October 2026

Stewards Scribblings

There seems so much doom and gloom in this world at the moment. I know people who won't look at a newspaper, or listen to the news because it's just too depressing, and is crowding out thoughts of all the good things that are around them.

On Facebook, people express surprise that a wallet has been found and handed back to its rightful owner, or someone has gone the extra mile to help a person in need. It's so sad that bad things always seem to get so much more publicity than good.

Thinking back to our Harvest Festival, how much goodness and beauty have come out of that? The beauty of our church, so wonderfully decorated, the tableful of food very gratefully received by the Food Bank and the joy and gratefulness that its recipients show. The companionship, good food and fun we had at our harvest lunch, and the excellent proceeds from the auction of fresh fruit, veg and flowers which will go to All We Can.

Recently, coming out of the end of my road, I couldn't help but notice that one wall of the sports pavilion on the Down has been transformed by 'Master Skosh' into an amazing depiction of a cricket match. Do look at it as you go past! And while on the subject of Bexhill Down, let's think of the good work of Bexhill Friends of the Down, led by our own Wendy Dennis, who plant trees, look after them, and keep the area litter-free.

So let's try to focus on what Paul's letter to the Philippians says in which he encourages us to focus our thoughts on what is true, honourable, lovely and commendable. Here are two pictures of lovely things; one is part of our harvest decorations in the church and the other is the sports pavilion on the Down.

God bless, Chris
Chris Cox, Senior Steward

Money & Property Matters – and Barry’s Babblings

Firstly some good (and very surprising) news! At the Fun and Friendship group I managed to win a game of Scrabble! A real boost for my confidence!!

My good friend Ken (plus a few more friends) support Eastbourne Borough FC and Ken, who lives in Hastings, always enjoys a read of the Messenger. Ken has not been too well but has a wonderful maxim for life (he is my age) that he often mentions 'Be thankful for what you've had, and hopeful for what you might have'.

I must say that we had an excellent Harvest Festival celebration and the church was beautifully decorated, the service very informative, the 'bring and share' lunch first class and the auction raised £200 for the 'All we Can' Methodist charity (leaflets in the vestibule if you want to know more about the charity). Well done to all concerned!!

We would really like a hand with the Finance and Property side of our church - another Property Steward would be great. I recently had a call from Methodist Insurance and they are generally happy with our responses. The main point is that we need a little update on our Risk Assessments. Can you help, please?

We have been able to welcome a few new folk to our services and we are grateful to all those who prepare and lead our worship each Sunday at 10.30 am.

On Wednesday 21st October at 7pm the Church Council will be held in the Primary Room and all are most welcome, but only elected members can vote. If there are any subjects that you would like raised, do please speak up and make your voice heard.

The extensive refurbishment to Centenary House has virtually been completed and the scaffolding is shortly to be removed. Whilst we have no responsibility for the House it is our immediate neighbour and we have a vested interest. Hopefully it will be back in action very shortly.

Do enjoy these lovely autumnal days although it is sad that the clocks change and we have much shorter daylight hours. Every blessing and Christian love,

Barry Turnwell (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 Saturday 3rd October 2026 at 10.30am for 11am there will be a musical celebration of Holy Communion entitled 'Breaking Bread'. Hopefully this will be well supported, and all are most welcome.

A further date is Saturday 24th October 2026 when we will be 'Remembering the Fallen'. Posters around our church give full details. If you have not started/ renewed your annual donation this would be most welcome.

Barry Turnwell