The Bay URC – Monthly Newsletter (End of January ‘26)
The Bay URC’s Vision Statement:
“We are Christians. Growing with God. Loving and caring for one another. Serving the community in word and deed. Empowered by the Holy Spirit.”
A New Year Blessing: May this new year unfold with light and promise. May laughter arrive often, and may love, old and new, grow deeper. God’s blessings to you and yours.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 19th-25th January: The theme for this week is “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4) It’s not too late to come along to the coffee mornings this week at 10.30am: Thursday 22nd at The Bay URC, Friday 23rd at the Baptist Church in Station Road and Saturday 24th at the newly refurbished St Mildred’s Church, in Acol. On Sunday 25th there is a United Service at the Methodist Church at 3pm. Everyone is invited to attend.
Birchington Churches Together Lent Courses:Based on the artwork of Stanley Spencer and incorporating some of the observations of Stephen Cottrell, in his book “Christ in the Wilderness” the Lent Groups will be reflecting on “Christ in the Wilderness – a Lenten journey through Art”. Revd. David Yule has produced 5 studies. Each group will have a large, good quality version of the piece of art assigned for that week, together with some questions for reflection and opportunities for prayer. Everyone is welcome to attend a group; details of the groups are now available. Please ask!
World Day of Prayer: Services are on Friday6th March – morning service at the Garlinge Methodist Church at 10.30am and the evening service at The New life Church in Margate at 7.00pm. The theme of the service is ‘I will give you rest, come’ and has been prepared by the women of Nigeria. If you would like to know more about the background of Nigeria, it’s culture and history, you are very welcome to attend a breakfast and presentation on Wednesday 4th February at 9.30am, at The New Life Church. Please let Helen (07989616007) know if you wish to attend the breakfast so that they are aware of numbers.
Spiritual Growth: Over the next few months, we are looking at our vision for The Bay URC, where do we see ourselves in church life and in the community? How can we grow and support each other spiritually? Would you like a prayer group or bible study group on a different day or time during the week? Would you like to receive midweek communion? Please consider for discussion at the next Church meeting.
Sunday Morning Services at 10.30am: Everyone is welcome to join us on a Sunday morning for our regular weekly worship. The first Sunday of the month always includes Holy Communion.
Junior Church every Sunday at 10.30am: Led by volunteers (on a Rota). Our young members share in part of the Church Service and also spend some time separately, as Junior Church, in the Penford Room.They follow the theme of our weekly services through bible stories, prayers, crafts and activities. It’s always lovely to welcome them back into the church to hear and see what they have been doing.
Intergeneration Service on the 3rd Sunday at 10.30am: This is an all-age worship service; some months we may have a different church seating arrangement, with a casual, relaxed café style feel. Our next one on Sunday 15th Feb, will be a Songs of Praise.
Prayer Groups and Bible Study Groups: Our Prayer Group meets on Mondays at 1.30pm and Bible Study Groups meet on Thursday morning, afternoon and evenings. Please ask for details if interested.
Pastoral Care: Some members of the Pastoral Team met on Tuesday 13th January, to discuss the allocation of members to Elders and Pastoral aides. A new membership list will be out soon; please note there have been some changes. Your assigned Elder or Pastoral aide will contact you. Please always feel free to speak to any member of our Pastoral Team if you have any concerns.
FAST Group: Fun, Action, Story Time for primary school children. A fun and lively session where the children learn bible stories, through acting out the various parts of the story, enjoying friendship, laughter and food! They will meet on Tuesday 27th January at 4.30pm to learn about Moses.
Coffee Morning on Thursday 5th Feb: held on the 1st Thursday of the month. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy coffee and a chat; it’s a lovely morning for shared fellowship. There is a gift stall to purchase something nice and a raffle to win some useful and yummy prizes.
Saturday Shop on 21st Feb: held on the 3rd Saturday of the month (except in June when it will be on Saturday 13th June). Come along and browse the various stalls in the main hall: bric a brac, crafts, cards, games, toys, jigsaws, homemade produce (cakes, pastries, loaves, marmalade and jam) and books galore! Try your luck at the tombola stall in the Penford room (prizes for the tombola stall are always welcome) or enjoy coffee/tea with a bacon roll or a slice of homemade cake. Enjoy meeting friends; old and new, you’ll always get a warm welcome!
Open Lunch on 26th Feb: held on the 4th Thursday of the month. Come along and enjoy a two-course meal with tea/coffee. A raffle is held for a charity chosen by the chefs of the day! If you would like to attend, please let Ted (01843 842768) know so that we are aware of numbers for catering and table settings.
The Bay URC Carpool: We now have a list of drivers who can offer a lift to those who need help in attending church services, church social activities, GP and hospital appointments. If you are able and would like to volunteer, or you need a lift, please speak to Alan.
Church Contacts: Email: the[email protected]
Website: The Bay URC (thebayurc.org.uk) Facebook: The Bay United Reformed Church
Church Secretary: Mr. Alan Murray 846426 [email protected]
Local Worship Leader: Mrs. Janet Monkhouse 229554 [email protected]
Junior Church Leader: Mrs. Ruth Hollands 223130 FAST Group – Mrs. Freda Slade 841056
Bible Study Group (Thurs eve), Prayer Group: Mrs. Rosemary Bridge 846427
Bible Study Group (Thurs morning): Mrs. Freda Slade 841056
Toddlers: Mrs. Rosemary Bridge 846427
Treasurer: Mr. Ted Allen 842768
Hall Bookings: Mrs. Helen Cole 07989 616007 [email protected]
