Weekly Newsletter 24th May

Dear friends,

This weekend is Whitsun or Pentecost Sunday! This wonderful feast celebrates the giving of the Holy Spirit to the people of God - the birthday of the church, 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection. However it’s not just a ‘thing of the past’. Pentecost Sunday serves as an important reminder for us all that we live and worship our God who still today can fill us and empower us with his Holy Spirit. And that we can receive spiritual gifts which can sustain us through life’s journey.

This year, the Bible Society have produced ‘The Pentecost Reflection’, which is a short 7-day daily reflection on Pentecost - focussing on the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives us. Each day you’ll receive a short video on a gift of the spirit and how we can use it in our lives today. I’ve signed up! May I encourage you to sign up too and enjoy the free and short reflections over the coming week.

Love,

Grant

SERVICES THIS WEEK

Featured
Holy Communion @ Ashampstead 8.30am
Feb 23
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
Feb 23
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
Feb 23
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.

Upcoming events & services

Featured
Community Cafe
Feb 24
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
Post Office @ St. Stephen's
Feb 24
Post Office @ St. Stephen's

Post Office operates each Monday 10am - 12noon.

The Practicing the Way Course
Feb 26
upcoming, Basildon, Courses
The Practicing the Way Course
upcoming, Basildon, Courses

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.

upcoming, Basildon, Courses
Tiddlers Group
Feb 27
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 Stephen's
Feb 28
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

See all upcoming events on our website

Services next weekend

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

Featured
Advent Sunday - Peace by Revd Grant Fensome

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.

Read More →
February 18th - Rev Jen Green

Listen to our latest sermon given by Rev Jen Green.

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February 11th - Richard Hudson

Listen to our latest sermon given by Richard Hudson

Read More →