| Learning Objectives | 01: Holy Habits 02: Lent Courses |
| Action Objectives | 03: Mission Aviation Fellowship 04: Eco Church 05: Charity Organisations |
01: Holy Habits
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2021
Holy Habits is about a godly way of living; a way of being disciples of Jesus, personally and in community. It is a resource which offers a pattern for personal and church growth by taking people on a journey through the ‘habits’ found in the portrait of the early church presented in Acts 2.42-47:
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceed to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.Acts 2. 42-47
Last October(2020) the Church Council agreed to set up a small group to work alongside the Stewards to investigate Holy Habits with a view to introducing it at Hedge End. The group undertook this task with care and enthusiasm and, in consultation with the Stewards, concluded that Holy Habits could indeed help us grow as disciples, bond us as a church family, and help us find our ‘new normal’.
Holy Habits was launched in April on Zoom involving some fun activities, worship, and an introduction to Holy Habits.
In the Sunday service on the following day, we began our first habit Prayer, chosen because it seems more adaptable to Coronavirus restrictions than a habit such as Eating Together (definitely a habit to look forward to!) Holy Habits should have something for everyone, with different ways to participate in Sunday services, at special events, in small groups and on an individual basis. For every habit there will be opportunities and resources for learning and reflection, practical suggestions, plus ideas to take the habit further.
The second habit, Breaking Bread, ran from Sunday, 13th June until Sunday 1st August, followed by a summer break. Plans for beginning a third habit will be formed taking into consideration the arrival of Revd John Hughes in September. Provision will be made throughout for those unable to access on-line sessions and resources.
Holy Habits is not a quick fix! If each of the ten habits is explored for around two months, the whole journey could last two years or so, but it is not meant to be an arduous trek! The habits often blend with and complement the seasons of the church year, and are about affirming what we already are and do as well as trying fresh approaches. If we are to be truly open to God working through Holy Habits it is important that the whole church family is on board and, hopefully, we will enjoy the Holy Habits journey together. Much more information on Holy Habits will be shared during the coming weeks but please contact , the Stewards or the Holy Habits group if you have any questions.
02: Lent Courses
UPDATED FEBRUARY 2022
Starting from round about Ash Wednesday and ending at about Easter, we usually have a number of Lent Courses running. For example in 2022 there will be three Lent Courses. A lent course is undertaking by a small number of people with one or more leaders. There are plenty of pre-written Lent Course study schemes with booklets available or sometimes the leader makes their own material. Courses usually last between four and seven sessions.
Courses can follow a number of different perspectives but often follow the historical biblical and date timeline between the Ash Wednesday, the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem, his conviction, crucifixion and resurrection of Easter Sunday, or the nature of man’s estrangement, and needs, and Gods purposes and methods of conciliation through the messiah.
These are exploratory studies, as well as providing social interaction and cups of tea. Sometimes these studies groups are formed by ecumenical groups from made of of people from different churches. These courses would be a good place for those with not much knowledge of Christian theology to “dig in”. We encourage everyone to join one of the groups.
03: Mission Aviation Fellowship
UPDATED NOVEMBER 2020
Mission Aviation Fellowship are a Christian aircraft company charity operating in rural Africa. They distribute and operate mobile drugs and emergency hospital transport services to those who cannot easily reach local health facilities in Africa. The picture shown is an Aircraft volunteers parked outside the chapel. We often have themed events in connection with this charity.
At MAF, we believe nothing should stop people from receiving the love of God and the essentials of life – no matter how remote they are. Our vision is to see ‘isolated people physically and spiritually transformed in Christ’s name.’ We use aviation and technology, because in many places those are the only ways to reach isolated people in need.“www.maf-uk.org”
We are very pleased to be able to support those aims.
04: Eco Church
Date: June 23, 2021Author: Rebecca 0 Comments — Edit
The Church has recently taken the first steps towards becoming an ECO Church by registering our interest in starting the programme on the Rocha ECO church website. According to there website he ECO Church scheme is open to churches of any denomination who “Wish to demonstrate that the Gospel is Good News for Gods Earth”.
The first step is towards becoming an ECO Church is to complete the survey on the site. This survey enables us to find out whether we can apply for an ECO award (Bronze, Silver of Gold) according to what we are already doing under various headings:
1. Worship and teaching
2. Buildings
3. Land
4. Community and Global Engagement
5. Lifestyle.
This is more than just changing the building it is a long term project involving learning projects both internally and in the wider community.
More about ECO Church can be found on there website at
We have found that several other churches in the local area have already joined this project and are excited that we are about to join them.
Romsey Methodist Church has already achieved a Gold Award.
05: Charity Organisations
Southampton City Mission
The Basics Bank
Methodist Homes for the Aged
Homes for older people.
Methodist Relief and Development Fund
This has been renamed “All we can”.
Christian Aid
We support this charity, and someone used to co-ordinate but does anybody know what is happening with this now?
Action for Children
Formally National Children’s Homes
Hedge End Methodist Church 