Hello everyone,It’s been a full and encouraging start to the year, with lots happening across our church, our community partnerships, and our celebrations for the 40th Anniversary of our church building in Bitterne Precinct. A real highlight was our inclusive service on 1st March. I helped lead the service alongside Rev. Sarah Hall, Penny, Chloe […]
From Ghana to Your Easter Egg: Behind Easter Chocolate in 2026
Eco report – March 2026 Chocolate – this is very topical at Easter time. Hasn’t the price of chocolate become ridiculous? Have you also noticed that Cadbury’s (now owned by American company Mondelez) and some other brands are now substituting fabulous tasty dairy milk for unsavoury and environmentally damaging palm oil, and their cocoa content has […]
Outreach & Community Update: Building Connections and Growing Inclusion (Jan–Feb 2026)
It’s been a full and encouraging start to the year across our church and wider community. As we’ve moved from Epiphany into Lent, there’s been a real sense of energy, creativity, and collaboration. Here’s a look at what’s been happening recently. Strengthening Community Connections Over the past few weeks, I’ve continued meeting with local churches, […]
Why LYCIG Matters: Church Growth, Community Needs, and Reaching Today’s Culture
Why LYCIG Matters (Leading Your Church Into Growth) Anne, Philippa, and I went on a course recently and I want to tell you why it is important to everybody. Our world is a very different place to what it was in our childhood, and if we don’t adapt to the modern world, we will die […]
Uganda Outreach Report: Mercy Collective’s Work, Local Projects, and Cyber‑Prayer Reflection
Mercy Collective – Uganda: Anthony’s report Let’s start this off with a high: I have been promoted to Lieutenant in the Boys Brigade in December, which means I have more authority to help carry out the activities our now many boys are enjoying each week. Just after Christmas, I went out to visit Uganda, to […]
Heritage Churches at Risk: Funding Cuts and VAT Changes Explained
New funding for church repairs and VAT changes The Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme has been a lifeline for historic churches – saving them 20 per cent on repair costs. But the future of the scheme is uncertain – and churches, chapels, meeting houses and cathedrals across the country will be paying up to […]
A New Year Message for Bitterne: Celebrating 40 Years in Our Church Building
February 2026 Dear friends, As I write this letter I think back to our celebrations once again of Christ’s birth and the opportunities offered to welcome visitors to our Christmas Tree Festival and special services, our thanks to all who worked so hard to make these possible. It was lovely to see our sanctuary full […]
Winter Outreach Report: Community Partnerships, Digital Updates & 40th Anniversary Plans
Summary of Outreach community activities (Nov 2025 – Jan 2026) Hello everyone,It’s been a wonderfully busy and exciting festive season across our church and community. As we’ve moved through Advent, Christmas, and into the New Year, I’m grateful for the chance to share some highlights from the past couple of months. Building Connections & Community […]
Christmas Reflections: Supporting One Another Through the Festive Season
Message from an Elder – December 2025 Happy Christmas Everyone. As I write this letter it seems too early to wish you all a Happy Christmas, but time seems to fly so fast these days that soon it seems like it will be Easter, another very special time of the year. Some people find it hard […]
From Eco Toilet Rolls to Ethical Gifts: Supporting Clean Sheet This Christmas
Eco Matters report December 2025 Toilet rolls. A while ago, I was asked to review eco toilet rolls and make recommendations. Since then, many new providers have entered the market. All have much in common – the rolls come in packs of 24 or 48 and are much larger than shop rolls, so they last […]