Church News – May 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters
Mayday! Mayday! Retreat! Retreat!
The term Mayday comes from the French word that M’aidez which means help me and has come to be a recognised global distress call. It is also fitting that Mayday is a time when spring is well and truly in full bloom and as I’m writing this today, the sun is shining and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. But the sunshine and flowers don’t completely hide the fact that in the world and perhaps in our lives, we might feel the need to shout MAYDAY!
What to do then when we’re feeling the weight of things lying heavily on our shoulders? The answers are as varied as there are people reading this because we all have our own ways of getting help and taking a break from those problems. But what is important is that you don’t feel guilty about needing to ask for help, or for taking time to recharge your spirit and your body. For some the answer will be in nature, a walk or spending time in the garden, for others maybe a bit of retail theory. Some like a spa break and a time to do nothing. Others might like an adrenaline boost. Some like time alone. Others prefer time with friends and family. Whatever you need, find time to pause and refill yourselves.
This month is ministers retreat. We will gather together in High Leigh conference centre for a programme that includes prayer, bible study and guided sessions but crucially for me, retreat has always operated on a opt in model where there is no pressure to follow the scheduled timetable. This means we can do what we need to do to make the most of the break. For me, the most important part is the fellowship we share at mealtimes and in the evenings rather than the more structured nature of a set timetable. But whatever the four days bring it will be good to pause and refresh ourselves in the spirit of God.
So this month of May, if you feel the need to shout MAYDAY, and if you’re finding things hard at the moment, retreat to the comforting arms of God, the fellowship of your church family and find space to breath and refuel yourself. Make space for yourself, you’re worth it.
God bless, James
NEWS
A new ‘Bible Study’ will be held over the summer, starting on Thursday 21st May, in Church at 7 p.m. As you can see from the poster, it is called OUR MORAVIAN TREASURES and as we go through the weeks, we will be reminded of the history of our church and the traditions we hold dear.
Please come along if you possibly can. It promises to be non-missable.
PENTECOST
Please remember that we will be meeting at Old Chapel Church on 24th May for the Annual Pentecost service at 10.30 a.m. No service will be held at Church that day.
Peaceful mind in the month of Pentecost
Luke 11:11-13
Which of you fathers, if your son asks fora fish, will give him a snake instead?Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!
John 14:15-18
If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever -the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. A new ‘Bible Study’ will be held over the summer, starting on Thursday 21st May, in Church at 7 p.m. As you can see from the poster, it is called OUR MORAVIAN TREASURES and as we go through the weeks, we will be reminded of the history of our church and the traditions we hold dear.
Please come along if you possibly can. It promises to be non-missable.
| WHAT’S ON IN MAY 2026 | |||
| SUNDAY | 3rd | MORNING WORSHIP led by Sr Lisa Howarth | 11 am |
| Wednesday | 6th | M.W.A. Meeting in School Room | 1.15 pm |
| SUNDAY | 10th | M.W.A. SERVICE led by Sr Cathy Gledhill followed byHOLY COMMUNION led by Br James | 11 am |
| Monday | 11th | Church Committee | 7.30 pm |
| SUNDAY | 17th | MORNING WORSHIP WITH LOVEFEAST led by Sr Gillian Taylor | 11 am |
| Thursday | 21st | BIBLE STUDY – see inside for details | 7 pm |
| SUNDAY | 24th | PENTECOST AT OLD CHAPEL CHURCH | 10.30 am |
| SUNDAY | 31st | PARADE AND YOUTH SERVICE led by Br James | 11 am |
Prayer for Pentecost 2026
Loving Father and giver of all gifts, This month we thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit which You promise to all who call on Your name, turn away from self-centred living and put their trust in Jesus.
Help us to do that, Lord.
Then, when events in the world and the circumstances of our own lives are difficult to understand, we have Your Holy Spirit who brings life and power.
He is faithful and constant. He will lead us into all truth and give us the words and thoughts we need to experience Your peace in the midst of turmoil.
At this time when we remember the birth of Your church, may we open our hearts to receive Your Spirit afresh and move into each new day confident that we are yours and that in You is our true security.
In Jesus’ name. Amen. By Daphne Kitching