July Newsletter
Dear friends
As I write this letter and ask ‘how are you?’, I feel it right to remind us of, and again draw attention to, one of our texts for this year. ‘Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1 [NIV]’ A text which might not always be easy to own when life throws all sorts of things at us but a text which is so significant in encouraging us to do exactly what it says. In its teaching we reflect that Jesus is acknowledging that life can be more than challenging, it can be discouraging, it can be really really hard. Yet it is critical that our lifeline to God in prayer is maintained. Jesus is not saying pray occasionally. He is saying give prayer priority, persevere, and when it perhaps might seem that our prayers are unanswered keep going and trust Him. Sometimes far from easy but key to us acknowledging that we are not on our own. God is hearing our agonising words which sometimes can be none other than ‘help’. Years ago I remember being told that prayer is hard work and that has always stayed with me. As you have heard me say so many times and continue to say – relationship building is key in life. Luke 18:1 calls us to recognise the absolute importance and significance of developing our relationship with God through communicating with him through prayer. Friends, be encouraged to always remember that prayer is our God given lifeline and that lifeline is always open. As we remain thankful for our texts for this year may we continue mid way through 2026 to also be thankful for the part which God is calling us all to play in living out our mission statement which is all about building relationship with God and with all for whom we pray, mindful that prayer and action go together.
The words ‘prayer and action’ take us to three important events next week. We can all continue to pray for them, for all who come and for those events which we can support invite others to come with us.
OUR ANNUAL POPULAR BUBBLES AND ICE CREAM AFTERNOON IN THE CHURCH GARDEN IS ON WEDNESDAY 29TH JULY AT 2 PM. NO CHARGE BUT ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT PARENT/CARER THROUGHOUT THE AFTERNOON. IMPORTANT: PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING SUN HATS |
| FRIDAY JULY 31ST GILLINGHAM UNITED REFORMED CHURCH AND THOMAS FOWLE, FUNERAL DIRECTORS, UNITE TO SUPPORT MEDWAY FOODBANK. COFFEE MORNING AT GILLINGHAM UNITED REFORMED CHURCH FRIDAY 31ST JULY FROM 10.30 AM TO 12 NOON VOLUNTARY DONATIONS NO CHARGE FOR ADMISSION Come along for coffee and chat and support Medway Foodbank. |
OUR NEXT CHRISTIAN PUPPET MINISTRY TIME IS ON FRIDAY 31ST JULY 4.30 PM TO 5.45 P M. THE AFTERNOON INCLUDES A CRAFT ACTIVITY AND TEA. NO CHARGE. ALL CHILDREN TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY PARENT OR ADULT CARER THROUGHOUT
We remain very grateful to Fiona for encouraging us to take responsibility in playing our part in caring for God’s world. Her latest report was shared at our July Church Meeting. Below is information from that report.
The August Repair Cafe is Saturday 15th at Chatham library and in September it is on 12th at Hempstead library, see eco board.
A Rocha UK are encouraging those interested in wildlife to take part in citizen science projects. Of special note now is the Big Butterfly Count. You can count the different butterflies you see in 15 minutes as many times as you like between now and Sunday 9 August. There are three steps to taking part. Step 1, download the ID chart or free App to identify and record the butterflies you spot. Step 2, choose a space to spot butterflies and moths and wait for 15 minutes (try not to count one more than once!). Step 3, add your counts to the website or App. If you would like a printed copy of the ID chart it is still possible to pick one up in church.
Although the end of July is drawing near it is worth saying again that July is known as Plastic Free July. It’s a shared global movement that helps millions of people reduce plastic waste through simple every day choices and be part of the solution to plastic pollution. You can make a pledge on the website to refuse single-use plastics – plasticfreejuly.org There are ideas of many simple choices you can make. Some suggestions are – take a re-usable cup around with you, buy loose fruit and veg and use re-usable shopping bags.
A Rocha’s focus is laundry. It’s a top source of microplastic pollution. Synthetic clothes shed fibres during washing and drying which enter the sewage system and are hard to filter out. Using a microfibre bag or ball can catch the fibres. Alternatively, buy clothes made with natural fibres. More about laundry can also be found on the plastic free July website.
Elm Court is the location of the Medway Volunteer Workshop in support of Tools with a Mission. It is an initiative repairing, rehoming and sorting unwanted DIY tools, garden equipment and sewing machines. Tools are either sent to Africa, rehomed in the UK or broken up for recycling. MVW is open Monday to Friday with weekly volunteering opportunities available. The website is medwayvolunteerworkshop.co.uk and information about it is on the eco board.
The charity Campaign to Protect Rural England celebrates its centenary this year (see eco board for the Countryside Day celebration in September). CPRE Kent have set up the Medway Dark Skies Project with the aim of reducing artificial light pollution at night (known as “ALAN”). They’ve chosen Medway to launch the project because the skies over the Hoo Peninsular are at the darker end of the spectrum of dark night skies but this could be negatively affected by proposed new housing developments and so CPRE feel that raising awareness of the damaging effect of ALAN would be a good thing. One of the most damaging things about it is the effect on wildlife which orients itself by the light of the moon. It also wastes energy and releases unnecessary CO2 into the atmosphere and spoils our view of the stars and milky way at night.
Help with insulating our homes is available with the local warm home grant scheme. Visit the Warm Homes Local Grant webpage Medway.gov.uk/Energygrants. It is worth noting that insulation slows down the transfer of heat out of but also into our homes so it could help in these hot temperatures.
Additional to what Fiona included in her report, she also draws our attention to two other initiatives.
The Medway Climate Change Newsletter. It is really worth receiving. Sign up for the current edition which will give you information about summer activities.
Love Parks Week July 26, until August 4. The Keep Britain Tidy publicity says ‘We love parks because they offer so much:
- Free spaces for everyone – parks provide opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and socialising, all without breaking the bank.
- Boosts for health and wellbeing – spending time in nature is proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and encourage physical activity.
- Stronger communities – parks bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
- Climate change champs – parks absorb carbon dioxide, cool our cities, and help reduce flooding.
This week, we’re inviting you to share your love for parks! Tell us about your favourite green space and why it holds a special place in your heart Share your stories and photos on social media using #LoveParks and we’ll share as many as possible throughout the week! Let’s celebrate the parks that enrich our lives and continue to protect these vital green havens. Thanks for your support,’ The Keep Britain Tidy Team. Check to see if your local park holds our coveted Green Flag Award.
As we thank Fiona for all that she has shared I remind you to look at the Eco board which she maintains in the large hall. As we move towards September a reminder from me that we will be celebrating Creation Sunday during worship on Sunday 6th September. On that day everyone is invited to bring something which speaks about God’s creation. So over the next few weeks perhaps be on the look out for something you can bring.
September is not far away. Our Harvest Sunday service is 27th September followed by our next bring and share lunch.
The sponsored knit in support of Blythswood Care Shoebox Appeal is on September 28th. If you knit and would like to take part please see Lorna.
Our Bible study group next meets on Wednesday 9th September at 2 pm.
On Saturday November 7th The Revd Neil Thorogood, Moderator of General Assembly of the United Reformed Church, will be in Kent. Details are yet to be known but immediately we are encouraged to reserve the date.
Friends, whether you are going away, enjoying days out or staying at home during the next few weeks, take time to be refreshed. Be thankful for Luke 18:1 as we continue to pray for the world, the United Kingdom, the Medway Towns, for Gillingham, this local church and other fellowships in North Gillingham and the wider community of Medway, for the many people with whom we are in contact and for ourselves.
God bless you all on our journey of faith.
Pam