Dear Friends,
O come let us adore him! Christ the Lord!
Well, it has been a wonderful action packed few weeks as we have prepared for Christmas. Nativity services, Christingles, Christmas Dinners, Carol services, Messy Church, and lots lots more.
When I was a trainee vicar, I remember somebody saying to me during the Christmas celebrations “Keep the main thing, the main thing!”. It’s so easy to get distracted with work, or wrapping, or cooking or shopping, or delivering presents especially as we try and fit all the final remaining things into fewer days and hours. In the midst of this busyness and in the last few days before Christmas Day itself, let’s keep our eyes focussed on God. Let’s open our hearts to receive the love which came down to earth in our Lord Jesus. Let’s keep the main thing, the main thing. Come, let’s adore him together.
Do join us for any of our Nativity and Crib services this year - all the details below.
I will be taking some time off after Christmas until 15th January. If you need a minister in my absence please do contact Revd Katy Weston: katy@thebenefice.uk or by phone.
Let me take this opportunity to wish you and all those you love and pray for a very happy Christmas!
As ever, love and blessings,
Grant
More snapshots of our recent events below
CHRISTMAS EVE:
We gather at 8.30am for a short said communion service using the words of the wonderful Book of Common Prayer. The service will include a short sermon, and plenty of time to pray, reflect and encounter God in this wonderful place. What a brilliant way to begin a Sunday - especially as there is coffee and biscuits served afterwards.
We join together for a short interactive family worship service. Lots of fun! Action songs, Bible readings, dressing up, toys and we finish with yummy refreshments. Bacon butties, posh omelettes, pastries and much more.Lots of Holy Chaos. Come join the fun.
St Mary's
This is a fabulous way to round off the weekend. We gather together in the atmospheric St. Mary’s Aldworth to pray and worship together using the traditional and powerful words of Evensong from the Book of Common Prayer. We have a small community choir to help us sing God’s praise. There is a short sermon with prayers and psalms. If you are looking for a spiritual encounter with the Lord in the comfort of a traditional service - this is for you.
St Mary's
A short said service of Holy Communion using the tradition Book of Common Prayer format. We enjoy a said service this week, with scriptures, prayers and a sermon. A perfect way to begin a Sunday morning in worship.
CHRISTMAS DAY:
We celebrate Christmas together at 11am for a whole family communion service with a collection of wonderful hymns and readings followed by a fabulous Christmas message for all ages.
We celebrate Christmas together at 9.30am with communion for the whole family. This is a communion service with a collection of wonderful hymns and readings followed by a fabulous Christmas message for all ages. A joyful way to worship together on Christmas Day!
A short family service of songs and readings with a fun Christmas message designed for the whole family to come to church and worship. ‘Come and adore him’ at 10am Christmas Day - St. Stephen’s Church Upper Basildon.
JOIN US FOR CAROLS
St. Stephen’s Cafe is open weekly on Monday mornings. It runs alongside the community post office at St. Stephen’s church. Various groups help to run and support it as we raise funds for various causes. Come along and join us for lovely hot drinks, freshly made homemade cakes and a good catch up with friends.
St. Stephen’s Cafe is open weekly on Monday mornings. It runs alongside the community post office at St. Stephen’s church. Various groups help to run and support it as we raise funds for various causes. Come along and join us for lovely hot drinks, freshly made homemade cakes and a good catch up with friends.
St. Stephen’s Cafe is open weekly on Monday mornings. It runs alongside the community post office at St. Stephen’s church. Various groups help to run and support it as we raise funds for various causes. Come along and join us for lovely hot drinks, freshly made homemade cakes and a good catch up with friends.
St. Stephen’s Cafe is open weekly on Monday mornings. It runs alongside the community post office at St. Stephen’s church. Various groups help to run and support it as we raise funds for various causes. Come along and join us for lovely hot drinks, freshly made homemade cakes and a good catch up with friends.
Enjoy some Christmas carols while you wait for your fish and chips! This year we shall sing hymns, enjoy mulled wine in the beautiful surroundings with festive outdoor lighting - it promises to be really special.
SERVICES AFTER CHRISTMAS
After the joyous celebrations of Advent and Christmas we take the opportunity to worship together as a whole group of churches as one big family of God. There will be a communion service held at Basildon on the 1st January at 10am. Normal Pattern of services then resumes from the 8th January.