Bitterne United Reformed Church – Unity, Lent & Community Life

The February 2026 edition of Outlook focuses on unity, Lent, remembrance, and the beginning of our 40th Anniversary celebrations at Bitterne URC. With special services, community events, and heartfelt tributes, this issue reflects a church family rooted in love, service, and hope for the year ahead.

Key Highlights This Month

• Church Diary: A full programme including the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service, Senior Citizens AGM, Board Games Evening, Bible Study, Ash Wednesday service, Women’s Group, Lent worship, and preparations for March’s Christian Musicals Sing‑Along.
• Message from an Elder: Ian reflects on the joy of Christmas, welcoming visitors, and the hope that 2026 will bring new opportunities to share Christ’s love. “As we celebrate 40 years of witness… we pray God’s blessings and guidance will be upon us.”
• Church Family News: Prayers for those facing illness, grief, and difficult times, especially the family of Jim Ramshaw, a much‑loved member whose life of service is honoured in a full tribute.
• Tribute to Jim Ramshaw (1943–2026): A detailed remembrance of Jim’s lifelong commitment to Boys’ Brigade, his leadership, fundraising achievements, and his lasting impact on generations of young people.
• Away Day – 2 May: An invitation to a relaxed, fun day at Petersfield URC with transport available.
• Southern Fellowship Events: Upcoming services, coffee mornings, Easter Market, and Beetle Drive across Abbey URC and Bitterne Park URC.
• Christian Musicals Sing‑Along – 1 March: A joyful afternoon revisiting the musicals that shaped BURC’s history from 1977–2002, with live piano, video clips, and tea and cake.
• Lent Reflections – Part 1: Daily actions from Nadia Bolz‑Weber’s “Keeping Lent Holy,” adapted by Revd Sarah Hall, encouraging prayer, generosity, gratitude, and mindful living.
• Uganda & Boys’ Brigade Update: Anthony shares news of his promotion to Lieutenant, progress on Mercy Collective projects, challenges faced by Ugandan communities, and insights from his URC training course.
• Outreach Summary (Nov 2025–Jan 2026):
  • Strengthening partnerships with local churches and charities
  • Website refresh and improved navigation
  • Social media growth and 40th Anniversary promotions
  • Creative design work for flyers, events, and branding
  • Mental Health First Aid training and inclusive ministry development
  • Planning for Memory Café, livestreaming, and new community partnerships
• Thank You Messages: Gratitude from Liz Lloyd for flowers and prayers following the birth of her grandchildren.
• Why LYCIG Matters: Helen explains the importance of adapting to modern culture, building community connections, and reaching people who may feel isolated or disconnected from church life.
• Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme Update: A detailed explanation of upcoming VAT changes affecting historic churches, with a call to write to MPs to protect funding for essential repairs.
• Christingle Makers: Thanks to everyone who helped create Christingles—“a beautiful tradition” enjoyed by all.
• Flower Rota: February and early March tributes, plus thanks to volunteers who arranged and delivered flowers during holiday periods.