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Weekly Newsletter 25th March

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Dear friends,

I hope this update finds you and those you love well. This Sunday is Mothering Sunday and I am pleased to say that due to us Fensomes being in Covid induced isolation, the ministry team have once again stepped up and we are able to offer three wonderful family services in our churches this Sunday. Do join us if you are able.

This past week marked the two year anniversary of the first lockdown in the UK back in 2020. I must admit feeling a great deal of sadness and grief as we reflect on all that has been lost over these two years. Of course with the continued war in Ukraine now entering its fifth week, we continue to pray for God’s peace and protection. I read that some 150,000 homes have now been offered as accommodation for the Ukrainian people in response to the invasion. What a wonderful offer of sanctuary and hope that is. Let us continue to pray that the correct safeguarding steps can be overcome quickly and efficiently so that these homes may be filled with all those seeking shelter.

We have now finalised our plans for Holy Week and Easter, which will be published on the website this week.

Finally, I hope you enjoy the slightly revised, yet more interactive newsletter.

Love and blessings,

Grant

The Benefice Weekly Newsletter

Coming up!

Featured
Tiddlers Group
Jan 23
Tiddlers Group

Our weekly play session for babies and toddlers meets on Thursday mornings in St Stephen’s Upper Basildon during term time. We start at 9.30 and it’s a wonderful time for the little ones and their carers to come together for play, craft and yummy snacks too finishing at 11am.

Community Cafe
Jan 27
Community Cafe

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.

The Practicing the Way Course
Jan 29
The Practicing the Way Course

The Practicing the Way Course is an opportunity for us to explore what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life. Together, we'll engage in practical rhythms such as prayer, simplicity, and community, helping us grow as disciples and reflect His love in the world. Whether you're just starting your journey or have been walking with Christ for years, this course is for everyone. Come and be part of a supportive group learning to live out authentic faith together.

Tiddlers Group
Jan 30
Tiddlers Group

Our weekly play session for babies and toddlers meets on Thursday mornings in St Stephen’s Upper Basildon during term time. We start at 9.30 and it’s a wonderful time for the little ones and their carers to come together for play, craft and yummy snacks too finishing at 11am.

This Sunday

Featured
Holy Communion @ Ashampstead 8.30am
Jan 26
Holy Communion @ Ashampstead 8.30am
Bacon Butty Sunday @ Basildon
Jan 26
Bacon Butty Sunday @ Basildon
6pm Evensong @ Aldworth
Jan 26
6pm Evensong @ Aldworth
 

Future Dates & Events

Featured
Tiddlers Group

Our weekly play session for babies and toddlers meets on Thursday mornings in St Stephen’s Upper Basildon during term time. We start at 9.30 and it’s a wonderful time for the little ones and their carers to come together for play, craft and yummy snacks too finishing at 11am.

Post Office @ St Stephens

Post Office in the church centre at Basildon. Most Post Office services available plus local free range eggs, and books.

Community Cafe

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.

Post Office @ St. Stephen's

Post Office operates each Monday 10am - 12noon.

The Practicing the Way Course

The Practicing the Way Course is an opportunity for us to explore what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life. Together, we'll engage in practical rhythms such as prayer, simplicity, and community, helping us grow as disciples and reflect His love in the world. Whether you're just starting your journey or have been walking with Christ for years, this course is for everyone. Come and be part of a supportive group learning to live out authentic faith together.

Tiddlers Group

Our weekly play session for babies and toddlers meets on Thursday mornings in St Stephen’s Upper Basildon during term time. We start at 9.30 and it’s a wonderful time for the little ones and their carers to come together for play, craft and yummy snacks too finishing at 11am.

Post Office @ St Stephens

Post Office in the church centre at Basildon. Most Post Office services available plus local free range eggs, and books.

Next week’s services

Prayer Points

Please do continue to pray for Ukraine, for those caught in hostilities, those who are mourning, and for the political situation. Lord, Have Mercy.

Please pray for the NHS continuing to serve the nation amongst rising cases of covid and large backlogs for procedures.

Please pray for HRH Queen Elizabeth II and the Jubilee celebrations this year.

Please continue to pray for those we know and love who are at this time unwell or recovering from illnesses.

Please pray for the baptisms of Ronnie and Sienna next week.

Please pray for those within our parishes who have lost loved ones recently.

If you would like something to appear in this weekly newsletter please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. Also, if you have any church family news that you would like me to share with the community then do let me know and I can certainly add it in.

Previous Messages

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CCA - Job Advertisement
news, dates for your diary, vacancies
news, dates for your diary, vacancies
CCA - Job Advertisement
news, dates for your diary, vacancies
news, dates for your diary, vacancies

CCA are recruiting a Shop Manager for their Sonning Common Branch - Could this be for you?

news, dates for your diary, vacancies
news, dates for your diary, vacancies
Basildon APCM Paperwork
basi, Basildon, APCM, community
basi, Basildon, APCM, community
Basildon APCM Paperwork
basi, Basildon, APCM, community
basi, Basildon, APCM, community

Our APCM is just around the corner and will happen after the service on 23rd April. Attached to this post is the complete pack of documents you will need if you’d like to attend the meeting.

basi, Basildon, APCM, community
basi, Basildon, APCM, community