ChadNet – no 324 – Sunday 7th June 2026
Welcome to this week’s edition of ChadNet – the eBulletin of St Chad’s Church, Pattingham with Patshull.
In this week’s ChadNet:
- View from the Pews – Lee Smith
- Sunday 7th June – Trinity 1
- This week
- Sunday 14th June – Trinity 2
- New Churchwarden and Deputy Churchwardens
- Midsummer Melodies – Shifnal and District Male Voice Choir – 20th June
- Fete – bottle stall
- The Well Foodbank
- Dementia Friendly Church – weekly prayer
- From the Memorial Book
- Giving to the Church
View from the Pews
On Sunday 31st May, I was given the privilege of accepting an invitation to attend a baptism at HMP Oakwood. The invitation was extended as a way for “Christians on the outside” to stand in fellowship and support with those who have come to faith while ‘inside’ – a simple idea, yet one that carried profound meaning.
Entering a prison is always a sobering experience, but what unfolded was anything but bleak. It was, instead, a deeply joyful and moving occasion. At the heart of it was a man preparing not only for his baptism but also for a new chapter in his life, with his release due in a couple of months time. The sense of hope was almost tangible.
The candidate was not alone. He was supported by seven fellow people in prison, men who gathered around him with quiet strength and encouragement. Their presence spoke volumes: of shared journeys, mutual support, and the surprising ways in which Christian fellowship flourishes even in the most unlikely places. It was a reminder that the Church is not confined to buildings, but lives wherever people gather in Christ’s name.
The service itself was simple yet powerful. Hymns were sung with gusto, one being “Give Me Oil in My Lamp”. What struck me most, was what happened after the hymn ended. As we waited for the next aspect of the service, the hymn could be heard being chanted on the wing: “Sing Hosanna, Sing Hosanna” – voices carrying along the corridors. The message of the service refused to remain confined to the room in which we sat, instead spilling out into the rest of the wing of the prison. In that moment, the words of the hymn seemed to take on new depth: a prayer for sustaining grace, for the oil that keeps our lamps burning, even in dark or difficult places.
The baptism itself was a testimony of transformation and new beginnings. As Christians, we believe baptism marks a turning point, a dying to the old life and a rising to the new. To witness this in such a setting was both humbling and inspiring. It reminded me that God’s grace is not limited by circumstance, nor is it hindered by past mistakes. Redemption is available to all who seek it.
Perhaps the most striking takeaway for me was the importance of presence. Sometimes, being a Christian simply means showing up, bearing witness, offering encouragement, and reminding others that they are not forgotten. Our presence said, in a small but real way: you are part of the wider body of Christ; you matter; your journey matters.
This joyful occasion challenged me to reflect on my own faith. Do I carry that same sense of hope and renewal into my everyday life? Do I live as though my own baptism continues to shape who I am? And, perhaps most importantly, do I recognise Christ at work in places where I might not expect to find Him?
As we continue our journeys of faith, may we remember that the light of Christ can shine in every corner of the world. And may we all pray for that enduring oil in our lamps, that we might keep burning brightly with hope, faith, and love.
Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning. Amen.
Lee Smith
(As always this View is the personal view of the author.)
Would you like to write a View from the Pews?
We welcome contributions for View from the Pews from anyone who would like to write one. It does not need to be on any particular subject. If you would like to write one please send it to or contact Henry Ibberson ( / 01902 701136).
.Contacts
The Vicar’s post is half time so Merry will not be working every day. Her usual working days are Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday but this is subject to change. Her phone number is 07486 066065 and her email address is When she is not working she will not normally answer the phone, listen to messages or respond to emails.
Calls to the old phone number (01902 700257) are forwarded to Merry’s phone.
Emails to will be received by the churchwardens.
Contact details for church officers can be found on the Contacts page of the church website. You can use if you are nore sure who to contact and the churchwardens will be able to forward it to the correct person.
Notices, which should be received by Friday afternoon for inclusion in that week’s ChadNet, and other communications in relation to ChadNet should be sent to
Articles for the magazine should be sent to
Sunday 7th June – First Sunday after Trinity
At 10 am there will be a Family Service, led by Geoffrey Dann and Dorothy Steel, in church. It will be followed by a short service of Holy Communion, led by the Vicar, in church. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be available after the service.
At 6.30 pm there will be a service in the Iona style, led by Iain Coleman, in church. (Note: evening services are now on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month and not on the 2nd and 4th Sundays.)
In the Parish Prayer Diary we pray for those who live and work in:
Orchard Close, Damson Park, Highgate Court.
In the Trysull Deanery Prayer Diary we pray for:
St Michael & All Angels, Himley.
This week
The church will be open every day. Look out for the “church open” sign outside the porch.
This is not a week when the Prayers for Peace group meets but some members of the group will be in church on Tuesday at 6 pm to say prayers. Anyone is welcome to join them.
On Wednesday at 10.00 am there will be a service of Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer, led by the Vicar, in church which will be followed by tea, coffee and cake.
After the service the church will be open from 10.30 am until at least 11.00 am as a Place of Welcome when anyone who wants to will be welcome to share in the coffee, cake and chat, whether they have been to the service or not. Those attending will receive a warm welcome.
At 6 pm on Wednesday the Pattingham Shower Singers meet in church. All are welcome – just come and sing and have fun! If you need more information, contact Alix at .
At 7 pm on Wednesday Choir Practice takes place in church. Anyone interested in joining the choir should contact Martin Fox or any member of the choir.
Wednesday is the copy date for the July magazine. Send articles to the editor, Jess Robins, at
Sunday 14th June – Second Sunday after Trinity
At 10 am there will be a service of Holy Communion, led by the Vicar, in church. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be available after the service.
(There is no evening service as they are now on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month and not on the 2nd and 4th Sundays.)
In the Parish Prayer Diary we pray for:
Those who work in health care.
In the Trysull Deanery Prayer Diary we pray for:
The Church at Perton.
New Churchwarden and Deputy Churchwardens
At the Annual Meeting last week Barbara Dias was elected as Churchwarden in place of Clive Pendrell who has completed the maximum six terms. Dorothy Steel continues as Churchwarden for her sixth term. Clive Pendrell and Debbie Sims were elected as Deputy Churchwardens to work with the two Churchwardens. Gena Richards continues as Deputy Churchwarden (Administration of Churchyards).
Midsummer Melodies
An evening with Shifnal and District Male Voice Choir
This will take place in church on Saturday 20th June at 7.30 pm. Tickets are £15 and include a glass of Prosecco or non alcoholic alternative. Under 16’s free if accompanied by a paying adult. Proceeds will be split between the church, the Well and Wolverhampton Interfaith.
Tickets available from Alan Smith (07757 688518 – ) or any member of the PCC.
Repertoire to include Rhythm of Life, Homeward Bound, Bring him home, A world in union, Let it be me, Wind beneath my wings and Bohemian Rhapsody.
Mike Richards has kindly offered to man the PA. If you are also able to help on the night please add your name to the list at the back of the church. Jobs include door, usher, raffle, help with refreshments at the interval and tidying up at the end.
Fete – bottle stall
The church fete is on Saturday 4th July and the bottle stall is a big money spinner. If you are able please can you donate bottles. Anything is fine from a bottle of water, sauce, squash, wine or whisky. Please place them at the back of the church or they can be collected if needed. Just speak to Dorothy, Graham, Alan or any member of the PCC.
The Well – the Wolverhampton Food Bank
All donations are welcome but, in particular, our top needs are:
- Meat soup
- Tinned tomatoes
- Tinned peas
- Jam/marmalade
- Sugar
Thank you for your continued support.
If you wish to know more about the work of The Well, or would like to know how you can support it in other ways, do connect via their website, where you can sign up to the newsletter and link to their Social Media pages: <www.thewellwolverhampton.co.uk>
Dementia Friendly Church
Weekly Prayer
Dear Lord,
Please give me help and understanding as we journey through the unknown face of Dementia.
As a carer, guide me always to find the best way to see through the confusion and delight
In holding the hand of the person I love;
and may the smile on his face shine through.
Amen
(Prayer written for Dementia Action Week Prayers 2024 by by Geraldine Somerton.)
If you would like to suggest (or write) a prayer for inclusion in this series please let Tracey Williams, our Dementia Friendly Church Co-ordinator, know.
From the Memorial Book
Those whose anniversaries occur between 31st May and 14th June.
Emily Jane Price – 31st May 1977
George Wilfred Selvey Clinton – 31st May 1980
Thomas Caddick – 1st June 1998
Harry Kibble – 1st June 2002
Stuart Gerard Bowley – 5th June 1975
Gerald Giles – 5th June 2002
Gunter Hanns Jonat – 6th June 1983
Jean Beryl Shelley – 6th June 2011
William Bull (Bill) – 6th June 2015
Nellie Elizabeth Warrilow – 9th June 1967
Henry Parkes – 9th June 1989
Violet Agnes Davies – 11th June 1992
Gwendolyn Mary Pellow – 11th June 2010
Geraint Samuel Jones – 12th June 2013
Annie Parton – 13th June 1987
Gerald Victor Rowley – 14th June 1993
Ann Wright – 14th June 2006
You can see all the pages of the Memorial Book on the Memorial Book Online page of the Church website.
Giving to the church
Details of the various ways in which you can give can be found on the Giving page of the website.
You can make a bank transfer to our bank account (Account name: Pattingham Parochial Church Council – Sort Code: 20-97-78 Account No: 50655023).
If you are paying by cheque please make the cheque payable to “Pattingham PCC” or “Pattingham Parochial Church Council“.
We have a JustGiving page to enable people to make one off donations. It’s at <https://www.justgiving.com/page/pattingham-church-jg>. You will be asked if you want to make a contribution on top of your donation. If you do it will go to JustGiving and not to charity. If you do not want to make such a contribution select “other”. If you are a taxpayer please consider gift aiding your donation.
ChadNet
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St Chad’s Church, Pattingham with Patshull Registered charity no 1151604