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
Enjoy some Christmas carols while you wait for your fish and chips! This year we shall sing hymns, enjoy mulled wine in the beautiful surroundings with festive outdoor lighting - it promises to be really special.
Join us at The Bell Pub in Aldworth at 5pm as we sing some classic Christmas Carols as well as enjoy some refreshments! Everybody welcome for a fun filled afternoon!
We gather for a service of prayer, readings, wonderful hymns and communion. We have activities and toys for children and are passionate about seeing all ages and stages engage in worship together. We have gluten free communion wafers available and share in delicious refreshments in the church centre after the service - it’s a great way to chat and catch up with people.
This week:
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.
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.
