August Update
Dear lovely PMCH people
As we arrive in August, the pace of life often changes a little. For some, it is a season of holidays, time with family, and the opportunity to rest and recharge. As a church, we too will be taking a slightly quieter month. There will be no morning service on Sunday 9th August, and our livestreams will pause throughout August, before returning in September. I hope this brief break will provide an opportunity for everyone involved in serving each week to enjoy some deserved rest and return refreshed for all that lies ahead. I’m heading to Montenegro with my family and am very excited about exploring a new place.
As we look towards September, there is a lot to be excited about. We are delighted that Rev Jonathan Haigh will be joining us as our Superintendent Minister. Jonathan's welcome service will take place at 11am on Sunday 6th September, and we will also have the opportunity to welcome him again at our 7pm evening service. Please do join us as we give thanks for God's leading and pray for Jonathan and Chris as they begin this new chapter of ministry.
The following Sunday, on 13th September, we will begin a new preaching series entitled ‘Being Church – Eleven Values for Following Jesus Together’. Over eleven weeks, we will explore the values that should shape the culture and identity of God's people as we seek to follow Jesus together.
My hope is that this series will do more than simply teach us about the Church. I pray it will help us become the church and the individuals that God calls us to be. We’ll consider how we are as a community that is shaped by the gospel, rooted in Scripture, dependent upon the Holy Spirit, and passionate about sharing the love of Christ with Plymouth and beyond.
Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement, and your faithful service. It’s such fun (well mostly) to serve alongside you, and I look forward with great expectation to all that God has in store for us in the months ahead.
Jonny
News from PMCH
Newquay Camp 2026
After finding our tents and unpacking we headed to Mawgan Porth Beach in the evening to watch the sunset. As we sat on the beach, Mark led a session which made us think about who we base our opinions and beliefs on.
The next day, we started with a morning session where we had to guess what kind of milk we were drinking and think about our faith diet. After that we headed to Watergate Bay and went into the sea, had loads of fun wave-jumping and bodyboarding. When we got back, we had a huge water fight before jumping into the pool. That evening, we had a session around the campfire and spent time engaging in worship as the sun set around us. It was a really special moment, giving us the chance to pray and worship together.
The next morning, we had our final session before heading off to Fistral Beach, where we relaxed in the sun and made the most of our last day. We then headed back, packed up the camp, and prepared to go home.
Overall, it was an amazing few days filled with fun, laughter, friendship, worship, and plenty of memorable moments. It was a brilliant experience, and we can't wait for our next trip to Satellites!
What’s coming up in August
Services & Groups over the Summer
Many of our weekly groups take a break over the summer to give the teams a rest and make time for family please check the bottom of this newsletter for dates. There is also a change to our Sunday mornings over August which we’d like to share in advance.
Our morning services will not be live-streamed in August and a short prerecorded video will be available to watch on Sundays at 11am HERE
We will not have a morning service online/prerecorded or in the building on 09 August. A service of prayer and praise in the Discovery Café will be led by Rev Paul Smith at 7pm.
Tithe Funding 2026/2027
The Faith in Action Team will soon make recommendations to the Church Council for allocating our tithe monies to worthy charities and causes. If you would like to make a proposal please visit pmch.org.uk/tithe-funding and make sure you read our policy & guidance and then fill out the proposal form, paper forms are available the Welcome Area. Completed proposal forms can be submitted to the church office or email to faithinaction@pmch.org.uk. Deadline for applications 01 September
Prayer Meeting | Wednesday 05 August | 7:30pm
We continue to gather over the Summer to pray for the life of the world, the nation, the city and our church. Our Prayer Meeting takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm in the Prayer Chapel at PMCH
Manse Maintenance | Saturday 15 August
We are looking for a team to help finish getting our new minister’s home in Hartley ready for him and his family. We have set aside Saturday 15th August to finish tidying the garden and give the house a clean. If you could help with this, even if only for an hour or so, we would be thrilled to hear from you. Either contact church office or speak to Nigel Morris or Howard Franklin. Thank you
Marriage Course | Wednesday 07 October | 7:30pm - 10pm
We are excited to have Care for the Family visit PMCH in October. Tickets are currently just £6 each until 8 September, so now is a great time to book HERE
“Could your relationship be on autopilot? It doesn’t have to stay that way! Drifting apart is one of the biggest reasons why many couples decide to call it quits. But there are simple ways to prioritise each other and stop just going through the motions. Going the Distance is a live event from Care for the Family, which offers a rare chance to stop, take stock and invest in your relationship. You’ll explore practical ideas of how to communicate well, deepen connection with each other and intentionally set the course for your relationship. This event will help you spot warning signs, avoid roadblocks and continue your journey together, for a vibrant and lasting marriage.”
Visit cff.org.uk/goingthedistance for more info.
Plymouth Foodbank
Foodbank Sundays
Please support our Foodbank by donating items each month. We provide item suggestions for Foodbank Sunday but any items of food or toiletries will be gratefully received.
02 August– Rice
06 Sept – Squash
04 Oct – Mash / Pot Noodles
08 Nov – Christmas
06 Dec – Tinned Meat
Foodbank Prayer Meeting
Join us on the first Saturday of each month 9:30am - 12 as we pray for the Foodbank and the people we connect with at our sessions.
01 August – Foodbank
05 Sept – JC's
03 Oct – Foodbank
07 Nov – JC's
05 Dec – Foodbank
Please email Mark for more info mark@plymouthfoodbank.co.uk
Coming up this month
Sunday 02 August
11am Morning Worship led by Jonny Libby
7pm Evening Service and Communion led by Martin Earl
Sunday 09 August
NO MORNING SERVICE
7pm Prayer & Praise Service led by Paul Smith
Sunday 16 August
11am Morning worship & Communion led by Dave Martin
7pm Evening Service led by Malc Halliday
Sunday 23 August
11am Morning Worship led by Paul Courtney
7pm Evening worship led by Maria Earl
Sunday 30 August
11am Morning Worship led by Jonny Libby
7pm Evening worship led by Jonny Libby
Groups Return
Bible Study 08 September 2pm
Knit & Natter continues 12pm
Youth Groups
Satellites Festival 06-10 August 2026
New4U BBQ 04 September
X:Clamation 07 September
Children & Families Groups
Totstop 07 September
Messy Church 19 September
Friyay Club 25 September
For more information on services and groups at PMCH please visit www.pmch.org.uk