Newsletter

Central Church Newsletter
October 2026

As we continue to enjoy some really warm days before winter sets in we’re told we may not be treated to the spectacle of autumn colours that we have come to enjoy, thanks to global warming.

Are you all stocking up on essentials as advised?  El Ninio is predicted to be the worst this year so best to be prepared!!  With all the uncertainity around the world at the moment this warning might be the least of our worries!  Take care and stay safe.

Linda and Malcolm Johnson

LET’S CELEBRATE THE SAINTS!

Dear Friends,

Over the next few weeks we will be assailed by reminders of Halloween, which brings this month to a conclusion. It is, of course, a very ancient Christian festival. Halloween is a contraction of All Hallows’ Evening and leads us into All Hallows’ or All Saints’ Day when the church has the opportunity to celebrate the lives of saints, martyrs and the faithful departed. We would all do well to use it as an opportunity to celebrate those wonderful people whose Christian testimonies have shaped our own lives. How privileged we have all been to see the life of Christ reflected in the lives of those whom we have known.

How tragic then that Halloween focuses on the ghouls and the ghosts, the witches and the wizards, the darkness and the macabre. The addition of the “Trick or Treat” nonsense from across the Atlantic has turned the whole day into a thoroughly sad distortion of the true wonder of the festival. It is so important that we direct people’s attention to the real meaning of All Hallows’ Day. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could help people to see that there is every reason for it to be a joyful and life-enhancing celebration?

There is much that is sad about our world. There is appalling suffering on every continent and, indeed, in every town. Within Swindon itself you don’t need to look far to see brokenness, sadness and fear. These are the characteristics of life without Christ, and our calling is to let our community know that Jesus is the light of the World and that he still offers his light to all who will follow him. When we find the light of Christ we are not suddenly transported out of this world. Indeed, Christ will often ask us to get more deeply involved in the brokenness and sadness of our world. But as we do so we are inspired and directed by his light.

The apostle Paul was well aware of the problems of life. He knew that there was much that was very dark about the Roman world and he suffered desperately at the hands of the Roman authorities. For years he was unjustly imprisoned and had to face the indignity of incarceration. He had much to complain about but in Philippians chapter 4 verse 8 he encouraged his readers in this way, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” We could all overwhelm ourselves with the negativities and evils of this broken world. But God challenges us to think positively and to focus on the things that are beautiful, life-enhancing and thoroughly good.

I suggest that from time to time it would be good for us to spend time listening to the stories of the saints. Let’s share our memories of those good and godly people whose example still shapes our lives, and inspires us to live our lives for God.

When you sigh at the approach of Halloween, I hope you will also add a leap of joy as you think of the saints who have blessed your life.

With warmest greetings.

Yours ever, in Christ,

Revd Jonathan Edwards
Transitional Minister

Sunday services at 10.30 a.m.

  • 4th October:           Revd Jonathan Edwards (Holy Communion) 
  • 11th October:         Revd Paul Rhodes
  • 18th October:         Revd Jonathan Edwards (Holy Communion) 
  • 25th October:         Deacon Tessa Bennett

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

  • Thursday 1st October:      Bible Study, 2.30 p.m.
  • Monday 5th October: Community Cafe, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Tuesday 6th October:      Bible Study, 7.30 p..m. At Barbara’s
  • Monday 12th October:   Community Cafe, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Thursday 15th October:   Bible Study, 2.30 p.m.
  • Monday 19th October:   Community Cafe, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Tuesday 20th October:    Bible Study, 7.30 p..m. At Barbara’s
  • Monday 26th October:   Community Cafe, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Thursday 29th October:   Bible Study, 2.30 p.m.

Welcome Service for Deacon Tessa Bennett

The Welcome Service for our Deacon, Tessa Bennett, was well attended with members of the Circuit, the mayor and representatives from other denominations.  Thank you to all those who provided food and a special thank you to those who helped serve refreshments and clear up afterwards.

Tessa conducted her first service of worship with us on 27th September and we were very pleased to have her with us.

Cafe deep clean

A big thank you to those who deep cleaned the cafe on Saturday 19th September.  There were not many of you, but you did a grand job.  THANK YOU.

Harvest

We have received thanks from Big Breakfast Plus and Alternative Angels for the food that was donated to them following our Harvest service.  There were also some items donated to the Swindon Food Collective which David Redwood kindly takes along to St Aldhelms on a regular basis for distribution to those in need. £166.72 was collected for the URC Commitment for Life projects.

Thought for the day :  “You can’t make a cloudy day a sunny day, but you can embrace it and decide it’s going to be a good day after all.” – Jane Lynch

Deadline for November Newsletter :  Tuesday 27th October 2026.