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
Outdoor Carols @ Basildon 6pm
Dec 11
Outdoor Carols @ Basildon 6pm

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.

Carols @ The Bell Aldworth 5pm!
Dec 13
Carols @ The Bell Aldworth 5pm!

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!

10am Communion & Carols @ Basildon
Dec 14
10am Communion & Carols @ Basildon

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.

See all our upcoming services and events here

What’s on this week:

Featured
Tiddlers Stay and Play
Dec 11
children, play, social
Tiddlers Stay and Play
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 Stephen's
Dec 12
Basildon
Post Office @ St Stephen's
Basildon

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

Basildon
Carols @ The Bell Aldworth 5pm!
Dec 13
Aldworth, christmas, upcoming
Carols @ The Bell Aldworth 5pm!
Aldworth, christmas, upcoming

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!

Aldworth, christmas, upcoming
Post Office @ St. Stephen's
Dec 15
Post Office @ St. Stephen's

Post Office operates each Monday 10am - 12noon.

Community Cafe
Dec 15
upcoming, cafe, Basildon
Community Cafe
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
Tiddlers Stay and Play
Dec 18
children, play, social
Tiddlers Stay and Play
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

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
All Age Crib Service @ Ashampstead 4PM
Dec 24
Ashampstead, christmas, next week
All Age 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

 
Featured
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.

 

LAtest episode of our Podcast

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