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, charities, and community groups. It’s been great connecting with Caraway, Avenue St Andrews, the Salvation Army, and the council’s Stronger Communities team, as well as following up with potential Brigade volunteers. I’ve also invited churches across the area to our upcoming musicals afternoon, which has sparked some lovely conversations.

At the Churches Together in Bitterne meeting, all the churches warmly agreed to a joint Great Bitterne Bake Off on 4 April — planning for this is now underway and already shaping up to be a fun, community‑building event.

Developing Inclusive Worship & Pastoral Support

A big focus has been preparing for our inclusive service on 1 March. I’ve been working closely with Sarah, Gail, Penny, and Chloe to shape the service, gather Makaton resources, prepare reflections, and choose songs that everyone can join in with. It’s been a joy to see how many people want to help make worship more accessible.

Alongside this, I’ve been meeting with Caraway and local Memory Café leaders to explore setting up a dementia‑friendly carers café here at the church. The next steps include visiting established cafés and planning a taster event for volunteers and carers.

Digital Improvements & Website Refresh

The website has had a major tidy‑up. I’ve merged and simplified pages, reorganised the menu so people can find things more easily, updated key sections, added a community blog, and installed an SEO tool to help improve visibility. I’ve also been keeping an eye on Google Analytics to understand which pages people are visiting most.

Social media has been busy too, with scheduled posts for Lent, upcoming services, and our 40th Anniversary events, plus new reels and videos promoting the musicals afternoon.

40th Anniversary & Event Planning

Design work has continued for our 40th Anniversary celebrations, including finalising flyers for the quiz night and band evening, updating year‑overview materials, and preparing promotional content. I’ve also been coordinating with Solent Fellowship Band ahead of their visit and supporting planning for the musicals afternoon.

Training & Admin

I’ve completed GDPR training, continued Children’s Ministry training, supported the digital Outlook, and kept communication flowing with elders and ministry leads.

I’m really looking forward to everything that’s unfolding in the months ahead, and I’m so thankful for the encouragement, support, and partnership that make this work possible. It’s a privilege to walk alongside you all as we continue building a welcoming, creative, and connected church community.

Yours in faith,
Nikki