Newsletter

Central Church

Newsletter June 2025

Summer is here! The time of year we all look forward to with such anticipation. Will it be a scorcher? Will it be wet? Whatever the weather we need to just embrace this special time of year and enjoy the life that we are fortunate enough to live. May we never forget to pray for peace in Gaza, Ukraine and the other war torn countries around the world.

Linda and Malcolm Johnson

-0-0-

THE BLESSING OF PENTECOST

Dear Friends,

It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of the Day of Pentecost which we celebrate on June 8th. It is rightly seen as the birthday of the church, because it was only when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon that motley group of Jesus’ followers, that they were able to form the new community which Jesus came to establish.

The Day of Pentecost was a harvest festival. Known as Shavuot it was one of many festivals in the Jewish calendar and it was also used as an opportunity to celebrate the giving of the law to Moses. It was a particularly important occasion because, like Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles, it was a pilgrimage festival and people would be drawn into the little city of Jerusalem from a huge geographical area. The stage was set for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the opening of a brand new chapter in the story of God’s dealings with humankind.

But what does this historic event have to say to us today? I suggest that it still has a vital and challenging message for us as we serve God in Swindon. It was a DAY OF TRANSFORMATION. Everything changed on that day. The small struggling and confused group of believers was transformed into a dynamic band of disciples who would turn their world upside down. On that day alone 3,000 people joined the church and within days many of them went back home to various parts of the world. The church truly got off to a flying start! The drama of those early days was unique but the Holy Spirit still comes to people today seeking to transform our lives and enable us to live for Jesus. Wherever the Holy Spirit goes he brings new life, hope and vitality and we need to pray for him to shape all that we seek to do at Central Church.

The day of Pentecost was also a DAY OF UNITY. Some people have said that the Day of Pentecost was a reversal of the Tower of Babel. In the latter story the people of the world were tragically and dramatically divided, but the day of Pentecost brought the world together in a new unity. The Bible teaches us that the only true unity is the unity that we find in Christ and it is the Holy Spirit who brings that about. I love the unity which exists between churches in Swindon but the truth is that unity is always both a gift of God – and very hard work! Day by day we need to nurture the relationships that we have with other churches, knowing that when people see this unity they will see something of a God who is always seeking to bring unity.

The day of Pentecost was supremely a DAY OF PRAISE. Onlookers were amazed that they could hear “the wonders of God in our own tongues” (Acts 2:11). The gift of speaking in tongues was necessary so that everyone could understand what was going on – everyone needed to be included in this amazing day. And as we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit we should ensure that praise is the dominant theme, for as we look to God in worship our minds and spirits are opened to the new future that God has in store for us.

May the Holy Spirit inspire, strengthen and direct you.

Yours ever, in Christ,

Jonathan's signature

Revd Jonathan Edwards

Transitional Minister

–0-0–

Sunday Services at 10.30 a.m. unless otherwise stated.

  • 01 June:        Revd Mark Barrett
  • 08 June:        Revd Jonathan Edwards Holy Communion (Pentecost)
  • 15 June:        Revd Andrew Francis
  • 22 June:        Revd Stephen Henderson
  • 29 June:        Revd Jonathan Edwards Holy Communion

–0-0–

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 2 June:    10 a.m. -1 p.m: Community Café
  • Thursday 5 June:    2.30 p.m: Bible Study
  • Monday 9 June:     10 a.m. -1 p.m: Community Café
  • Tuesday 10 June:   7.30 p.m: Bible Study at Barbara’s
  • Monday 16 June: 10 a.m. -1 p.m: Community Café
  • Thursday 19 June:  2.30 p.m: Bible Study
  • Monday 23 June: 10 a.m. -1 p.m: Community Café
  • Tuesday 24 June:   7.30 p.m: Bible Study at Barbara’s
  • Monday 30 June: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m: Community Café

-0-0-

Jokes

What did Jonah’s family say when he told them about what happened before reaching Nineveh? “Hmm, sounds fishy.”

What was Moses’ wife, Zipphora, known as when she’d throw dinner parties? “The hostess with the Moses.”

What did the classmate say when asked why they kept walking next to the same person at school? “I was told I’m supposed to walk by Faith!”

What did Adam say when he was asked his favourite holiday? “It’s Christmas, Eve.”

What do you call a Bible character who just pulled into church? A parking Lot.

–0-0-

Church Meal at The Runner in April

Many of us spent a lovely evening together. There was good food and good company. There was also great relief when a missing bag was found. We hope to plan another one again in the future. 

-0-0-

Christian Aid Week

Many thanks to all those who contributed to the Christian Aid Week Collections.  The cake sale raised £93.25 and the envelopes £387.50, making a total of £480.75.  An excellent achievement.  Thanks again.

-0-0-

BMS World Mission
Some of you may remember Lucia Bastos who worshipped with us for a few weeks before moving to Chad as a missionary. Lucia is currently in the UK, visiting churches and catching up with people who support BMS. There are 2 online events with Lucia for those she is unable to meet with, where Lucia will give a presentation about her work followed by an opportunity for questions and prayer. The event will last for an hour. (26 June  at 12.30 p.m. and 1 July at 8 p.m.) If you would like to register for the event, please speak to Chris who has the details.

-0-0-

Christian Comedian
We have been asked to advertise an evening in Christ Church when Paul Kerensa will be performing on Friday 4th July. Paul is an award winning co-writer for BBC’s Miranda, Not Going Out, and many more shows. Tickets  cost £10 and can be purchased from http://www.ccccswindon.co.uk  and all proceeds go to Dementia UK.

-0-0-

Thought for the day :  The past is history. The future’s a mystery. This moment is a gift, which is why it’s called the present.

-0-0-

Deadline for July newsletter : Tuesday 24th June 2025.