Happy Wednesday, friends!
I hope your week is going well so far.
It was C. S. Lewis who said, “The Church exists for nothing else, but to draw people to Christ”. And whilst I think the Church has lots of roles to play within the community and in the wider world, this certainly has to remain its primary vocation. With Lent coming up in a few weeks time I wanted to share with you a new lent group Naomi and I’ll be running on Wednesday evenings through March (video trailer below) which is designed to equip us to be drawn nearer to Christ. After the difficulties of the past couple of years, and the political and financial volatility of the current times, this short five week journey enables us to hear God’s voice through praying the scriptures. We will read, meditate, pray and contemplate together. You are most welcome to join us as we journey together - drop me an email to let me know you’re interested and I can get the necessary resources ready.
As always, if there is anything that we can do or pray for to support you or your loved ones then please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
God Bless,
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.
Family News
I am really pleased to be able to share with you all the wonderful news that Jen and Graham have welcomed their beautiful little boy into the world.
A note from the Masterton-Smith family, who's house sadly was destroyed by fire in Basildon last year.
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.
Post Office in the church centre at Basildon. Most Post Office services available plus local free range eggs, and books.
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.