CONNEXIONAL NEWS - 29th October 2026
This week, we have news of upcoming church celebrations, education and training opportunities, community appeals and useful resources to share with your congregations.
We hope you find the information helpful and encourage you to share anything relevant with your church members and local communities.
CHURCH NEWS & EVENTS
Atherton Independent Methodist Church – 150th Anniversary Celebrations
IMPORTANT REMINDER – CHANGE OF TIME FOR SATURDAY'S SERVICE
Atherton Independent Methodist Church, Mealhouse Lane, warmly invites everyone across the Connexion to celebrate 150 years of faith, fellowship and service.
Saturday 14th November – 3:00pm (REVISED TIME)
Sunday 15th November – 2:30pm
Please note that Saturday's service has been brought forward from the previously advertised time of 6:00pm to 3:00pm. Sunday's service remains unchanged.
Rev. Simon Rudkin, from North Yorkshire, will be speaking at both services.
High Tea will be served following Saturday's service. Anyone wishing to attend must book in advance by contacting Barbara Hughes on 07928 376932.
There will also be an opportunity to view photographs and documents celebrating the church's history, with refreshments following the services.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Education Department – Free Online Bible Studies
Edinburgh Bible College is offering free online Bible studies, led by its Academic Dean, John Brand.
These sessions provide an opportunity for anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of Scripture and develop their biblical knowledge.
Click the link: The Bible in a Day – Edinburgh Bible College
AWE Academy – New Life, New Creation: How to Live as People of Hope
Saturday 31st October, 10:00am–3:00pm
Online via Zoom
There's still time to join this online study day exploring the biblical themes of resurrection, new creation and Christian hope.
The session will consider how the Bible's teaching about our ultimate future can shape our lives today, influence our priorities and strengthen the Church's mission.
Suitable for pastors, preachers, Bible study leaders and anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith.
Click the link: New Life, New Creation: How to Live as People of Hope
AWE Academy – Walking Closer with Jesus: An Introduction to Prayer and Fasting
Saturday 28th November, 10:00am–3:00pm
Online via Zoom
Back by popular demand, this online study day offers an accessible introduction to the Christian practices of prayer and fasting.
As Advent approaches, participants will explore how these spiritual disciplines can deepen their relationship with Jesus, strengthen discipleship and support the Church's mission.
Click the link: Walking Closer with Jesus: An Introduction to Prayer and Fasting
COMING SOON
2026/27 Connexional Directory
The new 2026/27 Connexional Directory will be available soon. Further information will follow.
Christmas 2026 Resources
Our Christmas 2026 resources will be available shortly to support churches with their preparations for the festive season.
Keep an eye out for further details in upcoming mailings.
29th October 2027 Other News for Churches and Community
CHARITY COMMISSION – TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Trustee Duties – Free Webinar
Thursday 5th November, 12:00pm–1:00pm
Online via Microsoft Teams Town Hall
The Charity Commission's Charities Engagement Team is hosting a free webinar for trustees and colleagues working within faith, international and higher education charities.
Topics include:
What it means to be a charity trustee.
The six main duties of charity trustees.
The role of the Charity Commission, including when things go wrong.
Common issues and how to avoid them.
Where to find further guidance and support.
Places are limited, and joining instructions will be provided after registration.
Click the link: Trustee Duties - Webinar - Booking by Bookwhen
Taking Care of Your Funds for Faith Charities – Free Webinar
Tuesday 1st December, 12:00pm–1:00pm
Online via Microsoft Teams Town Hall
This free Charity Commission webinar will provide practical guidance on managing charity finances and meeting financial responsibilities.
Topics include:
Internal financial controls.
Managing expenses and payments to trustees.
Conflicts of interest.
Further guidance and support.
Participants can submit questions through the Q&A function.
The session will be recorded, and registered attendees will receive a recording link and presentation slides afterwards, subject to technical availability. The recording will be accessible for 30 days.
Click the link: FAITH: Taking Care of your Funds for Faith Charities - Webinar - Booking by Bookwhen
Social Media: Charity Commission Expectations – Free Webinar
Tuesday 8th December, 12:00pm–1:00pmOnline via Microsoft Teams Town Hall
This free webinar will explore the Charity Commission's expectations regarding social media use by faith and international charities.
Topics include:
Potential risks of social media.
Engaging with sensitive or emotive topics.
Campaigning and political activity.
Staying safe online.
Participants will be able to ask questions through the Q&A function.
A recording and presentation slides will be shared with registered attendees following the webinar, subject to technical availability. The recording will remain accessible for 30 days.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Dementia UK – Understanding Sundowning
As the evenings grow darker, Dementia UK is sharing helpful advice for anyone supporting someone living with dementia.
Sundowning is a period of increased confusion, restlessness or agitation that some people with dementia experience during the late afternoon or evening.
Changes in daylight and routine can make these symptoms more noticeable.
Dementia UK offers several suggestions that may help:
Use a dementia clock showing the day, date, time and time of day.
Encourage regular activity, where possible, to help support better sleep.
Listen to the person's concerns, offering reassurance and trying to understand what may be causing distress.
Dementia UK's specialist Admiral Nurses are also available to provide advice and support to families affected by dementia.
Loneliness – Raising Awareness and Offering Support
Loneliness can affect anyone, regardless of age or circumstances. For some people, feelings of isolation can be particularly difficult during the darker winter months and as Christmas approaches.
As churches and communities, we have an opportunity to reach out, offer friendship and help people feel connected and supported.
A simple conversation, telephone call, invitation to a church activity or friendly visit can make a meaningful difference to someone experiencing loneliness.
We encourage churches to share the following resources with their congregations and local communities:
COMMUNITY NEWS & APPEALS
Family Welfare – Christmas Toy Appeal 2026
Help make Christmas brighter for local children!
Family Welfare, based in Leigh, Wigan, is inviting churches to support its annual Christmas Toy Appeal, helping children and families across the Wigan borough who may otherwise go without a Christmas gift.
Last year, thanks to the generosity of the local community, over 1,000 toys were collected and distributed. This year, Family Welfare hopes to reach even more children.
Churches and individuals can support the appeal by:
Donating new toys to bring joy to children this Christmas.
Making a financial contribution to help purchase gifts for families in need.
Every donation, however small, can make a difference.
Churches interested in organising a toy collection or supporting the appeal are warmly encouraged to get involved.