Our 2026 Memory Verse
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name,
he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 NIV
The memory verse for 2026 reminds us that the Lord wants people to believe in him that they may truly become his children. For that to happen, everyone must play their part.
APCM
Thank you to all who attended the Annual Parochial Church Meeting last Sunday and to those who have taken on new roles or continued in existing ones. Please do pray for all those who serve the Parish in whatever capacity.
St Nicholas with St Barnabas PCC 2026-27
Rev’d Mark Madeley
Jim Loring (Warden)
Lynn Pack (Warden)
Annabel Loring (Treasurer)
David Pack (Vice Chair)
Pauline Farley
Neil O’Donoghue
Jeff Realff
Gail Rowley
Bill Thomas
Diana Thomas
Although not members of the PCC, Mike Perrin is PCC Secretary and Martin Rowley is Deputy Warden.
St Barnabas Update
The Willats Trust have received an expression of interest to fund for three years 50% of the employment costs of a full-time Estates Outreach Worker. (This new job title is likely to be more acceptable to grant making bodies.) Please pray that we will be invited to submit a formal application leading to a positive decision in September. The Diocese is now supporting us in finding other grant making bodies to provide the remaining 25%. Please continue to pray for God’s wisdom and favour.
“Father, help everyone in our Magnificat Parishes look towards 2026 with the vision of you in their hearts and a renewed passion to share the love of Christ with all they meet. Renew hearts, minds, bodies and souls.”
Prayer for Peace in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon and Iran
St Nicholas’ Church will be open for prayer for peace between 9:30 and 10:00 on Mondays 10th and 17th May (but not 3rd May).
If in doubt because of the weather phone Joy (625545).
There will be No Messy Church in May, owing to lack of helpers.
Please pray for this essential and well-supported outreach to the local families.
Please pray for more helpers to do:-
crafts,
food prep,
serve drinks,
set up and clear away,
music and tech.
Please contact Gail, Annabel, Pauline or Martin if you feel you can help.
An Invitation
Jeff and Joy invite anyone who would like to hear the first of three Bible Studies from Spring Harvest to their house on Sunday evening, May 10th at 5.30 to 7.00. We'll start with a simple shared tea. (Don't bring anything too much.)
The theme: No Greater Life by Andrew Ollerton.
(15, Wingard Close, Uphill, BS23 4UL)
Monday 11th May 12:45 p.m. in St Barnabas – Luncheon Club
Please note this change of date for May.
Will regulars please let Pauline know if they are not coming (01934 415401).
Please pray for this event. It is one of our main outreach events. Pray that people will listen to the Christian epilogue as well as enjoy the food and conversation. Pray also for the team that make it possible.
Funeral of Sue Andrews – Friday 15th May 2:00 p.m.
For those who knew Sue, her funeral will be in St Nicholas at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Please do pray for this service and for Mark taking it.
Uphill Methodist Flower Festival – Friday 15th to Sunday 17th May
Uphill Methodists are having a flower festival from 10 a.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday on the theme of All Things Bright And Beautiful.
They have invited us to submit a flower arrangement on behalf of St Nicholas Church. The arrangement can be dropped off on Thursday 14th May between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Is anyone able to do this, please?
The Methodists always supply a Christmas Tree for our festival so it would be good if someone was able to. Contact Mark for more info. Thank you.
Uphill Village Table Top Sale – Saturday 16th May
Over the last few months a lot of people have spoken about making greater connections with those around us. This is a chance to do that. We are hoping to serve refreshments from 10 a.m. to those who are walking round the village. It will probably end around 2 – 3 p.m. depending on whether people are still around. If you can volunteer to serve or make cakes etc, please speak to Gail or Mark. This is an easy way to make contacts.
Worlewind Band Concert at St Nicholas - Saturday 16th May 7:30pm
Tickets £10 available now from Caroline.
Standing Committee – Monday 18th May
Please pray for the Standing Committee as it prepares for PCC.
Services
Sunday 3rd May 2026
10:00 a.m. - Holy Communion live and by zoom from St Nicholas
Who is Your Jesus?
Revelation 1:4-20
Wednesday 6th May 2026
10:30 a.m. – Morning Worship from St Barnabas – live and by zoom
I Am The Light Of The World
John 8:12-20
Sunday 10th May 2026
10:00 a.m. – Morning Worship live and by zoom from St Nicholas
This Is Your Jesus
Revelation 5:1-14
Thursday 14th May 2026
PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DAY FOR ASCENSION DAY
10:30 a.m. Holy Communion live and by zoom from St Barnabas
Ascension Day
Acts 1:1-11
Sunday 17th May 2026
10:00 a.m. - Morning Worship live and by zoom from St Nicholas
The Names of God
Exodus 3:1-22
Wednesday 20th May 2026
10:30 a.m. Morning Worship life and by zoom from St Barnabas
I Am The Door Of The Sheep
John 10:1-10
Sunday 24th May 2026
10:00 a.m. All Together Worship with Holy Communion live and by zoom from St Nicholas
Pentecost Sunday
Readings to be confirmed
The next Parish Update will be produced on Friday 22nd May.
Please pray:
Joan Bailey - Joan has enjoyed several outings to Clarence Park in a wheel chair and the staff have kindly been taking her to St Paul's on Sunday morning, which she has very much enjoyed. Joan has also been pleased to have the company of another resident who knew Cynthia Brown. Please continue to pray that Joan will know peace and contentment.
Rene Eaton
Joan Glover
Malcolm and Edna Hunter
Ada Keeley
Louise Howarth
Audrey Howell
Lily Insley
Paul and Barbara Lewis
The Madeleys – For Rachel to finish university well and find a job and for Ben as he prepares for his A levels.
Stella Middleton
Sally Moir - Please pray for Sally, who is in a Care Home for a while.
Lynn Pack
Peggy Penhaligan
Gwen Purnell
Mac Reid
Jo Scott - Jo says "Many thanks to everyone who prayed for my visit to the dentist. It couldn't have gone better. Very quiet and no delays. Thank you."
Peter and Val Tullett
Joy White
Gill and David Willis - Please continue to pray for good health for Gill as she looks after David with Parkinsons.
Please pray for wisdom for Jim and the members of the Diocesan Finance Group meeting on Wednesday 20th May.
Diocesan prayer for growth and transformation
“Loving God,
You alone bring growth to your Church and transformation to our communities.
We give thanks for the ways in which you are already at work in our lives and world.
As we look to the future, send your Holy Spirit to give vision to our planning,
wisdom to our actions, and grace in living and telling your story.
Help our churches to grow in commitment to you, in numbers and diversity,
and in partnership with our local communities in all that gives life,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Prayers for Mission
Pedro Santos as he proclaims the Gospel from Beit Immanuel in Tel Aviv Jaffa especially in these difficult times of war. People in Israel are frightened and vulnerable. CMJ also ask for prayers for the wider Middle East too as all people matter to the Lord.
The Clarkes
Heather Johnstone, our CMS Mission Partner at Rehema in Tanzania:
Please continue to pray for Heather to get her new work and residence visa; her present ones expire in 3 weeks. The Labour Commissioner says she must keep trying. Heather has been trying about 10 times a day! He says there have been delays since December.
The craft shop and cafe have been very quiet and Heather hopes there will be just enough money to pay the staff.
Please pray for more business in May and a good visit from some Go Madders.
CMS mission partners Alison Giblett, Anya and Pastor Valery in Kiev – Do read the very good article in the CMS magazine about Alison, if you haven't done so.
A prayer: Father God, we give you thanks for the way you have been answering Alison's prayers and for the glimpses of grace she is seeing in Ukraine. We pray for more and ask for an end to the war with a lasting, trusted, definite peace. Amen