St Bartholomew’s, Tong
Parish news, views and muse
July / August 2026
The art of rest and reflection.
Dear friends,
As we move into the vibrant season of summer, our pace of life often begins to change, the long, hopefully sunlit days invite us to step back from our busy routines, forget about deadlines, and embrace the beauty of creation around us.
In our success-focused and demand-driven culture, we often forget how to truly switch off. Yet, rest is not a luxury it is a gift, From the very beginning of creation, as recorded in the book of Genesis, God established a rhythm of work and rest. He calls us to pause, reflect, and recharge our bodies, minds and spirits.
Whether you are jetting off somewhere new or simply enjoying the peace of your own garden or a quiet walk, I encourage you to use this season to breathe. Take time to step away from the rush and reconnect with God. He is present with us in our times of activity, but he is also waiting to meet us in our stillness.
As the Psalmist reminds us, ‘’God gives sleep to his loved ones’’ (Psalm 127:2). Let us accept this invitation. May this summer be a true time of refreshing, peace and blessing for you and your loved ones.
Wishing you a wonderful, restful summer
With all blessings
Revd. Mike
June 2026
Happy new month of June everyone,
Taking a look back over the last 5 months it is worth giving thanks to God, but there are a lot of good things waiting for us in June, in particular on the first day of the month we celebrate the visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth.
And behold, thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
For with God nothing shall be impossible. -Luke 1:36-37
Interesting words in the above verses. The assurance from God’s word cannot be doubted, it clearly shows me that in this sixth month every barren situation that has not yielded any result will be fruitful: so, let us declare it all together.
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. -Luke 1:30-31
The above verses clearly point out what I will call.
- Divine Visitation
- Goodness
- Divine favour
An angel visited Mary when she least expected it, I also believe in her life she would not have been taught that an angel will come looking for her. And the angel brought good news.
Mary was favoured, above everyone but how come she was the one chosen. All I can say is that she was destined to be favoured, destined to be the mother of our Lord Jesus.
“In the name of Jesus, in this sixth Month of June, let us pray that there will be divine visitation in our homes, our families, our marriages, and our lives.
In the name of Jesus let us all receive good news.
In the name of Jesus let us be highly favoured. And God will answer our prayer in Jesus’ name.
With all blessings
Revd. Mike
May 2026
May is often associated with the number 5, which symbolises grace. It is seen as a time to trust that God’s grace is actively breaking in your life, overturning impossibilities, and bringing about breakthroughs.
Like springtime, May is a call to align with God for spiritual growth and renewal. This is a time to prune away doubt and focus on cultivating a heart that resembles him. It is also a reminder to anchor hope in God, trusting that He is building and strengthening you.
As days grow longer and brighter, it is a prompt to reflect on the beauty of God’s creation and to ask for a ‘’new beginning’’ in faith.
A Prayer for growth
‘’Lord, as the world blooms in May, I ask for the strength and discipline to grow in holiness and reflect your love to others.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. {Romans 15:13)
All blessings Rev’d Mike
April 2026
April brings the first few weeks of spring and begins with Christ’s passion, his death on Good Friday and his glorious resurrection on Easter morning, so it is a month of great sadness but also of boundless joy.
Easter day is the most important day in the Christian calendar. On that first Easter morning, death was banished, and eternal life was secured by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is a message the world should hear.
We in church need to be constantly reminded of the significance of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
The weeks leading up to Easter Sunday provide us with an excellent opportunity to do that.
The Easter season is also a time of the year when generally we get more people coming to worship with us. They may be unbelievers or carrying on a family tradition, but whatever the reason I believe that it is not a coincidence, because God is working in their lives and he will bring them to the services to hear about him and his eternity changing gospel.
Please come and join us as we celebrate the wonderful month of April.
With all blessings
Revd Mike
Tong Tours
How much do you really know about the history of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Tong and its architecture? Have you ever considered finding out more?
Throughout March to October 2026, we provide a guided tour of our famous, beautiful Church. This ancient building was dedicated in 1410 and is held to be one of the finest examples of a Church built in perpendicular style in the country. These are held on the first Saturday of each month at 11.00 am for the meagre cost of £5.00 – all are welcome, just turn up.
Our tour lasts for about one hour, during which time you will see the famous Golden Chapel and also a unique collection of magnificent medieval tombs and carved effigies. You can explore our historical links with Shakespeare, Dickens and of course, Little Nell.
We also offer a guided tour followed by lunches, two course meals or teas, by arrangement, at reasonable prices for Groups/Organisations during the week
To book a tour, or a tour with food, please contact Wendy on 01952 291532.
March 2026 – Tong Tours
How much do you really know about the history of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Tong and its architecture? Have you ever considered finding out more?
Throughout March to October 2026, we provide a guided tour of our famous, beautiful Church. This ancient building was dedicated in 1410 and is held to be one of the finest examples of a Church built in perpendicular style in the country. These are held on the first Saturday of each month at 11.00 am for the meagre cost of £5.00 – all are welcome, just turn up.
Our tour lasts for about one hour, during which time you will see the famous Golden Chapel and also a unique collection of magnificent medieval tombs and carved effigies. You can explore our historical links with Shakespeare, Dickens and of course, Little Nell.
We also offer a guided tour followed by lunches, two course meals or teas, by arrangement, at reasonable prices for Groups/Organisations during the week
To book a tour, or a tour with food, please contact Wendy on 01952 291532.
Would You Like To Support Us?
The Tong Vision for 2020 and beyond has a target to raise £500,000 over the next 3 years in order to fund urgent and
essential restoration work, and to ensure that all visitors and congregations can continue to enjoy this unique building!
If you can offer your support either financially, in-kind or otherwise, please contact us or visit our JustGiving page by clicking the LINK, below.
A big thank you to all our supporters! Particular thanks go to the following:
To view details of our charitable status please click here