Weekly Newsletter 12th May

This Sunday we’ll be exploring the wonderful and well known passage of scripture of John 14:15-21 much of which has been set to beautiful music throughout the centuries, including the above by Thomas Tallis. The passage includes Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit, the comforter or advocate. What strikes me most though, is that this passage begins and ends with love. Jesus declares that if his disciples love him, they will keep his commandments. And so we are left questioning, “What commandments?” In John’s gospel, Jesus gives one commandment: to love.

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another”

At the end of each day, and during each moment of each day, for John, there's only one question to ask yourself: “In what ways did I or did I not love today?”

I wonder if this is a question we can all reflect upon more sincerely.

Love,

Grant

SERVICES THIS WEEKEND

Featured
Holy Communion @ Ashampstead 8.30am
Nov 24
Holy Communion @ Ashampstead 8.30am

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.

Bacon Butty Sunday @ Basildon
Nov 24
Bacon Butty Sunday @ Basildon

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.

6pm Evensong @ Aldworth
Nov 24
6pm Evensong @ Aldworth

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.

What’s on this week:

Featured
Café St. Stephen's
Nov 25
upcoming, cafe, Basildon
Café St. Stephen's
upcoming, cafe, Basildon

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.

upcoming, cafe, Basildon
Post Office @ St. Stephen's
Nov 25
Post Office @ St. Stephen's

Post Office operates each Monday 10am - 12noon.

Tiddlers Group
Nov 28
children, play, social
Tiddlers Group
children, play, social

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.

children, play, social
Post Office @ St Stephens
Nov 29
Basildon
Post Office @ St Stephens
Basildon

Post Office in the church centre at Basildon. Most Post Office services available plus local free range eggs, and books.

Basildon
Café St. Stephen's
Dec 2
upcoming, cafe, Basildon
Café St. Stephen's
upcoming, cafe, Basildon

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.

upcoming, cafe, Basildon
Post Office @ St. Stephen's
Dec 2
Post Office @ St. Stephen's

Post Office operates each Monday 10am - 12noon.

See all upcoming events on our website

Services next weekend

Join us next weekend:
10am Nativity Service @ Basildon
Dec 24
Basildon, christmas, next week
10am Nativity Service @ Basildon
Basildon, christmas, next week

The Christmas Story for all the Family. Everybody is encouraged to come dressed as a Nativity character (or anything else!). There will be cracking carols, lots of celebration and lots to eat and drink! Come and join us as we celebrate Christmas in style.

Basildon, christmas, next week
Family Crib Service @ Ashampstead 4PM
Dec 24
Ashampstead, christmas, next week
Family Crib Service @ Ashampstead 4PM
Ashampstead, christmas, next week

In our new style crib service we will gather together and re-tell the greatest story every told! We will sing some wonderful carols and encourage full family participation. Come dressed as a bible character. Yes tea-towels are mandatory! - or come as any of your favourite superhero’s - perhaps there will be a Batman instead of a shepherd this year? Who knows? Bring your friends and family and neighbours for what promises to be a fantastic way to enter into Christmas!

Ashampstead, christmas, next week

Join us for morning prayer and worship

 
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Morning Prayer & Worship
Morning Prayer & Worship

Prayer and worship is fundamental to our faith. Join us for half an hour of prayer and worship from 9am on Monday’s, Wednesdays and Fridays at St. Stephen’s Upper Basildon. Everybody welcome.

 

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