Havant and Emsworth United Reformed ChurchNews
February 24, 2022 - Update
After two years of activities being dominated by the pandemic, we are now getting a much more normal feel to church life. We are able to welcome most friends back to services, while still respecting those who wish to continue to exercise caution.
May 14, 2020 - Coronavirus pandemic
We are still in lockdown, although the government has given an indication that church services may be able to resume before too long. In the meantime, we continue to produce weekly devotions which are shared with the whole fellowship. This does enable us to share a feeling of community on a Sunday morning. We are making every effort to keep in touch with friends, and the online coffee mornings are becoming more popular.
April, 2020 - Coronavirus pandemic
Along with all other churches and social activities, we have closed our buildings during the lock-down imposed by the government. We have made details of various church services and daily prayers available to members of the congregation. We have also produced weekly devotions for members of this fellowship, so that we can retain a feeling of community by sharing a common set of readings and reflections on a Sunday. For those of us who are more tech savvy (or have children or grandchildren who are) we are having online coffee mornings.
February 29, 2020 - Fairtrade Supper
A plant-based Fairtrade Supper was held in our hall at Havant (we are a Fairtrade church). Those attending enjoyed a lovely meal together with stories and a film about Fairtrade, stalls, and singing by members of the Africappella group. £100 was raised for charity.
February 19, 2020 - Restart of Saturday Lunches
After a short gap, we were pleased to restart the Saturday lunches on February 8th. We provide a light lunch of soup and a roll, together with a hot drink. The two lunches that have now taken place attracted a good number of appreciative customers. There is no charge, but donations are welcome.
November 03, 2019 - Reception of New Members at Havant
This communion service was very special because it included the reception into church membership of three new members on confession of faith. The service was led by Rev David Williams and a very warm welcome was extended to the three new members.
October 25 and 26, 2019 - Book Sale at Waterside, Emsworth
The Autumn book sale will be held from 10am to 4pm on Friday and Saturday, 25th and 26th October. Lots of books, jigsaws and similar items for sale.
August 19, 2019 - Havant Passion Play
We were very happy to act as the host location for the Havant Passion Play (HPP). Being situated very close to Havant park, HPP were able to store all their costumes on our premises, as well as providing a convenient meeting place and coffee venue for all those connected with the play. On Sunday 18th, a group of church members had a picnic lunch at church after the service, and then proceeded to the park to watch the play. We were very impressed with the professional performance, and the impact of the play on the whole audience. Well done to all concerned! For more information about HPP, see havantpassionplay.org.uk.
July 07, 2019 - Retirement of Rev Harry Lanham
We were pleased to welcome Rev Nigel Uden, Ministerial Moderator of the URC General Assembly, to lead this service, and join in a celebratory family lunch after the service. Thanks were given to Rev Harry and to his wife, Rev Carol, for all their service to the pastorate over the past 7 years. The service was also an official recognition of the amalgamation of the two churches to become one new church. We send Rev Harry and Rev Carol every good wish for their retirement.
June 23, 2019 - 10th Anniversary of Havant Meeting Place (HMP)
A weekend of celebration of the 10th anniversary of the major refurbishment of our premises. On Thursday 20 June we celebrated this event by extending the normal coffee morning with a visit from the Mayor. Some of the organisations who hire rooms at HMP had tables to display information, art and photographic exhibitions were mounted, and Bosmere School Choir came to sing and were very enthusiastic in their performance. On Saturday a Fish and Chip supper with quiz was held. On Sunday, morning worship was led by Rev Robin Hine, a previous minister of the church. We were pleased to welcome Rev Robin and his wife, Ann.
June 16, 2019 - 211th Anniversary of 'Congregationalism' in Emsworth
Rev Mary Thomas led a service to commemorate the 211th anniversary of the founding of the chapel in Nile Street, Emsworth, the forerunner of the present buildings.
May 26, 2019 - Amalgamation of Havant URC and Waterside URC, Emsworth to become a new church, 'Havant and Emsworth United Reformed Church'
At church meetings on Sunday 26th May, 2019, the two churches voted to amalgamate to become one new church, Havant and Emsworth United Reformed Church. An inaugural service to mark this amalgamation was held at Havant URC on 7th July, and was led by Rev Nigel Uden, Moderator of the United Reformed Church General Assembly.
Sunday worship will continue to be held at both churches, with occasional combined services. For some purposes, the two congregations will be known as Havant URC and Waterside URC, Emsworth.
The new church looks forward to the two congregations working ever more closely together, to support each other and reach out to the local communities in both localities.