

I think that most Christians struggle to pray – I certainly do! Perhaps we have trouble forming the words we want to use, perhaps we battle against irrelevant thoughts which seem to edge their way into our minds, or perhaps we simply find ourselves nodding off! No, prayer isn’t easy – yet all of us, I hope, would say that it is basic for both our personal spirituality and the corporate life of our church. As a hymn-writer once put it, prayer is “the Christian’s vital breath”. Read more “Minister’s Letter – July 2018” →
The walk took place on Saturday, 16th June. Twenty took part and made way in convoy to the village of Pendoylan, from where the circular walk started.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t the dry, sunny day hoped for, but the cloudy, showery weather did not deter the walkers.
After returning to the starting point at Pendoylan, the group enjoyed a few hours together at the Red Lion. As you can imagine, there was much chatter and laughter throughout the walk, and I’m sure all look forward to the next one.
Junior Church ran the first of these new, ‘wild’ outdoor sessions at the end of May. Despite the bad weather the children managed to stay dry. They thought about how everything is formed for a purpose, including the rain, even if they didn’t like it!
Turning pieces of heavy clay into floating boats, they discussed the reading from Jeremiah 18:3-:
Whenever a piece of pottery turned out imperfect, he would take the clay and make it into something else.
It was a good morning, and sessions will be run on 24th of June and August the 12th, when the children will be thinking about taking shelter in God.
The time has come for Debbie Munton to step down as Playgroup Leader, after taking over the reins in 2001. Debbie has taken Playgroup through the many changes required of her, all of them bringing with them an increasing workload. Her enthusiasm and seemingly endless energy has not been deterred by this, and all the work has always been done with a smile. Her love of working with children is clear to see, and they will all miss her.
Debbie leaves a highly-regarded and popular Playgroup for future generations of children to enjoy.
The Christchurch United Church website is currently being upgraded. Please check back soon.