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Dear Friends,
Today I simply want to say; thank you.
Thank you to those who are involved in all our various church services. Thank you to those who lock and unlock our temperamental church doors. Thank you to those who clean our dusty church buildings. Thank you to those who mow the difficult and bumpy lawns. Thank you to those who bring freshness in their flower displays. Thank you to those who count the pennies, euros and the odd peso after each of our services. Thank you to those who get up early to switch the coffee makers on. Thank you to those who add items to their own weekly shop for us. Thank you to neighbours for allowing us to ring bells and play music. Thank you to those who change lightbulbs up ladders with one hand. Thank you to those who have kept records of insurance and all the health and safety stuff. Thank you to those who play the unpredictable organs. Thank you to those who fundraise for our beautiful communities. Thank you to those who switch on the heating. Thank you to those who preach, teach, train, explain, enquire, and seek something more. Thank you to all those who serve in unseen ways. Thank you for coming to worship as part of the community.
It really is a privilege to be Vicar here. Thank you.
Love,
Grant
#attitudeofgratitude
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.
Upcoming events & services
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.
See all upcoming events on our website
Services next weekend
Join us for morning prayer and 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
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.