Dectojan26Thursdayweb

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

St. Mildred’s

Church Newsletter

December 2025 – January 2026

A new approach to New

Year Resolutions.

Faithfulness through the

years.

Buy a Brick Campaign.

A few ideas on how to

apply Romans 6 blueprint

for true change.

Three of our church members

reflect on their faith

journey.

Find out how you can be

involved in building the

new hall.

Pages 8-9

Pages 15-18

Page 25

Faithfulness through the years … Pages 15-18

The call of God on our lives at St. Mildred’s is

to make and equip disciples of Jesus Christ locally

and globally in the power of the Holy Spirit.

www.stmildreds.org.uk

www.stmildreds.org 1

Tom writes...

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

Inside this issue:

Tom writes...

2-3

Remembrance Sunday 4-5

The coming of the King 6-7

A New Approach to New

Year’s Resolutions

The Story of the Festival of

Hanukkah

8-9

10

Congratulations 11

Mission Focus -

Covenant Home Trust

12-13

OCC 2025 14

2025 Faithfulness through

the years

15-18

Diary - Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 19-21

Bible Reading Program 22

Prayer Page 23

Building Project Update 24

Buy a Brick Campaign 25

Have you made a Will? 26

Day Time Home Group 27

Prayer for Businesses 29

Notices 30-31

The Back Page 32

Newsletter Articles

Anyone who regularly attends St. Mildred’s

can contribute articles to the newsletter.

The next Newsletter will be the February-

March 2026 Issue. The deadline for contributions

is 16 January

Advent is traditionally a season of preparation.

We speak of "preparing the way,"

of getting ready for the arrival of Jesus.

Usually, this is a metaphor, but this December,

"preparation" has taken on a

very literal, physical meaning for our

church.

We stand at a significant threshold. After

years of planning and fundraising, we are

now transitioning into the reality of construction.

We have made amazing progress over the

last year and have finally signed the

building contract! While the full

"possession" of the site - where the

hoardings go up and we lose the car park

- will not happen until early January

(meaning we have parking for Christmas!),

the work has officially begun.

From the 10th to the 19th of December,

you will see preliminary works taking

place. Structural bracing will appear within

the chapel and protective boarding will

go up on the windows. It is a time of visible

preparation - getting the building

ready for the major transformation in the

New Year.

The sight of bracing and boarding is a reminder

that things are changing. It is a little

messy. It is inconvenient. But strangely

enough, this disruption puts us in the perfect

frame of mind to understand the true

heart of Christmas.

We have a tendency to sanitise the Nativity.

We think of silent nights and pristine

mangers. But the first Christmas was defined

by inconvenience. It was driven by a

Any queries regarding newsletter:

census that forced Mary and Joseph to

Email: newseditor16@gmail.com


Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

travel when they least wanted to. It

was marked by the crushing realisation

that there was "no room at the

inn." It involved the smell of animals,

the fear of a refugee flight to Egypt,

and the chaos of displacement.

God did not wait for the world to be

tidy before He entered it. He did not

stand aloof from human misery or inconvenience.

Instead, He chose to be

born into the mess.

At Christmas we remember that God

stepped into our chaos to redeem it.

Our current situation - the boarding,

the bracing, and the anticipation of the

work to come - is a physical reminder

of spiritual truth: Jesus came to dwell

with us in the mess of human life and to

transform our lives. To make us into a

beautiful temple.

“In him the whole building is joined together

and rises to become a holy temple

in the Lord”

Ephesians 2:21

Jesus was born into modesty, lived in

humility and experienced authentic –

and messy – human life. He is Emmanuel

- God With Us.

that will be a massive part of our

church for years to come - a hub for

ministry, fellowship, and outreach that

will serve this community for generations.

We are taking this work seriously and

working hard but ultimately, our trust

is not in bricks and mortar, but in the

One who sent his Son into this dark

world to save us.

So, this December, as we see the

changes in the building, let it be a

prompt for prayer. Pray for the safety

of the workers. Pray for our patience

as we approach the main start date in

January. And give thanks that we serve

a God who is able to work in the midst

of disruption.

May we all find the true peace of

Christmas - not in the absence of chaos,

but in the presence of Jesus who

walks through it with us. Amen.

Just as a family tolerates the chaos of a

house renovation because they know a

better home is coming, we accept

these frustrations with patience and

hope. This is not disruption for disruption’s

sake. We are preparing a space

Tom Lake - Vicar


Remembrance Sunday

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

10th Lee South Rainbows,

Brownies, Guides and

Rangers took part in the

Remembrance Sunday

parade. Julia from 10th Lee

South Rangers played The

Last Post and the Reveille

on the trumpet.

In their weekly meeting, 10th Lee South Guides made poppies

which they placed in the planters outside the church for

Remembrance Sunday.


Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

Faithful and remembering God, we come into the shelter of your

love with all our sadnesses and questions, all our longing and

mourning, on this Remembrance Sunday.

Thank you that in Christ, you grieve with each person in their

loss and stay beside each person in our pain.

We do not understand why people we love have died, while war

and hatred still flourish; nor why the innocent have suffered,

while arrogance and evil triumph; so please help us, to see the

bigger picture, revealed in the life, death and resurrection of

Jesus, who gave us the sure promise of heaven and the certain

hope of your coming kingdom, when, as Prince of Peace, he will

reign in this world, beginning with his rule in our hearts. Amen.

Lord of death and life, on this Remembrance Sunday,

we choose again to follow the Prince of Peace and to seek the

blessing of being a peacemaker.

Lord of a future and a hope, on this Remembrance Sunday, we ask that

your peace may rule in our hearts and that this peace will overflow to

our neighbours. Show us how to do this.

Lord of yesterday, today and tomorrow, on this Remembrance Sunday,

we commit ourselves afresh to walk the way of peace, to love our

enemies, to welcome the stranger, to honour those who have gone

before, and to work on behalf of those who will come after us, so that

the whole earth may be renewed with Jesus’ peace that passes

understanding. Amen

Merciful God, You remember every life lived, every pain suffered and

every grief endured; and you hold those memories forever safe in

your heart of love.

We lift before you on this Remembrance Day loved ones who have

died, in times of peace and of war, trusting them to your loving care.

Today, we remember places around the world where war and cruelty

is part of life.

We pray for families and young children who live in fear for their lives and find it hard to

sleep.

We pray for your perfect love to cast out that fear and for them to feel the presence of Jesus

deeply. Amen.; give us courage; give us hope; and keep us faithful now and always. Amen.

A prayer for commitment to peace:

Lord God our Father, help us to serve you

and all humankind, in the cause of peace,

for the relief of want and suffering,

and for the praise of your name.

Guide us by your Spirit; give us wisdom;

give us courage; give us hope; and keep

us faithful now and always. Amen.


The Coming of the King …

And of His Kingdom.

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

Jesus came to give us a Kingdom – a Kingdom

of infinite resources and gifts – a Kingdom

which we are invited to receive in this

lifetime (not just after death), a Kingdom

which will change us beyond all recognition,

because the Kingdom is like its Glorious

King. This Kingdom is completely perfect,

this Kingdom is utterly positive – precisely

like the King!

When Jesus was born He brought this Kingdom

with Him from Heaven. There were no

components already here on earth for Him to

put together in order to construct this Kingdom,

(certainly not human beings!) – this

earth and its inhabitants were (and still are!)

the problem, Jesus the King was (and still is )

the Answer! Jesus was born in Bethlehem,

the home town of the historic King David,

(whom God Himself described as, “A man

after His own heart.” (1Samuel 13:14).

David had started life as a shepherd, Jesus,

at His birth, is surrounded by shepherds! In

those days shepherds were the lowest of the

low – yet to them came the visit by the Angel

and a great company of the Heavenly Host:

“Today in the City of David a Saviour has

been born to you, He is Christ the

Lord.” (Luke 2:11). So the highest came to

the lowest – which means that there is hope

for every one of us! Soon afterwards Wise

Men from the east came to Jerusalem to ask

“Where is He that has been born the King of

the Jews?” (Matt2:2). This terrified King Herod

– he was not Jewish – he was an Edomite,

and he was not a proper king – simply a corrupt

puppet of the Romans! This evil “king”

was soon plotting to murder the new, true,

perfect King. Among the gifts eventually offered

to Jesus by the Magi were Gold (to

crown Him King), frankincense (to anoint

Him King and Priest) and myrrh (to anoint

His dead, redeeming body) – though they

probably had little if any understanding of

all this at the time!

Jesus really only began to reveal the Kingdom

thirty years later as He began His public

ministry. “The time has come! The Kingdom

of God is near! Repent (change your

thinking, your attitude and your behaviour!)

and believe (and receive) the Good News!

(Mark 1:15)

Here we need to notice that the Bible uses

two different ways of saying the same thing.

Usually we read of the “Kingdom of God”

where everything moves in line with God’s

perfect will, but in Matthew’s Gospel he

speaks of the “Kingdom of Heaven” because

he was writing to devout Jews who were

fearful of taking God’s sacred name on their

lips – but these two terms mean precisely the

same thing.

Heaven is where God’s rule and reign are

perfectly in evidence. Is there any sickness

in Heaven? No. Are there any demonic powers

at work? No. Any death? Any sin? Any

hatred? Any rebellion? Any lies? Any compromise?

Any half-heartedness? No. So in

His ministry Jesus dealt with all of these negatives.

Every sick person who came to Him

was healed. They did not pay for it, they did

not earn it by good behaviour or getting a

GCSE in theology. The only question Jesus

asked them was “Do you believe that I can

do this for you?” (Matt21:22), a test of faith.

Demonic powers were banished, curses lifted,

condemnation obliterated and on three

occasions dead people were brought back

to life! The only response Jesus called for

were praise and thanksgiving to the Father,

a desire to follow the Son and a hunger for

right living.

He taught many “Kingdom” parables. The

Sower who sows good seed, but it lands in

different kinds of ground – which one are

you? The tiny Mustard seed which can grow

to a huge shrub – don’t despise your present

insignificance – watch what the Holy Spirit


can do! The power of yeast to make a boring

piece of food grow into something really appetising

– even if you don’t understand the

chemistry! One of these stories concerns a

lost sheep which is considered so worthwhile

that the shepherd goes looking for it

“until He finds it” and then celebrates. Jesus

was humanly descended from King David

who was “taken from tending the sheep to

be the shepherd of his people Jacob and David

shepherded them with integrity of

heart,” (Psalm 78:71-72). Neither Jesus nor

David were dictators, each walked humbly

before God caring for their people – only

Jesus did all this perfectly!

Jesus also emerged from obscurity to a ministry

which drew crowds of thousands. He

was available to anyone who was willing to

listen and to put what they heard into faithfilled

practice. In John 10 Jesus says “I am

the Good Shepherd, I know my sheep and

My sheep recognise my voice (v14) and (in

v10) “The Good shepherd lays down His Life

for the sheep”. In offering this sacrifice as

both Priest and Victim, Jesus fulfils the words

of Psalm 110:4 “You are a priest for ever in

the order of Melchizedek”.

In Genesis 14 this great man who was King

of Salem and Priest of God most High, came

to bless Abraham. In Hebrews 7 the writer

speaks of Jesus fulfilling Melchizedek’s ministry

by being King and Priest on our behalf.

Most of this only really makes sense after the

Cross and the Resurrection, yet even before

these great interventions on our behalf, Jesus

says, “Seek His Kingdom and all these

other things will be given to you as well.

Fear not little flock for your Father has been

pleased to give you the Kingdom.” (Luke

12:31,32) Jesus says to Pilate “My Kingdom is

not of this world or my servants would fight

to prevent my arrest,” (John 18:36). Over His

head, on the Cross was placed the statement:

“Jesus of Nazareth – The King of the

Jews” (John 19:19).The condemned man on

the cross beside Jesus said (amazingly)

“Jesus remember me when you come into

your Kingdom.” The even more amazing answer

was simply, “I tell you the Truth, Today

You shall be with me in Paradise, (Luke 23

v42,43). As He dies Jesus promises Paradise

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

(which is the final out-working of the Kingdom.)

In His resurrection He displays the

victory of the Kingdom over death, judgement

and destruction.

In Revelation 12:15 we read “The kingdom of

this world has become the Kingdom of our

Lord and of His Christ and He will reign for

ever and ever,” The King who came from

Glory at the first Christmas has now returned

to glory. He has ascended to claim His heavenly

throne. He calls us now to enter that

Kingdom in all its fullness. He calls us to receive

His teaching in the Sermon on the

Mount which is the Manifesto of the Kingdom,

(Matt chapters 5,6,7). He calls us to

agree with Him and to submit to His authority

as expressed in His Word. Seek first His

Kingdom and His righteousness and all

these things will be given to you. (Matt 6:33).

He calls us to pray down the promises of the

Kingdom, for gifts of healings, for deliverance,

for provision, for prophetic understanding,

for holiness, (Love, joy, peace, patience,

kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness, self-control – all very Heavenly,

all very positive!) See Galatians 5:22-23. All

this is to pray Heaven down upon earth so

that we may begin to live in the Kingdom

Now and into Eternity.

He has rescued us from the Dominion of

Darkness and brought us into the Kingdom

of the Son He loves (Colossians 1:13-14)

“Your Kingdom come,

Your will be done – on earth

as it is in Heaven.

Yours is the Kingdom, the

Power and the Glory

for ever and ever.

AMEN.”

(Matt 6:10,13).

David Nicholls


A New Approach to New Year’s Resolutions

The new year is nearly upon us! It is

the season of good intentions. We

write lists, we buy gym memberships,

and we solemnly swear that this year

will be different. Yet, statistics tell us

that most resolutions fail by February.

Why is this? often, it is because our

resolutions are entirely negative. We

resolve to stop eating chocolate. We

resolve to stop wasting time on our

phones. We resolve to stop losing our

temper.

But in the Christian life, simply

"stopping" is rarely enough. If you create

a vacuum, something will eventually

rush in to fill it. If we only focus on

what we are giving up, we can end up

white-knuckling our way through January,

miserable and deprived, until we

eventually crack.

In Romans 6:11-14, the Apostle Paul

gives us a blueprint for true change.

He doesn't just tell us to stop sinning;

he tells us to start worshipping. He

writes: "Do not offer any part of yourself

to sin as an instrument of wickedness,

but rather offer yourselves to God... and

offer every part of yourself to him as an

instrument of righteousness."

Notice the dynamic. It is not just a refusal;

it is a replacement. We do not

just lay things down; we take things up.

We stop offering our time and energy

to things that drain us so that we can offer

them to the God who delights in us.

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

It is much easier to walk away from

something if you are walking toward

something better. As you think about

the year ahead, don’t just make a "Not

To Do" list. Make a "To Do" list that

crowds out the old habits with new, life

-giving ones. Here are a few ideas on

how to apply this Romans 6 principle:

1. The Digital Exchange We all know

the feeling of losing twenty minutes (or

an hour) flicking through toxic messages

or mindless videos on social media.

It leaves us feeling hollow.

• The Resolution: Stop the doomscrolling.

• The Exchange: Instead of consuming

junk food for the mind, feast

on well-thought-out Christian content.

• Recommendation: If you find

yourself reaching for your phone,

open the blog of Tim Challies

(challies.com). He posts daily, excellent

articles and offers a "A La

Carte" list of cross-references to

other great Christian writing across

the web. Swap the toxic for the

truth.

2. The Devotional Exchange Many of

us feel guilty about our prayer lives.

We resolve to "pray better," but without

a plan, we drift.

• The Resolution: Stop worrying

or letting your mind wander aimlessly

during downtime.

• The Exchange: Use that spare

five minutes to systematically pray

for others.


Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

• Recommendation: Download

the PrayerMate app. It is an excellent

tool that organises your prayer

points into swipeable cards. Instead

of checking the news when

you are waiting for the kettle to

boil, open PrayerMate and lift a

friend or a situation to the Lord.

3. The Time Exchange The average

adult watches a staggering amount of

television. While rest is good, excessive

binge-watching often leaves us

lethargic rather than refreshed.

• The Resolution: Stop zoning

out in front of the screen for hours

on end.

• The Exchange: Use that time

for an act of service or devotion.

Write a letter of encouragement to

someone. Read a Christian biography

or book. Visit or ring a

neighbour.

• The Goal: Turn that time from a

period of numbness into an offering

of righteousness.

Alive to God The goal of these resolutions

is not just self-improvement; it

is relationship. Romans 6:11 tells us to

count ourselves "alive to God in Christ

Jesus."

God calls us not just to turn away from

the things that harm us, but to turn towards

Him; to serve Him, love Him,

and find our delight in Him. This year,

let’s not just empty our lives of the

bad; let’s fill them with the good. Let’s

make 2026 a year of offering ourselves,

day by day, to the One who

gave Himself for us.

Tom Lake


The story of the festival of Hanukkah

Overview

Hanukkah is an 8 day Jewish festival that commemorates

the restoration of the second temple in Jerusalem

in the 2nd century B.C.E. (i.e. B.C.) after the

Maccabean Revolt. Following their victory against

the Seleucid King Antiochus III, a small group of

Jews, the Maccabees, reclaimed the Temple. A central

story of the festival is the Miracle of the oil in

which a small vial of oil (enough for only for one

day) miraculously burned for 8 days, allowing for

the temple’s menorah to stay lit.

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

The Maccabees Revolt

During the 2nd century B.C. the Seleucid King,

Antiochus IV Epiphanes tried to force Hellenistic culture and religion onto the

Jews, culminating in the rededication of the second temple in Jerusalem.

In response, a group of Jews led by the Priest Mattathias and His son Judas

Maccabeus waged a three year revolt against the Seleucid forces.

Redemption and Rededication

The Maccabees ultimately defeated the Seleucid army and reclaimed the

Temple. Judas Maccabeus ordered the purification and rededication of the

temple, and a new altar was installed and dedicated on the 25th of the Jewish

month of Kislev, in the year 164 B.C.E. (The name Hanukkah means dedication

in Hebrew).

The miracle of the oil

According to the Talmud after the temple was cleansed there was only a single

day’s worth of pure oil left to light the temple’s Menorah (an eight branched

ceremonial candelabrum). This single vial of oil miraculously burned for eight

days (the time it took to prepare and press new oil).

The eight-day celebration

The eight-day festival commemorates this miracle and was established to be

celebrated annually starting on the 25th of Kislev, each year. The tradition of

lighting the Hanukkiah a nine branched menorah for eight successive nights is

a central part of the celebration. The festival generally occurs late November/

December. In addition, prayers are in Hebrew and a song: Ma’oz Tzur Yeshu’oti

is summarily chanted. Two years ago (2023) the festival actually coincided

with Christmas!! i.e. the festival night was on December 25th! One could say

the two very different Jewish and Christian festivals were united. One with the

Light of the World being born in Bethlehem, coinciding with the marvellous 8

day rededicated endurance of the temple oil in Jerusalem,150 years previously.

Hallelujah!

By Adrian Cohen (with a little help from Google)


Congratulations

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

Louise & Anderson

St Mildred’s has been a part of my life for as long

as I can remember (quite literally!) I received a

blessing here as a baby in 1995 though I can’t say I

recall much about it! At 13 years old I was baptised

here too. It was a really meaningful step for

me, choosing to affirm my faith in the same Church

where it all began.

Then, just a couple months ago I found myself

standing at the front of St Mildred’s once again –

this time to get married! It was an emotional and joy

-filled day, surrounded by family, friends and a few

members of the church family who’d been there for

those earlier milestones too. There was something

very special (and slightly surreal) about saying my

marriage vows in the same place where I had once

been held in a christening gown.

St Mildred’s isn’t just a Church to me; it’s been a

steady thread running through every key stage of

my life so far – a place full of faith, love and laughter.

I feel incredibly grateful to call it another home.

Pete & Abby

It was a great day and

Pete and Abby are

looking forward to

what God is going to

do in their marriage


MISSION FOCUS

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

Covenant Home Trust Update November 2025

For many years, St Mildred’s has supported Covenant Homes in Kenya, through giving

part of our tithe, through our Missions programme. Many of the children, once under

the care of Pat, are now adults, finishing their education or with families of their own.

Some have even taken in orphans or abandoned children themselves. So our mission

continues to a new generation!

This is a picture of those who celebrated the New year with Pauline in Kisumu, although

for Christmas Day there were even more in attendance.

On 18 th November 2025 as each year, the Toddler Group hosted a cake sale to raise

funds for the Christmas meal as well as paying for overdue education fees. This year

over £250 was raised.

This is a small Covenant family unit in Western Kenya, under the supervision and

guidance of Hellen Obesa, whom herself grew up in Covent Home. They need full

support for all their needs


Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

Clive, Brigel and Benjamim were all taken into care at only a few months old.

They are now moving through their education career, either finishing off exams,

university, college or moving up in their grades. Having a good education and a

qualification is essential to break the cycle of deprivation and joblessness. Please

continue to pray for their practical needs, but also for diligence and wisdom.

Meroline, was once herself cared for by

Covenant home from the age of 4

months and now continues to be supported

as a single mum as she raises

her own 2 girls with Covenant’s support.

Pauline once a worker for Pat now cares

for the children in an overseeing role in

Kisumu.

Let us continue to pray for Pauline and the Covenant Homes support structure:

‘Father God, we thank you, for Pauline in Kenya, who continues to support those

within her care. Thank you, for her faith and her kind heart. Please provide for all

those in Kenya reliant on the generosity of others for their wellbeing.

May our hearts be moved as your will dictates.’

We lift up Sharon here in the UK too, as she continues

to seek funding and support for those in Kenya.

Open doors not yet open, and release blessings, not yet realised.

You are our generous and loving God, and we lift these needs to you. In Jesus name.


Operation Christmas Child 2025

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

Thank you to everyone who has been involved this

year, to those who’ve packed a box, been involved in the

packing party, those who’ve donated money & items,

those who’ve received the whopping 545 shoeboxes in

church & those who have prayed for the boxes!

Every year we’ve increased the number of shoeboxes

received - the first year 167, last year 281 & now 538

shoeboxes! An amazing opportunity to share God’s

love. Please continue to pray for their onward journey

& for the blessing they will bring to the children

who receive them!


Faithfulness Through the Years:

Celebrating Iris, Jenny and Kay

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

This year, three of our wonderful church members - Iris, Jenny, and Kay -

celebrated a significant milestone: turning 80.

We thought their experiences would make a great article for the newsletter,

so I asked them to reflect on their testimony, the habits that have sustained

them in their Christian journey, and the wisdom they have gathered along

the way.

Can you tell us about the moment or period when

you first realised the importance of faith in Christ,

and what led you to becoming a Christian?

Iris: “I was brought up in a Christian home, attended an evangelical

church and was baptised at the age of 15. There was no light

bulb moment in my early Christian journey, rather a steady

growth cushioned by a church fellowship that believed in the

power of prayer and the gifts of the holy spirit.”

Aged 4

Jenny: “Having attended Sunday

school, Pathfinders and Young

Peoples Fellowship at our village

Fabulous at 40

C of E Church, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t believe

in God. However, teenage years were somewhat turbulent

and I stopped going to church and YPF. My twin sister

became a Christian and I could see a change in her. I began

to ask her about what had made her a different person

and she told me it was her faith and trust in Christ. She invited

me to the Youth Fellowship, and it was there that I began

to hear more about the need to have a personal faith in

Christ, and to trust Him as my Saviour. I recall one December

night laying in my bed praying and telling Christ about

my wayward behaviour and asking Him to forgive me and

telling Him I wanted to trust and follow Him.”

Kay: “In 1949 my parents took our family to live in Kampala,

Uganda. My parents were Christians and taught us to read the

Bible and to pray at night. We attended church weekly. When

I was 11 years old I used to attend the weekly girls Crusader

Class – and it was there in July 1957 after a talk by Hilda Langston,

a CMS missionary, that I committed my life to Christ, after

her talk about 'The lamp upon a lampstand, a city upon a hill,

shining Christ’s light to the World'. This was a very significant

time for me as three months later I was sent to boarding school

in the UK, while my parents continued to live in Uganda, with

my brothers attending boarding schools in Kenya. So I effectively

left home at this stage and learnt to make my own decisions.

Preparing for school in the UK


Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

What have been the key things that helped you grow in your faith, and

what habits have been a source of nourishment?

Iris: "Growing up, there were no television or media outlets to

distract me, from a very early age, I read the Bible, memorizing

passages that have stayed in my memory which I call on in

times of stress and difficulty. They were particularly helpful

when I left Barbados at the age of 17 for England and encountered

an environment that at times was downright hostile.

Praying is one of the constants in my life. I tend to wake naturally

at about 5am and remember before God the people and

situations that occur to me. As a child, I would be woken by

my mother and maternal grandmother crying out to God on

our behalf. I was not always happy to be woken so early, but I

believe that those prayers have continued to follow me

A bride at 20

through the various challenges I

have encountered in my life.

As a result, I feel closer to God at that hour of the morning."

Jenny: "Daily Bible reading and prayer, attending Home

Groups, church services, meeting with Christian friends older

in the faith. Going to Bible studies at Keswick Convention,

seminars at Westminster Chapel, listening to speakers on

Premier Christian Radio, reading books by Christian authors."

Kay: “The Church school I attended in Sidmouth was helpful,

with morning assemblies and a chapel for private prayer.

I was 'Confirmed' at the age of 14 after a hasty Baptism when

they realised I had only been dedicated as a baby. The preparation

was excellent and the service was very meaningful.”

Jenny on a Water Aid sponsored run.

Aged about 42

When my parents returned to the U.K. in 1962, I lived at home for two years and attended a

lively, keen Evangelical church, full of young people. It was here that my faith and Bible

knowledge grew. I later moved to London to train as a midwife at a Christian hospital

which attracted many people who wanted to be missionaries. This hospital was centred on

prayer, with services morning and evening, and every mother was offered a thanksgiving

prayer after the delivery of their baby . After qualifying, I continued

working at the hospital, and at this time the Charismatic

movement was moving across this country. I attended meetings

run by 'The Fountain Trust' and it was here that I received baptism

in the Holy Spirit an amazing infilling and overwhelming of

the Holy Spirit from God. It deepened my faith and transformed

my prayer life. It was also at this time that God brought me to

worship at St. Mildred's Church which was experiencing Charismatic

revival.

Nurse Training

God woke me up early one morning with a vision of my elder

brother being held at gunpoint in Bangladesh/East Pakistan,

where he was working. There were riots going on, students being

killed and the University was set on fire. I asked God what

He wanted me to do. God said pray that he is saved, which I did

until 4pm when an amazing peace came over me and I knew he


Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

had been saved. At 8pm my mother phoned to tell me he had been held at gunpoint all

day, but had been rescued and was safely at the airport awaiting a flight for the UK. This

experience had a profound and lasting effect on my Christian

life.

Our wedding at St. Mildred’s.

17 June 1972

It was also here at St. Mildred's that David and I met and

were married. David chose the hymn 'Father hear the Prayer

we offer' to remind us that prayer was to be at the centre of

our marriage. I chose the hymn 'Great is your Faithfulness

oh God my Father' and it's amazing how many times God has

faithfully provided for us during difficult times. And God has

blessed us with 2 sons who are always concerned for our

well-being.

Our spiritual growth was greatly helped by attending a very

lively and spiritually inspiring camp for many years (Faith

Camp). We heard many excellent and anointed speakers

from all over the world and we always came back on fire for

God to see His kingdom come.

I took over the running of the Toddler group in the early ‘90s.

The Lord had given me a heart for pastoral care and a desire to share the faith. While attending

the national launch of the Alpha course, God gave me a very clear picture of a desert.

Across this desert came an endless stream of people with babies in arms, children,

prams and pushchairs. Many were weary and seemed worn down. I asked God what He

wanted me to do for these people. He replied 'I want you to minister to them, help them,

love them and bring them to me'. So with God’s help this is what I have tried to do over the

33yrs. David and I also introduced the Alpha course to St, Mildred's and ran it for many

years seeing many come to faith. It was a blessing to us as well as the people who came on

the course.”

How has your understanding of faith changed, and how have you navigated

difficult seasons?

Iris: “I had an unquestioning faith as a

young child but lost it during my early

years in England. I stopped attending

church and looked to other things like education

and professional acclaim to fill the

void. They did to some extent, but it left a

void that could only be filled by a loving

God who knows our deepest needs.

I used to walk past St Mildred's church and

became fascinated by the signs that appeared

on the board, They seemed to

speak directly to me and began to see this

Adventurous at 70

as God's way of calling me back to himself. I took a chance one Sunday

and walked in, not sure what I would find. What I encountered was a congregation that

greeted me warmly without overwhelming me. The rest is history and I cannot imagine

worshipping anywhere else. I realised that though I had wandered away from the church

that God had been with me all along and was guiding me to the place he wanted me to be.”


Jenny: "Teaching in my early years as a Christian seemed

to imply that being a Christian was easy and without problems

or difficulties. If I had problems, it showed my lack

of faith. The Bible doesn’t teach that being a Christian is

without problems. I found that life at times is very difficult,

but I know the One who I can turn to because He is faithful,

can be trusted and keeps His promises. He helps us

through difficulties when we ask Him.

[Difficult times included] the sudden death of my Mum

when she was 57 years old; my son and I being abandoned

by husband/father and the possibility of financial

ruin and being homeless; and the sudden death of my

identical twin sister, 2 years ago. She was a Christian and

I know she is with Christ.

With the Lord’s help, His provision of full-time work, anonymous

gifts of money, a home, support of Christian friends

praying for and with me, I’ve reached 80. Believing God

had His hand upon my son and I and He would see us through.

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

My first journey on Eurostar

aged about 46

He has! I find reading the Psalms to be a great help and support as the Psalmists pray and

say it as it is!"

Kay: "One of the most difficult times we experienced was when the Stock Market, where

David worked was completely reorganised. And the firm David worked for totally collapsed

6 days before Christmas – leaving everyone jobless. We had just moved house and

had a big mortgage, 2 sets of school fees to pay for and a car on the firm which we lost.

Worried that we would lose our home I lay awake one night crying out to God for help.

Suddenly I was aware of an angel at the foot of the bed who held out keys towards me, reassuring

me we would not lose the house, which indeed we didn’t. And God provided in

amazing ways. Thank You Lord “Great is Your faithfulness” Indeed You have always been

there for us and the family. The other difficult season was when David was admitted to hospital

with a heart attack with suggestions of the need for major heart surgery. But thank you

Lord for your hand of healing on David, - he didn’t even need to have the stents fitted."

If you could share one piece of advice with a young Christian today what

would it be?

Iris: "The one piece of advice I would give is that God does not give up on us even when

we mess up. He always wants to welcome us back into his fold. He does not reject us when

we take that important step of reaching out to him in faith. This is one of the most important

lessons I learned in the ups and downs of my eighty years. Psalm 121 is a favourite of mine

and a reminder that throughout my life, the Lord has been watching over my coming and

going. I have confidence that he will continue to do so however long I have left on this

earth."

Jenny: "Pray and read your Bible regularly - with the help of the Holy Spirit you will get to

know more about Christ. Continue to trust Him."

Kay: “Pray and read the Bible, His word, which ministers to us and helps us to know His

guidance and leading for the day. I would recommend David Pawson's Book 'Unlocking the

Bible' to help with understanding the Bible. Also doing the Alpha course and the recommended

books that accompany the course.”

Compiled by Tom Lake


Diary ~ December 2025

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

Monday 1 9am Prayer Meeting

Tuesday 2 Parent and Toddlers

8pm Home Group

Wednesday 3 9.45am Daytime Home Group

11am-3pm Warm Welcome Space

8pm Home Group

Thursday 4 8pm Home Group

Friday 5 9am Prayer Meeting

Sunday 7 10am Morning Worship

10.30am Kool Kidz

6pm Sunday@six



Wednesday 10 11am-3pm Refresh@WWS

8pm Prayer Meeting


Saturday 13 4.30pm-6pm Community Carols, Treats and Crafts

Sunday 14 10am All Age Worship

4pm Blue Christmas Service


Tuesday 16 8pm Home Group



8pm Home Group



Saturday 20 10am-12pm St Mildred’s Ladies Meetup


Diary ~ December 2025

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

Sunday 21 10am Christmas Carol Service

12.30pm Carvery Lunch


Wednesday 24 4pm Children and Family Carols

11pm Midnight Communion

Thursday 25 10am Christmas Day Worship

Sunday 28 10am Holy Communion

Monday 29 Prayer Meeting

Diary ~ January 2026



Tuesday 6 8pm Home Group



8pm Home Group



Sunday 11 10am All Age Holy Communion

6pm Sunday@six



8pm PCC Meeting

Wednesday 14 11am-3pm Refresh@WWS

8pm Prayer Meeting


Diary ~ January 2026

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26



10.30am Kool Kidz

6pm Sunday@six



8pm Home Group



8pm Home Group



Sunday 25 10am Holy Communion

10.30am Kool Kidz

6pm Sunday@six



Wednesday 28 11am-3pm Warm Welcome Space

8pm Prayer Meeting

Thursday 29 6pm Men’s Night Out


“I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Psalm 121


Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26


Bible Reading Plan

Week Monday Tuesday Wednes- Thursday Friday Saturday

01/12/25

Genesis

1:1-31

Genesis

2:1-25

Genesis

3:1-24

Genesis

4:1-26

Genesis

5:1-32

Genesis

6:1-22

08/12/25

Genesis

7:1-24

Genesis

8:1-22

Genesis

9:1-29

Genesis

10:1-32

Genesis

11:1-9

Genesis

12:1-20

15/12/25

Genesis

13:1-18

Genesis

14:1-24

Genesis

15:1-21

Genesis

16:1-15

Genesis

17:1-27

Genesis

18:1-33

22/12/25

Genesis

19:1-38

Genesis

20:1-18

Genesis

21:1-34

Genesis

22:1-24

Genesis

23:1-20

Genesis

24:1-31

29/12/25

Genesis

24:32-25:11

Genesis

25:12-34

Genesis

26:1-35

Genesis

27:1-40

Genesis

27:41-28:22

Genesis

29:1-30

05/01/26

Genesis

29:31-30:24

Genesis

30:25-43

Genesis

31:1-21

Genesis

31:22-55

Genesis

32:1-32

Genesis

33:1-20

12/01/26

Genesis

34:1-31

Genesis

35:1-29

Genesis

36:1-43

Genesis

37:1-36

Genesis

38:1-30

Genesis

39:1-23

19/01/26

Genesis

40:1-23

Genesis

41:1-57

Genesis

42:1-38

Genesis

43:1-34

Genesis

44:1-34

Genesis

45:1-28

26/01/26

Genesis

46:1-34

Genesis

47:1-31

Genesis

48:1-22

Genesis

49:1-28

Genesis

49:29-50:26

James

1:1-18

02/02/26

James

1:19-2:13

James

2:14-26

James

3:1-18

James

4:1-17

James

5:1-20

Psalm

19

Prayer Page

We ask for Blessing over all Christmas

events, for those organising and taking part

that this will be a season of moments to

treasure in our hearts and bring us closer to

our Saviour.

Pray for Keiko’s family in Japan that God

will prepare the way in their hearts and circumstances,

removing all obstacles, softening

hard places, and making a clear and

straight path for them to encounter Jesus and

join the church of His Choice for them.

We give thanks for the good news regarding

our building project, that we have put

you at the centre of this effort and though it

has taken longer than we expected, we recognise

that your hand has been at work even

when we could not see the future. We give

thanks and praise for what has been

achieved so far and continue to trust in your

provision as we move forward to seeing this

project completed.

For those of our young people who taking a

break from education and spending time

with family and friends that they will enjoy

the Christmas break and feel you guiding

them in all that they do.

We pray for the world around us, we give

thanks for the news about a potential peace

plan to end war between Russia and

Ukraine, a war that has cost thousands of

lives. We pray that these negotiations will

proceed resulting in an outcome that is just

and one that will lead to a lasting peace. We

pray similarly for other places in the world

where war has impacted the lives of so

many, forcing them to seek shelter in places

that can ill afford to house them. As we enter

this season when we speak of peace and

good will, a church in Nigeria that has been

attacked, Christians killed and the pastor

abducted, reminds us of that we need to

keep praying for our persecuted brothers

and sisters in various parts of the world.

We pray for our elected government, for

wisdom and good counsel as they decide on

policy, the best allocation of resources and

the management of risk from both outside

and within our borders.

“Be devoted to one

another in love.”

Romans 12:10

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

The abduction of 25 school girls from a

Christian boarding school this week is

another reminder of the evil in our world.

We pray that the efforts to locate these missing

people will be successful. We pray for

your strength to uphold them and their families

during this difficult time.

We pray for the island of Jamaica and the

surrounding countries following hurricane

Melissa. We thank you for those countries

and agencies that have stepped in so far to

help. We pray that resources given will be

multiplied and will reach those with the

greatest need .

At a time when the finances of many families

are stretched, we thank you for the active

part played by many churches in collecting

and distributing food to people in

genuine need. We pray that this effort will

not only be a physical help but that people

will catch a glimpse of you as a loving father

and will seek to know more about your saving

grace. Thank you that we are called to

be generous and for the many blessings that

come back to us when we do.

We thank you for the many shoe boxes

collected for OCC and the parent and Toddler

cake sale for Covenant Homes to assist

young people with their education. We

thank you for every gift given, that they will

be a blessing to those who receive them.

We thank you Father for each other, for

the privilege we have to serve you in this

church and community. Thank you for all

ministries at St. Mildred’s and your protection

over this place.

We lift before you those among us or

known to us who are in need of your healing

touch, awaiting medical interventions, those

who are lonely. We pray that through it all,

they will be aware of your grace and loving

arms enfolding them.

Send prayers to: newseditor16@gmail.com


Building project update

December 2025

Following a detailed tender exercise over the

summer, we have selected Coleman & James,

a family construction business based near

Rochester, to build the new hall.

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

We signed a building contract with Coleman &

James on 21 st November, enabling them to

place orders and mobilise. Provisional timing

is as follows:

Coleman & James first need to do some internal

work to ensure the stability of the chapel

walls and to protect all of our windows.

They plan to start this work on 10 th December.

After the Christmas break, Coleman & James

will then set up on site (including installing

cabins and erecting hoardings). They will take over the hall site including much of the car

park around 5 th January 2026, breaking ground around 12 th January 2026. Coleman & James

will take possession of the vestry/upper room area at a later stage (probably around March

2026). Areas within the contractor’s possession/control will be completely “out of bounds”

for church members and church activities. This may be quite disruptive for us, but we will

try to keep everyone informed about what is likely to be happening and when.

The works are scheduled to take about 11 months.

Please would you pray that we sort out the remaining administrative issues that need to be

sorted out before work can commence on site.

It would also be good to pray for Coleman & James and their various sub-contractors: for

good progress, for swift resolution of any problems which emerge as the work progresses,

and above all, for safety for everyone involved. We are hoping to have lots of photos and

possibly some video of the new hall taking shape, and will try to provide regular updates.

There is still lots of work for the church team to do, so if you might be able to help – even if

you’re not sure how! – please speak to Stella or any of the other members of the Development

Group. We need people with creative skills, administrative skills, practical skills or just

a bit of spare time! We still need to raise more money to pay for the building work, so we

would love to hear any fundraising ideas you might have.

Thank you to those who have been praying so faithfully for the

building project over many years. Our faithful Heavenly Father

has answered those prayers wonderfully: on many, many occasions

providing exactly what we have needed, exactly when we

have needed it. As we move into this exciting construction

phase, please do continue to pray!

Stella Gill


Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

Christmas 2025 “BUY A BRICK” Campaign

As Church members will know - we’re building a new hall at St Mildred’s

for church and community use. The new building will be suitable

for a variety of community services and activities, offering a warm

welcome to all.

After 15 years of fundraising, planning and design, we’re hoping to

start building before Christmas! We have most of the funding required,

but we’ll need another £250,000 to complete the building. Loans of

£450,000 will also need to be repaid in due course.

Please can you help?

• £1 buys one brick (laid)

• £10 buys one roof tile (laid)

• £30 buys 1m 2 of plasterboard

(installed)

• £80 buys 1m 2 of blockwork (laid)

• £235 buys one solar panel (installed)

Church members have already been very generous – financially, by

providing practical help and by supporting the project in prayer – so a

big THANK YOU! for all that you have given so far. If you have any

friends or family who might be willing to contribute to the project by

paying for a brick (or a few bricks Or anything else!) their support

would be greatly appreciated. Or if anybody asks you what you would

like for Christmas, why not ask them for a few bricks for the building

The QR code links to the “Buy a Brick”

page on the Church website:


Have you made a will?

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

Benjamin Franklin is famous for reminding us that there

are only two certainties in life – death and taxes. While

there has been a lot of talk recently about the latter, we

tend to shy away from thinking about the former. As

Christians, we know that Jesus has conquered death by

his crucifixion and resurrection and our ultimate hope is

with him, but we still tend to avoid thinking about death

and how it will affect those around us.

Are you one of the 6 out of 10 people who has not made a will, or you made it several years

ago and your circumstances have changed?

For nearly 500 years the Church of England has encouraged people to make a will. Without a

will, your loved ones could face a lot of trouble, work and expense after your death. Without a

will, a court could decide how to distribute your goods and who should look after your children

or dependents. Legacies are an important way in which you can support charitable causes.

Making a charitable gift in your will may also reduce the rate of inheritance tax paid on the

rest of your estate.

At St Mildred’s we welcome all gifts in wills, however large or small, and we promise to use

your gift to make a difference in our parish.

Our PCC Legacy Policy is to use gifts to help fund significant development projects, whether

buildings, equipment, mission or staff. This includes paying off loans incurred to facilitate the

construction of our new church hall, which will free up regular income.

Since needs change over the years, we encourage you to leave a gift in your will for the general

purposes of the parish rather than for a restricted purpose. We will discuss possible uses

of your gift with your executors when the time comes, bearing in mind your known areas of

interest in the church (e.g. music, buildings, children and youth, overseas mission or aid) and

the church’s priorities at the time. We will also aim to take into account any wishes you have

expressed to us in advance.

You can be confident that your gift will be used to make a real difference to our future mission

and ministry.

We will acknowledge gifts in whatever way the donor and/or their executors feel most appropriate

so long as it fits with the requirements mandated in our fundraising policy. Equally, we

can make sure that gifts remain anonymous if the donor prefers.

If you would like to talk to someone in confidence about the sorts of purposes your gift might

fund, and how/if you would like your gift to be acknowledged, please contact our treasurer,

Trevor Gill (email treasurer@stmildreds.org.uk). If you would like to record your preferences

for use and or acknowledgement of a legacy, please email them to treasurer@stmildreds.org.uk

and they will be kept in confidence until needed.

In keeping with our practice for all donations, the PCC will normally tithe 10% of any legacy

received to an appropriate cause, unless otherwise directed.

As we are a registered charity, legacies to the church count towards the inheritance tax reduction

for gifts to charity. If 10% or more of your estate is left to charity, your inheritance tax rate

may also be reduced. You can find full details on the gov.uk web site. https://www.gov.uk/

donating-to-charity/leaving-gifts-to-charity-in-your-will

There is a lot of helpful information about leaving a legacy to our church on churchlegacy.org.uk

If you would like to make a gift in memory of a loved one, please do come and discuss this

with us too.

Trevor Gill


Day time home group

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

St Mildred’s has several homes groups that meet on a regular basis. They all meet

in the evening during the week except one – that is the daytime home group. This

exists for two main reasons. One is the same as all the other home groups; it is a

good place to get to know the Bible, ask questions, learn about how we can best

live our Christian faith and to pray for and with each other. The second reason for

our existence is that that not everyone wants to go out in the evening, especially in

the cold and dark nights of winter.

The Day Time Home Group meets on the first and third Wednesday mornings of

each month regardless of when the other home groups meet in the evening. This is

to avoid a clash with Refresh which meets on the second Wednesday of each month

as several daytime home group members being part of that Team.

December 2025 - February 2026

Wednesday 3 December

Wednesday 17 December

Wednesday 7 January

Wednesday 21 January

Wednesday 4 February

Wednesday 18 February

When there is a fifth Wednesday in the month, we do not meet in order to maintain

the same pattern of meeting on the 1 st and 3 rd Wednesdays.

We meet in the church on the sofas at 9.45 am until 11.30 am. Some of the members

stay on for warm space afterwards. We used to meet in the home of a church member

but sadly she died last year meaning her home was no longer available to us,

so we moved to the church. The group is led by the Revd Marion Barber.

Whilst it is always good to make a regular commitment to a home group, the reality

of life is that this is not always possible. Some people drop in and out of the daytime

home group as and when they are able while others are more regular.

If you would like to join the daytime home group, please speak to one of the Home

Group Co-ordinators, our Vicar Revd Tom Lake or Alison Coutts or Paul N

Marion Barber


Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

www.stmildreds.org Used with permission Happy Christmas - CartoonChurch.com 28

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

Businesses

to pray for

December 2025

to

January 2026

Please continue to pray for all

our local businesses

Kinleigh, Folkard & Hayward

Kashi Restaurant

Lane Tian Chinese restaurant

Lee Car Services (MINI

CAB)

Lee Launderette

Lee Pharmacy

Lee Station

Lee Tyres

LADS Barbers (was Joe's

Barber)

Learn Log

Lewisham Council

Little Pumpkins

Little Bananas

Londis

TDSA Ltd

The Crown Tavern Pub

Absolutely Animals

Allen & Wainwright

AMC MOT centre

ARCCI Design

Aroma Beauty Rooms

Bansal

Baring Food & Wine

Baring Road Fish & Chips

The Fascia Place

Tara's Acupuncture

Timeless Beauty Salon

Travis Perkins

Trinity Schools

TLC Electrical Distributors

Toolstation


Notices

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

St Mildred's Church Lee Fundraising | Easyfundraising


Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26


The Back Page

Dec ‘25 - Jan ‘26

The Red Bus

On Friday 14 th

November, the red

bus was sold and

taken to a new

home at a

Primary School in

Stansted.

Praise God that, after 6

years of inactivity (but

lots of usage by Kool

Kidz!), the driver was

able to get across busy

London, Friday, rush

hour traffic!

Helping a driver

reverse a double

decker safely by

communicating

via WhatsApp

was a first for

both Tom and

Shimona!


Dectojan26Thursdayweb

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