Weekly Newsletter, Beginning of Lent
Dear friends,
In Joel 2:12, the invitation to embark on a spiritual life is extended with gentle yet compelling words. The verse urges individuals to “return to the Lord with all their hearts, with fasting, weeping, and mourning”. This summons serves as a poignant reminder to reevaluate our spiritual journeys, and to seek a deeper connection with God. It underscores the significance of introspection, repentance, and spiritual mindfulness as integral components of leading a purposeful and meaningful life. Joel's message resonates as a timeless call to nourish our souls by finding God once again - and offers each of us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and embrace our own spiritual existence. The season of Lent is a perfect opportunity to deepen our spiritual practices and across our lovely villages we have plenty of exciting events throughout Lent - all of which are listed below and we’d love you to join us. It all starts tomorrow on Ash Wednesday with the service at St. Mary’s where we will offer the traditional marking of foreheads with Ash. So you are very warmly invited to join us as we return to the Lord together.
Love,
Revd Grant
Ash Wednesday Service: St. Mary’s Aldworth 7pm Wednesday 14th
upcoming services
Lent Group 2024
Rosemary and Jonathan invite you to a new small group at their house on Thursday evenings (more or less fortnightly).
We will be looking at Acts, reflecting on growing as a church, discovering some principles for following the Spirit’s call to put out into deep water.
Each session starts with a short video, then we will read and discuss the passage and pray together.
Where Sakura Upper Basildon RG8 8LU
Start time 7:30pm
22nd February Session 2 Acts 17:1-34 Different places, different ways
29th February Session 3 Acts 19:1-41 The church impacting society
14th March Session 4 Acts 20:17-38 Being more like Christ
Comes to St. Stephen’s, Upper Basildon
SATURDAY 9th March 2024, 7-10pm
Simon Jones FRICS, Managing Director of Jones and Jacob of Watlington, who have been in business since 1802, will conduct his one-man Antiques Road show. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Tickets: £15 for one item to be valued,
additional items £5 each, subject to demand.
ENTRY ONLY £10 per person.
For advance purchase and more information, contact Clive Williams
Tel: 01491 67631 Mobile: 07974 314929 Email: clivewilliams@gmx.co.uk
Confirmation Service - 28th April 2024
Click on the photo to find out more about confirmations.
We are thrilled to announce an upcoming service of confirmation on the 28th of April at St. Stephen’s Church which will be for the whole benefice. This joyous occasion marks a significant milestone in the spiritual journey of people in our community. This marvellous service will be taken by Bishop Tim Wambunya, an Oxford Diocese Assistant Bishop.
If you or someone you know is exploring confirmation at this time, please get in touch with Revd Grant so we can discuss the service, preparation and arrangements.