June 2025

Stewards Scribblings

The book of Ecclesiastes was written by a son of David, who calls himself 'The Philosopher' He writes at the beginning of chapter 3:-

"Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. He sets the time for birth and the time for death, the time for planting and the time for pulling up"

At Christchurch, over the past years we have seen birth (and will have a baptism in August) and sadly too many deaths. We have seen our parks and gardens spring into life, grow, bear fruit and die down. Our beautiful Festival of Flowers, and flowers in the sanctuary, bear witness to that.

We have our seasons, and each season has its benefits, both for us and for nature. There are things about each season that I like and things I don't like, and I expect you do as well! I love the cosiness of winter, nothing to do in the garden and being able to enjoy indoor hobbies. I really don't like the cold, though, although I know that without it the earth couldn't sleep and so couldn't wake again in Spring. Winter brings Christmas and all the enjoyment that can bring. Think of our joyful candlelight carol services at Christchurch.

Spring, where, as I write, we are now, brings warmth to wake up the earth. Hibernating creatures awake: our tortoise has come to life again, just in time for his favourite food to be growing. Think of the beautiful blossom and bees, wasps and little flying creatures gathering pollen and pollinating the crops.

Summer is coming, when all is at its most floriferous, the sun is high overhead, and we can relax a little and enjoy the heat of those 'lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer'. Later, we will begin to notice the mornings becoming a bit chillier, and the days becoming a bit shorter, when the sun is lower and the hedgerows are full of good things to gather before winter sets in again and the circle of the year is complete.

Whatever time and season we're in, let's never forget that God is good.

Chris Cox, Senior Steward

Money & Property Matters – and Barry’s Babblings

This has been a rather difficult time for the Turnwell household and we have greatly appreciated your prayers, love and concern. They are still very much needed so please continue with your support.

Sadly, Joan and I had to miss the Festival of Flowers although I did get to the celebration service and so could view all the displays. They looked superb and it was certainly a very busy weekend - well done to everyone. The service, led by Dr Julie Todd, was most enjoyable and challenging as it reflected the theme of 'Take a seat'. Chris Cox led a short 'Songs of Praise' on the Sunday afternoon. Well done to you all, and a special thanks to Sue for all the fantastic displays (the word used by a friend of ours). When the final result is known the members of the 'Ladies Who Lunch' will decide on the donations to the Bexhill MacMillan Cancer Support, and the church funds. It was a wonderful weekend - well done to you all.

June 16th is Sussex Day and on 15th there will be a special service at Christchurch at 10.30am led by Wendy and her Dad! Paul Lendon will also read the Bexhill Charter and maybe we will even sing 'Good old Sussex by the sea!' We live in a beautiful county and this should, rightly, be celebrated.

On Saturday June 21st it will be our pleasure to welcome the members of the 'Christian Voices'. From 10am there will be a Coffee Morning followed at 11am by the Christian voices presentation of 'Lost but Loved'. These are always very thoughtful and musical plays and you will be most welcome to come along. The presentation will help to raise funds for the Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the blind.

The Finance and Property Committee has decided that the required work on the church roof will be dealt with by local firm Haffendens. We are to meet with the contractor to ensure that all work is dealt with and we hope that this will be done in September.

In June there will be plenty of hymn singing including on the 22nd with open air hymn singing at 4pm on the seafront led by Churches Together in Bexhill. Then on Sunday 29th at 10.30am our usual service will be held in the Centenary House Garden when Chris Cox will lead the service with plenty of singing and readings. Last year was excellent, and makes a lovely change from the usual service meeting in the open air (weather permitting!).

We hope that you can enjoy this time of the year and are able to holiday, or just get out for walks along the Prom. Renewed thanks for all your support and every blessing from us both.

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

On Sunday 15th June there will be a 'Singing Workshop' at the Chapel co-ordinated by Stephen Page. The event will be spread over the period from 3pm to 7pm to include tea and a service, and all are most welcome. Full details will be seen on the notices around the church and in the weekly diary. Please do try to support this event that will, I am sure, be most helpful and interesting.

One forward date is Sunday 13th July when we celebrate our 240th Chapel Anniversary. There will be the usual hymn singing at 2.30 pm under the Wesley Tree, followed by a celebration service in the Chapel. All most welcome.

Barry Turnwell, Publicity Officer

Membership Secretary 01424 216456