December 2025

Stewards Scribblings

This is most definitely a month for candle-burning at Christchurch! I came across this little story the other day and thought you might like it.

The four candles burned slowly. The first candle said, "I am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit." Then Peace's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely. The second candle said, "I am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable." Then Faith's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely. Sadly the third candle speaks, "I am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer. People put me aside and don't understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them." Waiting no longer, Love goes out completely.

Suddenly... A child enters the room and sees the three candles no longer burning. The child begins to cry, "Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit forever!" Then the fourth candle speaks gently to the little child, "Don't be afraid, for I am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles." With shining eyes the child took the candle of hope and lit the other candles.

Never let the flame of hope go out of your life. With hope, no matter how bad things look and are... peace, faith and love can still shine brightly in our lives.

And that leads me on to our Candle of Hope service at 7pm on Christmas Eve, where we each light out own little tableau, remembering family and friends no longer here on earth and pray for peace.

Many of us and indeed, many of our friends, have been industriously knitting candles to distribute in cunning little places for members of the public to find. Crawford is going to bless them all before they go out in early December. Each candle bears the words 'Jesus, the light of the world.'

Our Carols by Candlelight on December 21st at 6pm will see Christchurch lit up entirely by candles, while we hear from the Bible the age-old story of Christmas and sing the old favourite carols.

And if all that is not enough, Anne has knitted us a post-box topper for the post box outside the church. It will depict, you've guessed it, a fat candle!! Many thanks to Anne, ably abetted by Alan.

From all the stewards, David, Jill, Virginia and I, may we wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

God bless

Chris Cox, Senior Steward

Money & Property Matters – and Barry’s Babblings

Just a word of thanks to the Christian Voices for their inspiring presentation under the title 'Test of Faith'. The hall seems to be an ideal spot for the group at Christchurch and we always enjoy their drama and music - they are a talented team. The collection for 'The Friends of Lossie Long' raised £225 and we are most grateful. Thank you to all who supported this performance.

We are looking forward to a visit from Stephen Page and the Crescendo choir on Thursday 11th December at 7.30pm. This will be an excellent evening of words and music (and more playing on our lovely organ). Please do try to come along.

We have just returned from a very pleasant five-day coach tour to Sidmouth that included a visit to Exeter Cathedral and a trip on the River Exe. The weather was very good for the time of the year. I picked up a leaflet in the Cathedral called 'Christmas in three words' - I wonder what you would say in response - some comments were 'eating too much' or 'Family and Friends' or 'far too busy' or, perhaps. 'Christ is born' or similar words.

There is no doubt that Advent and Christmas tend to be busy times and sometimes it is easy to find that the true meaning is rather missed or even excluded. I think that it is a wonderful time of the year when we can reflect upon the 'wonder of Christmas' - another three words that we could use!

Our church is always beautifully decorated and we are grateful to all who help in this way. You will find details of the Christmas services in the Diary, and we hope to see you if you are able to come along. Our appreciation also to those who prepare and lead our worship - it is surprising how many are involved and how long it takes.

Following the Quinquennial Report, we are making progress on the work that is required - and this includes improvements to the electrical work that will be dealt with shortly. We still need more repairs to some guttering and soffits, and now wait for some drying out of the walls in the church before we can proceed with internal redecoration. Thank you to all who help in any way to look after the premises.

We are planning to have some carol singing sessions as detailed in the diary - please do try to come along and support - sometimes we conclude with coffee and mince pies!! Rev Neville Barnett may be inviting us to sing at the Irvine Unit and hopefully a date will be agreed shortly.

Every blessing to all readers for a wonderful Advent and Christmas, and may this season hold a special meaning to you, and your friends and families.

Barry Turnwell, (Hon 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

On Sunday 7th December at 3pm there will be an Advent Service in the Chapel led by the Rev Ian Couchman. We do hope that this will be well attended and there will be a collection for Christian Aid - with seasonal refreshments to follow.

The Chapel will have a short rest following the service and then look forward to a Valentine's Day Coffee Morning on Saturday 14th February. A date for those new 2026 diaries!

Many thanks to all who support the Chapel, and if you wish to know more do give me a call. Happy Advent, Christmas and 2026!

Barry Turnwell, Publicity Officer

Membership Secretary 01424 216456