Bitterne United Reformed Church – Lent, Reunion Celebrations & Community Life

The March 2026 edition of Outlook marks a meaningful season of Lent at Bitterne URC, filled with reflection, worship, fellowship, and preparations for our 40th Anniversary celebrations. With special services, community events, and updates from across the Southern Fellowship, this issue captures a church family growing, reconnecting, and looking forward with hope.

Key Highlights This Month

• Church Diary: A full Lent programme including the Inclusive Service on 1 March, weekly Senior Citizens gatherings, Bible Study, Palm Sunday AGM, and preparations for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
• Message from an Elder: Dave reflects on a busy anniversary year, the joy of new groups forming, and the anticipation of Easter and the Tenebrae service. “Thank you for all you do here at Bitterne… Yours in Christian love.”
• Church Family News: Prayers for those facing illness, grief, and new opportunities, asking God to surround each person with comfort and strength.
• Away Day – 2 May: An invitation to a relaxed, fun day at Petersfield URC with transport available and space for everyone to join in.
• Lent Services on Zoom: Revd Mike Perrott continues his Lent Bible Study series online, open to all across the Southern Fellowship.
• Lent Reflections: Part 2 of Nadia Bolz‑Weber’s “Ideas for Keeping Lent Holy,” offering daily actions from gratitude to prayer, generosity, and learning.
• SCM Basics Bank Appeal: Ongoing urgent need for food, toiletries, pet supplies, nappies, and household essentials.
• Easter Events:
  • Maundy Thursday Communion
  • Good Friday Walk of Witness
  • Good Friday Tenebrae Service
  • Easter Sunday Communion, Breakfast, and Family Service “Come and share the joy of Easter.”
• Bible Study & Worship Participation: Invitations to join the Bible Study group and to volunteer as a Bible reader during Sunday services.
• Outlook Editor Appeal: A heartfelt thank‑you to Maria for nearly 20 years of service, and an invitation for a new volunteer to step into the role.
• Editor’s Page: Maria shares reflections on editing, Windows 11 challenges, Boys’ Brigade, green issues, and a fascinating insight into global cocoa production and fair trade.
• 40th Anniversary Reunion Service & Lunch: A major celebration on 22 March with worship at 10:30am and a roast lunch at 12:30pm.
• Environmental Focus:
  • How tigers, turtles, dugongs and beavers help mitigate climate change
  • A Rocha UK’s April eco‑tip: growing herbs, salad leaves, microgreens, and frost‑resistant vegetables as a celebration of new life
• Flower Ministry: March rota, Mothering Sunday flowers, and stories of how flower outreach has blessed people in difficult times.
• Community Thanks: Gratitude for donations of plastic tubs—helping a young boy exceed his recycling target with 11,233 tubs saved from landfill