November 2025

Stewards Scribblings

November by Thomas Hood
No sun - no moon!
No morn - no noon -
No dawn - no dusk - no proper time of day.
No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,
No comfortable feel in any member -
No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds! -
November!

This has to be one of the most negative poems ever, and indeed, November doesn't seem to hold much joy. But, to me, it does at least hold promise!

Promise of good things to come; after all, the sun is there all the time, it's just that it's often hidden by cloud, but we know that the clouds will lift. No warmth, no cheerfulness, but the promise that things will improve sooner or later. A nice hot cup of tea with a good friend, time for hobbies, or maybe a good book to get lost in, or an interesting programme on the telly, can warm you from the inside. And all of nature must rest, so that when the better weather comes, everything will burgeon again, and we shall be glad.

We can't always feel full of the joys of Spring; life can deal us some hard knocks sometimes, but maybe we can live one day at a time when we are having a November moment, and remember Psalm 118 v 24

This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

God bless

Chris Cox, Senior Steward

Money & Property Matters – and Barry’s Babblings

Perhaps I can start by sharing some personal news with readers. On the 15th November 1985 I was accredited as a Methodist Local Preacher. We were living in Haywards Heath at the time and the folk there arranged a special recognition service, including a solo from Wendy, and refreshments provided by the young people of the 6th form A-Level class at Haywards Heath College. Little did I know that I would reach my 40th year!

At a recent Circuit Meeting I was presented with a certificate and a letter from the President of the Methodist Church, and 'Yes' I am going to celebrate with the family - happy days!! If any readers feel that they would like to know more about being a Local Preacher (or Worship Leader) please ask for further details - you are very needed.

Enough about me - I mentioned last time and we have held the Pastoral Committee and the Church Council, so there is plenty to deal with to ensure that the witness of the church is strong and continues. Some more work is required to the building, including electrical and guttering, but we are pleased that the main roofing work has been completed.

The Bible Study/Prayer Group meets each month in Centenary House. This is very informal and we all share thoughts around a chosen subject. Last time it was about 'Grace' and next time (Thursday 6th November at 2.30pm) the theme will be favourite Bible passages or people in the Bible.

On Saturday 15th November we look forward to a Coffee Morning at 10am followed, at 11am, by a presentation from Christian Voices on 'Test of Faith'. These musical Bible Dramas are very good and please try to be with us. Posters give full details.

Christmas is approaching and on Advent Sunday 30th November at 10.30am our service will take the form of an Advent Carol Service. We also hope to again do a little carol singing and several requests have already been made for us to sing (December 8th at the Golden Marigold Club and 10th at the Orangery).

As we approach the end of the year, perhaps we can say a word of thanks to Jill Read for dealing with the weekly diary, and to Wendy Dennis, the Editor of our Messenger each month. They do an excellent job, and both publications are very informative, and most worthwhile. Many thanks.

Well, I must close, so with a little saying 'Bob the Builder - can he fix it? Jesus the Carpenter - Yes! he can!! and finally...

The BIBLE - Basic Information Before Leaving Earth

Just a thought!

Every blessing and Christian love

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

Having celebrated the Harvest Festival with Maggie Woods we move on to All Saints Day. This is not usually celebrated in Methodist Churches with any enthusiasm, but this year will be different.

Our new neighbours at the Chapel are the Rev Carol Cockcroft and her husband - she is a Team Vicar at St Michaels' Church in Bexhill and she has agreed to lead the service on Saturday 1st April at 10.30am for 11am. It will be lovely to welcome Carol and to share worship together.

The final 2025 event is the Advent service on Sunday 7th December at 3pm led by our Superintendent Minister, the Rev Ian Couchman.

Strangely, it is rare for a service to be held at the Chapel on a Sunday, and we look forward to a good attendance.

The Committee is doing an excellent job to maintain the witness of the Chapel (correctly called a Preaching House) and even the tree featured recently in the Weekly Methodist recorder so our fame is spreading!!

Barry Turnwell, Publicity Officer

Membership Secretary 01424 216456