The Bay URC – Monthly Newsletter (End of August 2026)
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 Blessing for our Church Family: May God bless us with hearts full of love, hands ready to serve, and hearts open to one another. May we find joy in our fellowship, strength in our faith, and hope in the knowledge that we are never alone. May God guide us in all we do, bless our families, our friends, and our community, and help us to share the love of Jesus with everyone we meet. May peace be with you, today and always. Amen
Scripture Union at Minnis Bay: What a fantastic two weeks we had with Scripture Union! More than 70 volunteers helped children of all ages enjoy Bible stories, games, songs, activities, crafts, family events, inflatables and water fights at all the local churches, marquees, the beach and The Dip! So many people having fun and discovering more about Jesus, the Truth, and His love.
Coffee Morning on Thursday 3September at 10.00am: Come along for coffee, conversation and fellowship. There will also be a gift stall and raffle, with plenty of lovely items and prizes to enjoy.
Worship Group Meeting on Friday 4September at 10.00am: Members are welcome to come and share ideas about the spiritual growth and development of our church family.
Holy Communion is celebrated on Sunday 6September at 10.30am: If you are unable to attend church but would like to receive Communion at home, please speak to an Elder who will be happy to arrange this.
Memorial Service on Saturday 12September at 10.30am: A time to remember and celebrate loved ones at our Memorial service, led by Janet Monkhouse. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Ride and Stride on Saturday 12September: Dust off your bike or put on your walking shoes to visit local churches and raise money for Kent Churches. Sponsor forms are now available. Volunteers are also needed to welcome visitors to The Bay URC.
Saturday Shop on 19September at 10.00 – 11.30am: Come and browse our variety of tables in the main hall. You’ll find bric-a-brac, crafts and cards, games, toys and jigsaws, homemade cakes, pastries, marmalade, jam and books galore. Try your luck at the Tombola or relax with coffee or tea, a bacon roll or a slice of homemade cake. It’s a wonderful chance to catch up with friends, old and new. You’ll always receive a warm welcome.
Café Church Service on Sunday 20September at 10.30am: An all-age service where we worship together in a relaxed, café-style setting. A joyful and informal way to share worship as one church family.
Elders’ Meeting on Monday 21September at 7.00pm
The Bay URC Open Lunch on Thursday 24September at 12.30pm: Enjoy a relaxed two-course meal followed by tea or coffee. A raffle will be held, with proceeds going to the charity chosen by our chef for the day. Please contact Ted (01843 842768) so we can prepare enough food and seating for everyone.
Church Meeting on Sunday 27September at 12.00pm: Everyone is welcome to attend, although only church members may vote on any matters arising.
FAST Group on Tuesday 29 September at 4.30pm: FAST (Fun, Action, Story Time) group meets monthly on a Tuesday after school. It is aimed at primary school children and is always full of energy, laughter and friendship. Enjoy learning about a Bible story while acting it out with friends.
Sunday Morning Services at 10.30am: You are welcome to join us each Sunday morning for worship.
Sunday Junior Church at 10.30am: Our young members begin in the main service before enjoying their own time together in the Penfold Room. Through stories, prayers, crafts and activities they explore the weekly theme, and we always enjoy welcoming them back to share what they have been doing.
Prayer Group: Our Prayer Group meets in the church on Monday afternoons at 1.30pm
Bible Study Groups meet every Thursday: 10.30am at Freda’s house, 2.30pm in the Penfold Room led by Revd. Sue Woan, and 7.00pm at Rosemary’s house. Please ask if you would like more details; new faces are always welcome.
New Membership: If you are thinking about becoming a member of The Bay URC, please have a chat with an Elder, who will be pleased to help.
Pastoral Care: Please remember you can speak to any member of the Pastoral Team: Alan, Fiona, Freda, Helen, Mary, Pauline, Petra, Rosemary, Ruth, Ted and Vera at any time.
The Bay URC Carpool: Need a lift to church services, church social activities or medical appointments? Are you able to offer lifts to others? Please speak to Alan – help is always appreciated.
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]
Hall Bookings: Mrs. Helen Cole 07989 616007 [email protected]
Wherever you are on your faith journey, you are always welcome at The Bay URC.
The Bay URC – Monthly Newsletter (End of July ‘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.”
Celebrating God’s Faithfulness at The Bay URC: In July, we celebrated our 141st Anniversary, giving thanks to God for His unfailing love, constant presence, and abundant grace throughout the years.
We rejoiced in our rich history, gave thanks to all who have faithfully served before us, and looked ahead with hope as we continue to grow together in faith, hope, and love.
Built upon the firm foundation of God’s Word, may we continue to be bold in witness, generous in service, faithful in discipleship, and steadfast in our love for God and one another as we seek to serve our community and bring glory to Him.
Scripture Union’s Theme this year is Truth: The Scripture Union Team will be arriving this weekend, and we look forward to welcoming some of the team during our worship on Sunday 26th July.
Members of the Scripture Union Team will help lead our Holy Communion Service on Sunday 2nd August, together with Rev. David Yule.
Scripture Union Activities Mon 27th – Fri 31st July and Mon 3rd – Fri 7th Aug: There will be plenty of morning, afternoon and evening activities for all ages to enjoy. Children’s groups will meet each morning in the various local churches, with activities, games, challenges, crafts and singing. Themed family events will take place each afternoon at the beach or at The Dip, and there will also be group activities in the evenings.
Look out for posters and leaflets with full details. Information about daily activities and events can also be found on the Scripture Union website and on the Scripture Union – Minnis Bay Facebook page.
If you have children, or know of any family who may be interested, please encourage them to come along. They can register online or simply turn up and register on the day.
Scripture Union Marquee Café: Everyone is warmly invited to visit the SU Marquee Café, in the garden of The Bay URC. Monday to Friday mornings, between 10.00am – 12.00 noon. Tea, coffee and cakes are freely available, and you will always receive a warm and friendly welcome.
Donations of cakes for the Café and Scripture Union Team are always greatly appreciated.
Scripture Union Evening Meal on Tuesday 28th July: Volunteers from The Bay URC will be preparing the evening meal for the Scripture Union Team. If you can help with food preparation, serving or washing up, please speak to Petra. All help is greatly appreciated.
No Saturday Shop in August: Our next Shop will be on Saturday 19th September 10 – 11.30am
Café Church Service on Sunday 16th August at 10.30am: An all-age service where we worship together in a relaxed, café-style setting. A joyful and informal way to share worship as one church family.
Coffee Morning on Thursday 3rd Sept at 10.00am: Come along for coffee, conversation and fellowship. There will also be a gift stall and raffle, with plenty of lovely items and prizes to enjoy.
Worship Group Meeting on Fri 4th Sep at 10.00am: Members are welcome to come and share ideas.
Memorial Service on Saturday 12th Sept at 10.30am: A time to remember and celebrate loved ones at our Memorial service, led by Janet Monkhouse. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Ride and Stride on Saturday 12th September: Dust off your bike or put on your walking shoes and visit local churches to raise money for Kent Churches. Volunteers are also needed to welcome visitors to The Bay URC. Sponsor forms will be availablesoon.
The Bay URC Open Lunch on Thursday 24th September at 12.30pm: Enjoy a relaxed two-course meal followed by tea or coffee. A raffle will be held, with proceeds going to the charity chosen by our chef for the day. Please contact Ted (01843 842768) so we can prepare enough food and seating for everyone.
Sunday Morning Services at 10.30am: You are welcome to join us each Sunday morning for worship.
Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month: If you are unable to attend church but would like to receive Communion at home, please speak to an Elder.
Sunday Junior Church at 10.30am: Our young members begin in the main service before enjoying their own time together in the Penford Room. Through stories, prayers, crafts and activities they explore the weekly theme, and we always enjoy welcoming them back to share what they have been doing.
Prayer Groups and Bible Study Groups: Our Prayer Group meets on Mondays at 1.30pm and Bible Study Groups meet on Thursday mornings, afternoons and evenings. Please ask if you would like more details, new faces are always welcome. Regular Prayer and Bible Study Groups may not be held during August so please check with group leaders.
Pastoral Care: Please remember you can speak to any member of the Pastoral Team: Alan, Fiona, Freda, Helen, Mary, Pauline, Petra, Rosemary, Ruth, Ted and Vera at any time.
New Membership: If you are thinking about becoming a member of The Bay URC, please have a chat with an Elder, who will be pleased to help.
The Bay URC Carpool: Need a lift to church services, church social activities or medical appointments? Or able to offer lifts to others? Please speak to Alan – help is always appreciated.
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]
Hall Bookings: Mrs. Helen Cole 07989 616007 [email protected]
Wherever you are on your faith journey, you are always welcome at The Bay URC.
