The Open Door – June / July 2026

Discover the June/July 2026 issue of The Open Door magazine for Lymington United Reformed Church:

  • Minister’s Letter: Rev’d Paul O’Connor discusses entering “Proper” Time in the church calendar, a season to reflect on Jesus’ everyday teachings, miracles, and actions rather than major festivals. He highlights the lectionary’s focus on Matthew’s gospel and the sending of the twelve apostles as guidance for modern disciples to share their faith without becoming disheartened by rejection.
  • Secretary’s Notes: Margaret Clark shares updates on church life, noting that the Garden Café has reopened after cold weather delays. She thanks the gardening team for their work on St Barbe’s Open Gardens and reviews recent Easter, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday services.
  • Bible Study & Meetings: Bible study with Paul resumes on June 9th, with subsequent dates on June 23rd and July 7th.
  • The Annual Church Meeting is scheduled for July 14th at 7:00 pm, preceded by a church garden barbecue at 5:00 pm.
  • Retirement: Gerry expresses gratitude for a retirement gift marking his departure from the Finance and Property Committee after 22 years of service.
  • A Second Postcard from Turkey: Judith and Wyn share details and photographs from their spring holiday in Side, Turkey. They touch upon the town’s history, its ancient Greek and Roman roots, its influential past role as a Christian Bishopric, and their visits to the restored Temple of Athena.
  • MerriMENt Group: Pete reports on a recent men’s group breakfast meetup at Wetherspoons and announces that the next meeting will be a lunch at the Solento Lounge in Lymington on June 30th.
  • Church Diary & Worship Schedule: Worship services are held at 10.30 a.m. on Sundays, led by various individuals including Rev’d Paul O’Connor, Chris Brown, Mary Ann Jardine, and the Worship Group.
  • The regular Wednesday morning prayer group continues at 9:15 a.m..
  • Rotas: Duty elders, readers, stewards, communion elders, and sound system volunteers are detailed for both June and July services
  • Magazine Deadline: The closing date for submissions for the August/September issue is July 20th, 2026.

    Read more or pick up your copy today.
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The Open Door – April/May 2026

🌿 A Fresh Look at Church Life in Lymington

If you haven’t yet dipped into the latest issue of The Open Door, you’re in for a treat. This edition is full of thoughtful reflections, community news, nature notes, travel stories, and upcoming events that show just how vibrant and welcoming Lymington URC continues to be.

✝️ A New Perspective on Easter

Rev’d Paul O’Connor opens the magazine with a beautifully reflective Easter letter, inviting us to look again at familiar stories with fresh eyes. He writes about sharing “the story of the Last Supper” with local schoolchildren and challenges us to notice something new in the Easter journey this year. It’s a gentle, thought‑provoking start that sets the tone for the whole issue.

🕯️ Services, Community Life & Spring Updates

From Tenebrae communion by candlelight to the joyful Easter Sunday celebration, the diary is full of opportunities to gather, worship, and reconnect. The Secretary’s notes offer a warm snapshot of church life—welcoming new faces, thanking long‑serving volunteers, and looking forward to the reopening of the Garden Café as the church garden “bursts into colour.”

🐦 Nature on Our Doorstep

One of the standout pieces is a beautiful reflection on birdwatching at Keyhaven Marshes. Mary Ann shares sightings of Dartford Warblers, Kingfishers, Avocets, Spoonbills and more, reminding us how lucky we are to live near such rich wildlife habitats. Her prayer for creation is simple and heartfelt: “Please help us be more caring of our fellow creatures and less wasteful of its resources.”

🌸 Flowers, Fellowship & Fun

There’s an update from the Flower Ministry, celebrating the joy that weekly blooms bring to the church family. And if you missed the Spring Lunch and Lymington’s Got Talent, the photos and write‑up capture the warmth, laughter, and community spirit—plus the £299 raised for church funds.

🌍 A Journey Through Morocco

Another highlight is Mary Ann’s travel diary from a rain‑soaked but fascinating tour of Morocco. From Fez’s maze‑like Medina to the stillness of a desert sunset, it’s a vivid and personal glimpse into a country of contrasts.

☕ Upcoming Events You Won’t Want to Miss


The magazine rounds off with invitations to:

  • Open Day – Saturday 25th April
  • Breakfast before Worship – Sunday 3rd May
  • Open Door Café – open four mornings a week
    These events are all about connection, hospitality, and sharing faith in simple, meaningful ways.

🌼 Why Read the Full Issue?


Because it’s more than a newsletter—it’s a window into our community that is alive, caring, reflective, and joyfully busy. Whether you’re a regular, a visitor, or simply curious, this edition of The Open Door is full of stories that uplift and inspire, and you can read it online, pick up a copy in church or download it below!

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February / March Open Door Magazine

Our Feb/March 2026 Open Door is out now!

It includes the Minister’s New Year message of hope, church news and thank‑yous, a spotlight on our flower and worship ministries, and details of upcoming services and events – including the 1 March Spring Lunch & Talent Show.

There’s also an inspiring piece on National Coastwatch’s 2025 achievements and a “Thought for the Day” to help us step into 2026 with faith

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December 2025 / January 2026 – Open Door

The magazine of Lymington United Reformed Church is now online – with

information about:

  • Lymington URC Diary dates inclyding details of our Christmas servcies including Caroles by Candlelight, and New Year’s lunch
  • News about guests expected and unexpected this time of year and the joy they can bring
  • Summary of events since the last edition of the Open Door
  • Volunteer Roles within the Wessex Synod if you are looking for something more to do with your time.
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