October Update
Happy Autumn!
As you’ll see from this monthly update, there is so much happening at PMCH and so much to be thankful for. In our current series on calling, we recently reflected on the story of Esther, whose cousin reminded her that she was placed in her moment of history “for such a time as this.”
I wonder, in the busyness of all that we are involved in as a church, are you able to pause and be attentive to God’s call? How might He be speaking to you — and what might He be calling you to for such a time as this? For Esther, answering God’s call was life-changing and even life-threatening. God’s call can often feel costly and risky, yet in my own experience, and in the lives of many others I’ve seen, the greatest risk of all is to ignore His leading.
God’s first and primary call is for each of us to follow Him. Yet I believe He continues to speak, calling us into particular moments, places, and acts of service. My prayer is that, like Esther — and like the other men and women of faith we’re exploring together in this series — we will have the courage to listen for His voice and follow where He leads.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
(Isaiah 43:1)
Jonny
News from PMCH
Baby Dedications and Celebrations
We were thrilled to welcome not one but two new babies into God’s family in September. David and Erin were supported by a whole entourage of friends and family, and those who could not be there in person joined us online from around the globe.
An article by our Children & Families Co-ordinator
Denise was recently interviewed by BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) about the families work that we do at Plymouth Central Hall and they have put an article in their monthly newsletter. “Canadian-born Denise Libby has been involved in the children and families work at Methodist Central Hall in Plymouth since she was 19. Visiting with her youth group from Novia Scotia in 1994, she met ‘the boy’ who is now her husband, father of her three children and lay pastor at the church. With perfect timing as they got together, the church’s first paid children’s worker post was advertised. ‘I thought I really want to do that,’ says Denise. ‘I was so excited. I wanted to stay, and I’m still here!’” Read the whole article HERE
What’s coming up in October
Prayer Meeting | Wednesday 01 October 7:30pm | PMCH
Join us for our monthly Prayer Meeting in the Prayer Chapel. It’s a great opportunity to join together and offer ourselves and the world to God in prayer.
MWiB Cream Tea | 02 October | 2pm
An afternoon with Deacon Ruth Richey ”So, what’s the Story?”, followed by a Cream Tea and Bring & Buy Stall. Everyone welcome! Tickets are £5 and available to purchase from the Church Office to raise funds for “All We Can” and PMCH.
Parent & Baby/Toddler Prayer Group | Wednesdays 1:30-2:45pm
We are delighted to be starting a new Parent and Toddler Prayer Group, meeting once a week on Wednesdays for one hour. Together we will journey through a Book - The Power of a Praying Parent and seek God’s wisdom and blessing for our children. Each week we will cover themes such as safety, character development, friendships, and many other areas that are close to the heart of every parent and grandparent. This is a space to lift up your own children, grandchildren, or any child the Lord places on your heart in prayer. Tea and coffee will be provided, and free parking is available in the church car park. We look forward to gathering with you, standing together in faith, and praying with and for one another.
Speak to Amber Leach missamberuk@gmail.com or Alice Wall alice.wall@pmch.org.uk for more details.
A request from the Creative Team
The creative team would be grateful for donations of fruit and veg (large), dry goods and tins to add to our display in Church. All suitable goods will be donated to Plymouth Foodbank. Please drop any produce into PMCH by Saturday 04 October, there will also be an opportunity to donate to the Foodbank itself on Harvest Sunday. With many thanks , the Creative Team.
Bring & Share Lunch | Sunday 05 October
Join us for a wonderful celebration of all the diverse cultures within our church. We would love for you to bring and share some of your favourite dishes, either something from your home nation or from anywhere around the world.
This year as well as our meal we will be hosting a bring and share book swap. So, you are encouraged to bring a book that you have read and would like to bless someone else with. All are welcome to take a book home from the book swap. (Please ensure that any books brought are appropriate as this is an all age social event)
Please sign up to bring a meal HERE
Foundation Safer Space Training | 09 October | 6:15pm
Whatever your role within the Church, Cafés or Foodbank, this training will serve as a basic starting point to help you understand safeguarding and our collective responsibility for it. Whether you are new to this subject area or you bring prior learning and experience, it clarifies specific arrangements in the Church and key principles about how our safeguarding commitments are made real across all the Church's work. This training will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to safeguarding and your responsibility.
All volunteers are required to attend this training every 5 years. If you need to attend you will receive an email requesting you to sign up. Please talk to Morgan if you need more info, view the safeguarding page on our website and you can book your place HERE
SWYM Fundraising & Support Evening | 13 October | 7:30pm
Come and discover the vision, values, and work of South West Youth Ministries. Hear life-changing stories from young people and communities impacted, and join a panel to ask questions about how it all works. SWYM are passionate about this generation here in the South West and they are going to host you with a complimentary pasty and cream tea as part of the evening.
Two of our young adults are on placement with SWYM this year so this is a great opportunity to hear more about what the interns get up to whilst supporting this fantastic ministry. Book HERE
Ignite Youth Event 17 October | 6.30-9pm | St Matts
Ignite is a termly youth gathering aimed at those in school years 7 to 13 or in college. The purpose of these events are to unite young people with one another, worship God together, to grow in their faith, and to carry the Good News of Jesus to all areas of their lives. These events are a collective collaboration by churches and ministries across Plymouth and the surrounding areas whilst being supported and covered by South West Youth Ministries. What you can expect: Tuck shop (cash & card available), Fun & engaging activities upon arrival, Worship band, Sensory space during worship & talks, Prayer team. If you would like to attend please sign up so our Youth Team can book tickets HERE
Knit & Natter | Wednesdays 12pm
There is still time to support Knit & Natter as they knit blankets for women in Ethiopia, everyone is welcome to join in. This is a great project for beginners or experienced knitters and we can provide knitting needles and wool. Please talk to GIll Rolfe to pick up supplies and all the information you need can be found here - hamlinfistulauk.org/knitted-with-love/
Messy Church | Saturdays 9:20-11am
18 October | 15 November | Messy Christmas Sunday 14 December
Starting with breakfast, come and join us for a family friendly time full of fun, activities, food and Bible stories.
Follow us on Facebook to be the first to know when booking opens
Foodbank Hub
Foodbank Sundays
Please support our Foodbank by donating items each month. Below are the dates and item suggestions for Foodbank Sunday but. any items of food or toiletries will be gratefully received.
05 October - Dog Food
02 November - Christmas Items
07 December - Christmas Items
Foodbank Prayer Meeting
Join us Saturdays 9:30am - 12 as we pray for the Foodbank and the people we connect with at our sessions.
04 October
01 November
06 December
Please email Mark for more info mark@plymouthfoodbank.co.uk
Coming up this month
Sunday 05 October
11am Morning Worship led by Jonny Libby
Bring & Share Meal after Morning Service
7pm Healing Service & Communion led by Dave Martin
Sunday 12 October
11am Morning Worship & Communion led by Dave Martin
7pm Evening Service led by Jonny Libby
Sunday 19 October
11am Morning worship Deniz Carey
7pm Evening Service led by Maria Earl
Sunday 26 October
11am Morning Worship led by Jonny Libby
7pm Evening Service led by Maria Mills
For more information on services and groups at PMCH please visit www.pmch.org.uk