Summer 2026

Stewards Scribblings

I've always enjoyed reading. As a child, I visited Bexhill Library every week with my four pocketed tickets, two for fiction and two for non-fiction. First stop was to see if there were any Enid Blytons I hadn't read, Malcolm Saville came next, followed by Anthony Buckeridge with his Jennings and Darbishire books. Gwynedd Rae was a favourite with her Mary Plain books about a talking bear. Having chosen my two fiction books, it was over to the non-fiction shelves to see what took my fancy there. So much to choose from. Then the walk home to Sidley, reading as I went; many's the time I'd read a whole book before I reached home!

There were lots of books at home, too, although Dad wasn't a reader, never having been encouraged as a country boy. He only ever owned one book, The Children's Everything Within, a great big thick tome which in turn I read avidly, and was allowed to colour in as long as I did it neatly! I've still got it, along with Mum's prized Little Women, and Carrots, Just a Little Boy, by Mrs Molesworth, who I later found out to be a prolific Victorian author of books to improve young minds!

Amongst the many old children's books which I now collect, there are some old and beautifully illustrated ones of hymns for children, as you can see from the photos.

I also have more very out-of-date hymnbooks than is good for me, and many different versions of the Bible, and on that subject, I shall finish with the Open-Air Sunday School chorus which many of you will remember.

Sing it as you read it, then carry out its advice!

The best book to read is the Bible,
The best book to read is the Bible
If you read it every day
It will help you on your way
OOOOOOO the best book to read is the Bible!

Have a lovely summer, catch up on your reading, and may God bless you all

Chris
Chris Cox, Senior Steward

Money & Property Matters – and Barry’s Babblings

As I compile my notes, we have just celebrated Father's Day and prior to that on 16th June it was Sussex Day. Both are worthy of recognition and both were part of our worship.

The new Methodist year starts on 1st September and new blue envelopes will be issued to those who pay by this weekly method. Also many donate direct to the church bank account on a monthly basis, and this is the most effective method of all - no money to count!! However you pay, it can be linked to the Gift Aid Scheme if you are a tax payer. (In case you need the details they are Christchurch Methodist Church, 20-27-91 account 00256102).

Members of the Methodist Church should have received a communication concerning their giving and hopefully this will be helpful. The treasurers of each of the nine churches in the circuit (plus Winchelsea) meet regularly - next meeting is on 21st August 2026 - to plan and discuss the financial situation in our circuit.

Whilst writing about our circuit, it reminds me that there are usually joint services each quarter in one of the churches - do note this detail and try to come along. Have you visited every Methodist Church in the circuit??

We are looking forward to another coffee morning and play from the Christian Voices on Saturday July 11th from 10am (Presentation from 11am). The title this time is 'In the eyes of God'. Please do come and support.

It is well worth saying that we are so grateful to all those who lead worship in our church. There is usually a 'Local Arrangement' each quarter, and the Stewards make appropriate arrangements and this we appreciate. Our Stewards work very hard to ensure that worship is celebrated every Sunday - many thanks to Chris, Jill, Virginia and David - and many others who offer support.

The work on Centenary House is progressing, and this is the responsibility of the circuit (and not Christchurch) although we do have a vested interest particularly as it is right next door to our church! Please take care when you are around Centenary House.

The good news is that the organ is now back in good shape having been serviced and checked. There was very little damage to the organ following the ceiling fall and it is lovely to hear it being played again - thank you to Colin Jilks for his work. As I have mentioned before we are delighted that the ceiling work has been restored and the bill of around £7K paid mainly from reserves.

To conclude on a personal note - Joan and I celebrate our Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 27th August 2026 and we had the ceremony at our former Sackville Road Church and we went all the way to Bournemouth by train for our honeymoon!! Happy Days!

Have a wonderful summer and I will quote the second verse of the hymn mentioned last month:

God's free mercy streameth over all the world.
And his banner gleameth everywhere unfurled.
Broad and deep and glorious as the heaven above,
Shines in might victorious, His eternal love.

Hymns and Psalms 361 (William How 1823 - 1897)

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 July 19th 2026 we celebrate the 241st Chapel Anniversary and, as usual, there will be hymn singing under the Wesley Tree from 2.30pm and we then adjourn to the Chapel for the 3:00pm celebration service. All are most welcome to join with us.

On Saturday 15th August 2026 there will be a Coffee Morning from 10am to 12 noon. If you have not yet received a copy of the latest Newsletter do let me know. There is also the opportunity to make an annual donation and to continue as a 'Friend' of the Chapel. Your support would be much appreciated and gratefully received.

If you have never visited the Chapel (more correctly known as a 'Preaching House') do try to come to one of the events - you should find it most interesting in terms of Methodist history.

Barry Turnwell

Barry Turnwell, Publicity Officer

Membership Secretary 01424 216456