Dear Friends,
Many of you will know that St. Clement’s church Ashampstead is currently undergoing some significant renovations both inside and out. The project is all about protecting and preserving the chancel from rising damp issues. We are pleased with the current progress and thought I could share a few photos with you all.
Below you can see a before shot of the Altar alongside a few current shots of its protective wrapping, and the machinery and grounds works going on in the graveyard. It’s such a privilege to look after this magnificent building as part of our Benefice. We will keep you updated on the progress throughout the renovations.
This whole project has reminded me that just like our old beautiful buildings, each of us need a little maintenance every now and again. We need refreshment, we need repairing, we need restoring. The scriptures remind us continually of the work of the Holy Spirit, renewing and restoring us into His image. Life’s struggles can dissipate the joy from us - even from the most positive person. Pile one struggle on top of another, and we can easily become trapped under the weight of despair. God’s promise for restoration doesn’t only apply to our physical strength, but our spirits as well. Join us this Sunday to hear something of God’s promise of restoration, God’s love for you and the hope we can live with now.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:12)
Love,
Grant
SERVICES THIS WEEKEND
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.
EVENTS & UPCOMING
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.