Dear Friends,

As you will know, on Saturday 20th September, Poole Bay Methodist Circuit will be hosting (or will have hosted depending on when you read this) the Southampton District Synod. We will welcome friends from across the District to the Spire in Poole and the theme for the day is 'Facing Reality'. This is a recognition that we are living in increasingly unsettled times, and it can be worrying. Nevertheless, as the body of Christ, how can we speak, act and 'be' in these times, in a way that offers hope, enables us to strive for peace and justice for all, and genuinely reflects God's love for all of creation. There will be speakers and a range of workshops that will seek to equip us to engage with these times in a productive way. They are open to everybody, not just synod reps – there is more information available here and it is easy to register at: https://autumnsynod2025.eventbrite.co.uk/

There are also some spaces for volunteers to help during the day in various tasks- if you are able to help out please let Sarah Knebel or myself know.

This Sunday is also designated as the UN International Day of Peace. Let's face it, sadly there has always been conflict in the world. However, it does feel in the current times that the need to be praying fervently for peace and for justice (for one cannot be fully achieved without the other) is ever more pressing.

And so I encourage you to pray for peace.

Here is a verse from STF 712 Put peace in each other's hands.

Put peace into each other's hands with loving expectation;
be gentle in your words and ways, in touch with God's creation.

We are all called to be active in receiving God's peace and in sharing this peace wherever and however we can – let us pray for peace today.

Every blessing

Rev Karen