Newsletter

Central Church Newsletter
May 2026

May is a vibrant month often associated with growth, renewal and a shift towards warmer weather, bringing several positive events, themes and celebrations.

  • Mental Health Awareness Month
    Dedicated to focusing on well-being, reducing stigma and learning to improve mental health.
  • National Walking Month & Hiking
    Encourages getting active outside as the weather improves.
  • No Mow May
    An environmental initiative encouraging people to skip mowing their lawns to help pollinators like bees.
  • World Laughter Day (May 3rd)
    Promotes positive peace and global friendship through laughter.

We can all surely attempt at least one of the above? The fourth one sounds like fun!

Linda and Malcolm Johnson

MONARCHY

Dear Friends,

Over the last few days there has been, rightly, a strong focus on the legacy of Queen Elizabeth 2nd who was born 100 years ago. Whatever your views of monarchy no one can deny that she was a remarkable Christian woman. She had no political power but she had massive influence and she sought to use it in a gentle and loving way. She clearly worked really hard and had a firm belief that she had a responsibility before God to set a Christian example in all that she did.

This month marks three years since the Coronation of King Charles 3rd. I am sure we all have different views of monarchy but I continue to give thanks for the kindly and warm influence of our king. My personal view is that we are blessed to have a Head of State who stands apart from politics. Politics cannot avoid being mucky and divisive. In a democracy there is, very properly, a debate on every subject. During the tumultuous years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, we saw the Commonwealth largely disintegrate, the trade unions at war with the government, riots on the streets on many occasions, decades of violence in Northern Ireland and various wars around the world. But, through it all, we were blessed by the calm and gracious presence of a monarch who stood apart from the agony of violent upheaval. That seems to me a great blessing. I believe we should pray for King Charles and Queen Camilla as they serve this country as it continues to pass through challenging times.

On a completely different note I would like to give thanks for those who serve us so well in Central Church. We had our AGM last month and I want to say a particular word of thanks to Chris and Sue. Chris is an amazing Church Secretary and we are so grateful for the wonderful service that she has given to the church over many years. Her heart attack last autumn has massively changed her life and we are deeply grateful that she is keen to continue to serve us as Church Secretary. I also want to thank Sue for her years of service as our Treasurer. This is a very important role in the church and we are grateful for the loving and efficient way in which she has served us. We are delighted to welcome Eva as our new Treasurer.

With warmest greetings,

Yours ever, in Christ

Revd Jonathan Edwards
Transitional Minister

Sunday services at 10.30 a.m.

  • 3 May:           Revd Jonathan Edwards, HOLY COMMUNION
  • 10 May:         Revd Tony Barnes
  • 17 May:         Revd Jonathan Edwards, HOLY COMMUNION followed by Church Meeting
  • 24 May:        Revd Jonathan Edwards, HOLY COMMUNION
  • 31 May:         Revd John Roe

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 4 May:      Community Cafe closed.  Bank Holiday
  • Thursday 7 May:     2.30 p.m: Bible Study / 6.30 p.m. Executive Meeting
  • Monday 11 May:   10 a.m. – 1 p.m: Community Cafe 
  • Tuesday 12 May:    7.30 p.m: Bible Study at Barbara’s
  • Sunday 17 May:     12 noon: Church Meeting
  • Monday 18 May:   10 a.m. – 1 p.m: Community Cafe 
  • Thursday 21 May:   2.30 p.m: Bible Study 
  • Monday 25 May:   Community Cafe closed.  Bank Holiday
  • Tuesday 26 May:    7.30 p.m: Bible Study at Barbara’s

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK MAY 10 – 16

As you will be well aware the need for our support has never been greater.  This year highlights the help given to struggling small farmers and businesses in Kenya.  At the beginning of the week envelopes will be distributed, together with daily devotional leaflets to help us think during the week about the work of Christian Aid.

I am confident that at Central Church we will support this appeal with our usual enthusiasm and generosity.

Jane Walsh

Annual Report & Financial Statement

At the Church Meeting on 17 May, it will be necessary to approve the Annual Report and Financial Statement. Ms Heather Weeks, from Monahans will attend the meeting to answer any questions appertaining to the finances.  Please ensure that you have read  the document so that you are informed and can vote accordingly. There will be copies available in the church for you to take home.  Please speak to Chris if you are unable to find one.

Advance Notice

There will be a welcome service to greet our deaconess, Mrs Tessa Bennett, on Wednesday 9 September at 7.30 p.m.  Please put the date in your diary.  There will be a Bring and Share meal following the service.  Tessa will be working with Central for 50% of her time, and with Bath Road for the other 50%.  Bath Road congregation will also provide food and we suggest that Central provide savoury foods, and Bath Road provide cakes.

Easter Services

Thank you to Jonathan for the thoughtful Agape Meal on Maundy Thursday, and for the Good Friday and Easter Sunday Services.  It was good to see them so well attended.

News of the Family

It has been good to see June Osborne back at service and thanks go to the McNab family for driving her in when they are able.  It was great to see Glenys Thomas attend again one Sunday in April.  We realise that it is difficult for her to get to church so it was especially good to see her.  We understand that Roy and Janet Ferris were able to visit their daughter over Easter and hope they had a lovely time.  I am sure Roy was glad of a change of scenery.  

Revd Robert Jordan

Robert took his final service at Immanuel URC on Sunday 26th April and has now retired.  He will continue to live in Swindon and has promised to take some services for us next year after a prolonged break!  Chris and Judith were invited to represent Central and gave him a retirement card from us all.

Bible and Church Humour

  • “What did Adam say to Eve when handing her something to wear? ‘Take it or leaf it”
  • “Noah was the first person to do a 40-day, 40-night parking spot search.”
  • “How do you know that atoms are Catholic? They have mass.”

Thought for the Day – “Be the reason someone smiles today.”

Deadline for June Newsletter – Wednesday 27th May 2026.