Southern Fellowship Anniversary Service
This is a photo which Revd Mike Perrott took at the conclusion of the Second Anniversary Service of the Southern Fellowship which was led by Mike at Braishfield URC on 9 May 2026.
The photo shows Revd Stephen Thornton who gave the sermon and representatives of the Southern Fellowship churches all waving as requested. Following the service we went to the Village Hall for Celebratory refreshments and a time of fellowship.
It was good to have the opportunity to meet our friends from the churches after the service in the Village Hall. Janet G
I was fortunate to attend the second anniversary service of The Southern Fellowship of United Reformed Churches at Braishfield.
The beautiful church was completely full with representatives from all the churches. Revd. Mike Perrott led the service which included prayers and Bible readings by members of churches in the Southern Fellowship and an inspiring sermon by Revd. Stephen Thornton.
In the order service there were initials which he explained during his sermon as being key to the URC
R & ER – Reformed and Ever Reforming
PAB – Priesthood of All Believers
D by C – Decision by Council
C of B – Centrality of the Bible
FFS – Freedom from the State
F in W – Freedom in Worship
The biggest challenges, for me, listening to the sermon were PAB and D by C. Firstly, a reminder that, as believers, we are all called to share God’s love and message wherever we find ourselves. Secondly, in D by C Stephen spoke about the Synod and General Assembly and also Church Meetings. He said that they should be looked forward to by members and that they should focus on the church’s mission, not on looking after the fabric of the church – the church building. We should be excitedly discussing what God is doing at Bitterne URC, how we are serving our community and how we are taking God’s love and the message of His desire and ability to transform lives into the people around us. Definitely food for thought.
A similar message came in our Church Away Day the week before when Ruth shared the Bible passage from Matthew 28 – the Great Commission – reminding us that we are all Jesus’ hands, feet, mouths on the earth and that we are empowered by God’s Holy Spirit to share the message and His love in our church and in our local area and in the wider world. May we be willing servants of Christ. Amen. Penny M.