Bitterne United Reformed Church – Easter, Community & 40th Anniversary Highlights
The April 2026 edition of Outlook is full of Easter joy, community events, and updates from across Bitterne URC as we continue celebrating 40 years in Bitterne Precinct. With worship, outreach, eco‑reflections, and preparations for major anniversary events, this issue captures a season of renewal, hope, and connection.
Key Highlights This Month
- Church Diary: A full Easter programme including Maundy Thursday Communion, Good Friday Walk of Witness, Tenebrae, Easter Breakfast, and a joyful Easter Sunday family service. “Hallelujah Christ is risen!!”
- Message from an Elder: A heartfelt Easter reflection on resurrection hope, peace in a troubled world, and trusting God’s plans. “Death could not hold Him and He rose to show us that He was the Saviour.”
- Church Family Prayers: Comfort for those facing illness, uncertainty, or new challenges, and prayers for peace and healing.
- Outreach Community Support Group: A call for volunteers to support Nikki in sharing BURC’s story and strengthening community engagement.
- Christian Musical Sing‑Along: A joyful reunion event filled with nostalgia, laughter, rescued vintage footage, and hopes of reviving a musical in the future.
- Easter Events:
- Maundy Thursday Communion
- Good Friday Walk of Witness
- Easter Breakfast
- Easter Family Service All warmly inviting the whole community to celebrate together.
- Community Lunch: First Thursday of the month, £6 for a main and dessert.
- Away Day – 2 May: An invitation to a relaxed, fun day at Petersfield URC with transport available.
- SCM Basics Bank Appeal: Urgent need for food, toiletries, pet food, nappies, and household essentials.
- Girls’ Brigade:
- Invitation to become a Bible Auntie or Uncle
- Support for girls moving into n:gage
- A simple, meaningful way to bless the next generation
- Seedbeds Course Update: Anthony shares a moving account of attending the Big Iftar at Darul Barakaat Mosque, describing it as “beautiful, refreshing, eye‑opening and humbling.”
- Outreach Summary (Jan–Mar):
- Inclusive worship service
- Christian Musicals Sing‑Along
- Dementia‑friendly Care & Connect Café planning
- Youth & children’s work development
- Great Bitterne Bake Off preparations
- Website and social media growth
- Work experience support from Chloe
- Eco Report: Fascinating insights into how tigers, turtles, dugongs and beavers help mitigate climate change through their natural behaviour.
- Eco Tips – April: Encouragement to grow herbs, salad leaves, microgreens, or frost‑resistant vegetables as a celebration of new life.
- 40th Anniversary Events:
- Solent Fellowship Band Concert (24 April)
- Christian Aid Quiz Night (16 May)
- Summer Fair (18 July)
- Saxophony Concert (26 September)
- Jigsaw Puzzle Festival (27–31 October)
- Barn Dance (20 November)
- Christmas Tree Festival (December)
- Flower Rota: Easter tributes and thanks to all who arrange flowers, including Mothering Sunday posies.