention - we even have a lovely buddleia growing out of the church roof and this must be removed asap! Clearly that bush and other roof problems are aggravating the damp that is seen in the church.

On a more positive note, we are busy planning for the Christmas celebrations. On Sunday 1st December I will be pleased to lead the Advent Carol service. Elsewhere you will read of the various services etc and hopefully they will all be well attended. We are grateful to those who erect the candle holders, decorate the new Christmas tree that we have purchased, and those who make the church so appealing with flowers and decorations.

On Friday 13th December there will be the Christmas Zoom Quiz night at 7pm - do try to join with us without leaving the comfort of your own lounge chair!

I am sure that you will read elsewhere about some of our folk who have transferred to glory in recent weeks. We remember John Cox, Christine Harvey-Holbrook, Sylvia Emery and others, as well as their family and friends. May God richly bless them.

As we come to the end of another year may I thank all who contribute to the finances and work of Christchurch. This is much appreciated and if you wish to become a regular donor, I will be pleased to explain the various ways in which this can be achieved.

One of the statements that we find in the Christmas story is 'Fear Not' - interestingly this phrase (or very similar) is recorded 365 times in the Bible - that number feels familiar doesn't it! Yes - one for every day of the year.

Every blessing and Christian love to you all, for Advent and Christmas... and for 2025 as well.

Barry Turnwell, Church Treasurer and a Property Steward

Christchurch Messenger Website

You may know that much of the content of the Christchurch Messenger also ends up on this website but not all of it. So it is well worth your while to read the Messenger, but also to keep a watchful eye on the website, which is updated every month.

Over 17,500 visits (hits) are made to the website each year, around 48 each day. There are 18 web pages, and the most popular ones are the Home Page, News & Events, Diary, Contacts, Ninfield, and Christchurch Singers. There is also a link to the Winchelsea Chapel website.

If you have any comments or suggestions to make about the website, please let me know.

Peter Downes
Web Developer

Winchelsea Methodist Chapel News
www.winchelseachapel.org

You should be able to read a full comprehensive report about life at the Chapel in the latest issue of 'Spotlight' the excellent circuit magazine. Please pick up a copy and read all about life in our circuit.

We have celebrated and remembered various occasions of late eg Heritage Open Day, an impromptu concert of local talent, Harvest Festival, Remembrance Day etc. Now we look forward to our Christmas celebration service on Saturday 14th December at 10.30am for 11:00am. This will be led by one of our former circuit ministers, the Rev Tricia Williams.

If you feel that you would like to become a 'Friend' of the Chapel please let me know and I will let you have details. The Chapel dates from 1785 and is a wonderful Methodist Heritage site that we do not want to lose.

Barry Turnwell, Publicity Officer