Puppets in the Pulpit! | Fareham United Reformed Church

We're open for worship...

Our Sunday morning services start at 10.30am. If you cannot attend in person then you can join on Zoom too with the follow log-in details

Zoom meeting ID: 830 0884 6183

Passcode: 306145.

Upcoming services

Morning Worship led by Mrs Sue Brown

28/04/2024 - 10:30am
Morning Worship led by Mr David Childs

05/05/2024 - 10:30am
Joint Service of Worship, held at Fareham Methodist, King's Road, Fareham

12/05/2024 - 10:30am
Morning Worship, including Holy Communion, led by Rev Dave Harkison

19/05/2024 - 10:30am
Morning Worship led by Rev Nicky Gilbert

26/05/2024 - 10:30am

Junior worship and learning activities

During the pandemic our junior church activities were not able to meet as we would have done in the past. We are gradually increasing what we can offer our children and young people but that does not mean you miss out on the various activities. Visit www.rootsontheweb.com/ where you can view and download new activities every week.

Every month we hold PFZ (Parent Free Zone) Youth Group on the second Sunday of the month between 5.00pm and 7.00pm. All are welcome - contact us for more details.

Messy Church can also take place at home too - with loads of activities available at www.messychurch.org.uk/covid-19

[img_assist|nid=1604|title=Praizin' Hands Puppet Group|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=480|height=360]

On Sunday 14th July 2013, Fareham URC Junior Church's Anniversary was celebrated in style, with the service being led by puppets - thanks to the Praizin' Hands Puppet Group from Cornerstone URC, Hythe. The service told the story of Noah’s Ark and young and old were transfixed as Noah responded to God's call to 'Stock the Boat' with creatures of all shapes and sizes, and was strong in faith as 'Raindrops Keep Falling on My Boat'.

The Praizin' Hands group was set up in 2003 as part of the 1st Hythe Girls' Brigade. Originally formed for the older girls within the company, interest has grown and there are now three puppet teams reaching out into the community.

Puppets are non-threatening, making them an ideal tool to share God's love with people of all ages. Praizin' Hands use professional puppets and all puppeteers attend weekly training.

[img_assist|nid=1605|title=Camels from the Praizin' Hands Puppet Group|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=480|height=442]

Our Prayers this month

Every week pray for our Church Officers, Elders, all who lead worship, those who provide and show the PowerPoint and work the camera and microphones, those who provide music during times of worship, those who prepare the flowers and those who provide welcome and hospitality.

7th – 13th April

To ponder: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4: 2-3)

8^th Messy Church – pray for the children, their families and carers, and our volunteers.
9^th Church Meeting – pray for wisdom in all discussions.
Give thanks for all who serve others, pray that they will be strengthened and encouraged in the work they do.
Pray for all people whose lives are torn apart by war and violence – in Gaza, Israel, Ukraine, Russia, Haiti.

14th – 20th April

To ponder: Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. (Psalm 4: 1)

16^th Bible Study – pray for those meeting as a new group at the church.
Give thanks for your family and friends, all who love and care for you now and those who have loved and cared for you in the past.
Pray for climate justice across the world and for communities facing the brunt of the climate crisis, experiencing extreme weather, unpredictable years and instability.

21st – 27th April

To ponder: ‘Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (Romans 12: 12-13)

Give thanks for our place in God’s family, as churches and as Christians Together in Fareham – for those whose lives, words and deeds led us to Christ and those who continue to develop and strengthen our faith today.
Pray for safe routes and a welcoming environment for all asylum seekers and refugees recognising that Jesus was once a refugee fleeing from danger. Help us to recognise Jesus in strangers and help us to work towards a society that is truly welcoming.

28th April – 4th May

To ponder: My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me, and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17: 20-21)

2^nd May – pray for those voting and standing in Local Government and Police and Crime Commissioner Elections across the country.
4^th May – pray for all those participating in the URC Wessex Synod Big Day Out at Hollycombe.
Give thanks for signs of new life in our world – for blossom and buds, for the birth of children, for fresh starts after times of trial – thank you, Lord for breathing life into our world.
Pray for all those who mourn the passing of loved ones and feel empty, lost and in pain. Pray for all those waiting for treatment and the relief of suffering – that God’s love provides peace to all who are anxious and face uncertainty.

Daily prayer: Lord, help me to draw closer to you and learn from you today, thank you that you want me to walk more closely with you because you love me.Lord, help me to trust you, listen to you seeing you in all situations, in all difficulties, in all special sights, help me to look for you... open my eyes, ears and heart. Amen.