Newsletter

Central Church Newsletter
January 2026

As we welcome in another New Year we wonder what hopes and dreams people have for 2026?  Each year we pray for peace and a safer and more welcoming world but unfortunately, nothing seems to change and if anything, our world is getting more fractured every year. Maybe this year we need to continue praying for peace but at the same time, turn our attention to the more positive occurrences starting now! So here are some good things that are happening in the world right now:

  • AI is revolutionising medical diagnosis
  • Ocean cleanup projects are making waves
  • Mental health support is going mainstream
  • Renewable energy is breaking records
  • Gene therapy is curing ‘incurable’ diseases
  • Cities are becoming wildlife havens

Let’s not give up HOPE! Wishing you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Linda and Malcolm Johnson

THERE’S NO NEED TO WORRY!

Dear Friends,

As we step into 2026 there seem to be a huge number of things to worry about, so let’s spend some moments thinking what the Bible has to say on the subject. Of course, human beings have always worried. Concerns about health, family, friendship, employment, security and the future have always been capable of creating worries, but the modern world goes in for worrying in a particularly big way. It is suggested that more than 8 million people in our country suffer from some sort of anxiety disorder and there are clear indications that the problem is getting progressively worse.

The problem with worry is that it threatens to dominate life. Even a small worry, if not properly addressed, can grow in such a way as to make the whole of life a misery. So, the Bible’s teaching about worry has never been more important and, as we step into all the uncertainties and challenges of a New Year, we would do well to listen to its advice.

Firstly, the Bible tells us that we have no need to worry. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus goes to great lengths to point out how totally unnecessary worry is (Matthew chapter 6 verses 25 to 34). He points to the birds of the air and to the lilies of the field, and argues that if God is able to look after them, then he must surely be able to look after us. But he goes further and points to the complete uselessness of worry. It never achieves anything. It only destroys.

Secondly, the Bible tells us what to do when we do worry. The truth is that from time to time all of us worry and so we all need to know what to do when it comes knocking at the door. Paul’s answer is simple. We need to pray. He wrote this: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Paul saw prayer not as an occasional religious duty but as a way of life. He urged his readers to commit everything to God in prayer and that is the best antidote to worry that the world has ever heard. Once you have confidently committed your concerns to God you have nothing left to worry about. And the result is absolutely wonderful  –  it is the gift of peace.

Very often we think of peace negatively – it is the absence of war, noise, clamour or pressure. But the Bible sees peace positively. Peace is the presence of God in our lives and it leads to blessing wherever it goes. Peace is strong and resilient precisely because it is an overflow of the nature of God. And when we have received God’s peace it guards our hearts and minds. It keeps us safe whatever life throws at us.

I promise you that we will all be tempted to worry as 2026 unfolds. But the Good News is that we never need to let worries take control of our lives. We can always turn to God and find his peace.

May God bless us richly as we step into 2026 together.

With warmest greetings,
Yours ever, in Christ

Revd Jonathan Edwards
Transitional Minister

Sunday services at 10.30 a.m.

  • 4 January:    Revd Jonathan Edwards, HOLY COMMUNION 
  • 11 January: Mr David Hoar
  • 18 January: Revd Jonathan Edwards, HOLY COMMUNION followed by Church Meeting
  • 25 January: Revd Ian Souter

Dates for your diary, held at the Pilgrim Centre unless stated otherwise. (Please phone Jonathan on 07876 234264 if you need Barbara’s address.)

  • Monday 5 January, 10 am-1pm:          Community Cafe 
  • Tuesday 6 January, 7.30 pm:                 Bible Study at Barbara’s
  • Thursday 8 January, 6.30 pm:                Executive Meeting
  • Monday 12 January, 10 am-1pm:        Community Cafe 
  • Thursday 15th January, 2.30 pm:          Bible Study
  • Monday 19th January, 10 am-1pm:    Community Cafe
  • Tuesday 20th January, 7.30 pm:           Bible Study at Barbara’s
  • Monday 26th January, 10 am-1pm:    Community Cafe 
  • Thursday 29th January, 2.30 pm:          Bible Study

Executive Meetings (these always start at 6.30pm)

  • January 8th
  • March 12th
  • May 7th
  • July 16th
  • September 10th
  • November 12th

Church Meetings

  • January 18th
  • March 29th, AGM
  • May 17th
  • August 2nd
  • September 20th
  • November 29th

Here is an extract from the most recent Newsletter from Lucia Bastos
The past few months have brought significant challenges for us. The shifting landscape of the world political scene has deeply impacted the missionary community in Chad, and, by extension, our hospital. With visas no longer available for American citizens, we have had to bid farewell to two beloved families. Christy Harrison, a dedicated midwife who played an invaluable role overseeing our maternity care and nutrition programs, and a Tangen couple, who were instrumental in the construction of our hospital and rehabilitation centre for children with disabilities, are both leaving us.

While their absence is keenly felt, we are taking this opportunity to reorganise the activities in their programmes. Our goal is to rejuvenate these initiatives and actively engage local leaders in sharing the vision. We would greatly appreciate your prayers for wisdom as we navigate these changes and seek new directions.

Yet, not all goodbyes bring sorrow. We also recently said farewell to Haoua, a remarkable nurse who has been with us since the early days of our hospital. She has played a pioneering role in establishing a health centre in her hometown, set to open this January. With pride and gratitude, we gathered to pray for her, honouring her incredible dedication at Guinebor 2. While we will miss her greatly, our hearts are full of hope knowing she will bring essential healthcare to her own community.

As every year, this is a time for visitors. This year, in addition to two Swedish surgeons, who are short-term volunteers, we also received a visit from German gynaecologist Dr Claudia Wahl, who specialises in fertility treatment and is well-known by the hospital’s patients. All these surgeries give our director Kalbassou a little respite.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for walking alongside me this year, offering your prayers, emotional encouragement, and financial support. May God bless you with a joyous Christmas, surrounded by loved ones, as we remember His constant presence and everlasting goodness!

Judith Furse

Deadline for February Newsletter – Tuesday 27th January 2026