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Dear friends,
Firstly, thank you for all the kind messages and offers of help we have received over the past week or so as our family was struck down with a sick bug. I’m glad to say we are all fully recovered now and looking forward to seeing you all soon.
This weekend we are thinking about the theme of Grace in the last instalment of our Lent Sermon series so I hope you’ll join us as we explore this great theme together.
John Newton once said, ‘I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be. And by the grace of God, I am what I am.’
Grace is a fundamental aspect of who God is. God specialises in being able to give people a fresh start, over and over again. Despite what we get wrong, God desires us to become more fully the people he created us to be, and more fully like Christ. So Grace is where God gives his people unmerited and totally underserved favour and kindness, love and mercy, hope and forgiveness.
If you’re in need of some good news at the moment. Try Church this Sunday. We’d love to see you.
Love,
Grant
SERVICES THIS WEEK
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.
This week:
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 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.
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.
Services Next Week
A few dates for your diary
New Podcast
This Advent reflection was given by Revd Grant Fensome at the All Churches Together service on Advent Sunday 2024 at St. Stephen's Upper Basildon.