Weekly Newsletter 1st December

Dear Friends,

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. - Isaiah 9:2-3,6-7

Through Advent we are reminded that we do not just wait for a little toy baby to end up in the crib services on Christmas Day, but rather we wait for the coming of something truly amazing; God’s kingdom. A place where peace rules, where justice and mercy roll like a river, a place where there is no more sadness, illness and no death. God’s kingdom is given through the Prince of Peace, Jesus. So, ‘Come, let us adore him!’ as we sing carols, hear the story of his birth, and enjoy some wonderful community events this Christmas time!

Love and blessings,

Grant

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SERVICES THIS WEEKEND

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EVENTS & UPCOMING

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Services Next Week

Weekly Newsletter 24th November

Dear Friends,

It’s beginning to look a lot like Advent!

This Sunday is known as the 1st Sunday of Advent and we begin to ramp up our celebrations heading towards Christmas Day. Each Sunday between now and Christmas Day, we will light our Advent wreath candles. Each of the four Sundays reminds us of those who prepared for the coming of Christ. ‘The Patriarchs’ can naturally focus on Abraham and David. ‘The Prophets’ gives an opportunity to reflect on the way the birth of the Messiah was foretold. John, who proclaimed the Saviour, and Mary, who bore him in her womb, complete the picture (and the wreath). Why not join us one Sunday to hear a little more of the good news story. In fact, across the villages this year there are so many wonderful and varied services and events - far too many to name here - which will speak of love and hope - so do check them out by clicking the link below.

To help us get ready in Basildon, this Saturday 26th from 2pm-4pm we are gathering for a couple of hours to build some huge Christmas wreaths which will be installed in the church as part of the Christmas decorations this year. There will be mulled wine and a bit of Christmas music so do pop along with some gardening gloves and secateurs - we’d love to see you.

Love and blessings,

Grant

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SERVICES THIS WEEKEND

An Advent bible reading:

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - John 1:9-12

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Services Next Week

Weekly Newsletter 10th November

Dear Friends,

As we enter into the season and Sunday of Remembrance, please do join us as we recall those who have lost their lives in war. As war in Europe persists in Ukraine, join us to pray for those currently fighting and to re-commit ourselves to peace.

There will be a short act of remembrance at the Basildon War Memorial on Armistice Day - Friday 11th November at 10:50am. All are welcome to join us.

This Sunday each of our churches will hold Remembrance Services beginning at 10:50am. Please join us as we remember the sacrifices made and the lives lost.

God Bless,

Grant

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EVENTS & UPCOMING

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Services Next Week

Weekly Newsletter 3rd November

Dear Friends,

Many of you will know that St. Clement’s church Ashampstead is currently undergoing some significant renovations both inside and out. The project is all about protecting and preserving the chancel from rising damp issues. We are pleased with the current progress and thought I could share a few photos with you all.

Below you can see a before shot of the Altar alongside a few current shots of its protective wrapping, and the machinery and grounds works going on in the graveyard. It’s such a privilege to look after this magnificent building as part of our Benefice. We will keep you updated on the progress throughout the renovations.

This whole project has reminded me that just like our old beautiful buildings, each of us need a little maintenance every now and again. We need refreshment, we need repairing, we need restoring. The scriptures remind us continually of the work of the Holy Spirit, renewing and restoring us into His image. Life’s struggles can dissipate the joy from us - even from the most positive person. Pile one struggle on top of another, and we can easily become trapped under the weight of despair. God’s promise for restoration doesn’t only apply to our physical strength, but our spirits as well. Join us this Sunday to hear something of God’s promise of restoration, God’s love for you and the hope we can live with now.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:12)

Love,

Grant

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SERVICES THIS WEEKEND

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EVENTS & UPCOMING

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEXT WEEK’S SERVICES

Weekly Newsletter 22nd October

Dear Friends,

I hope this brief update finds you well. Do please join us tomorrow for our usual Sunday services. All the details are below and we’d be absolutely delighted to see you.

A reminder that next week, 30th October, falls on the 5th Sunday of the month. We take the opportunity of a 5th Sunday to join together as a whole benefice, and so, next weekend the benefice communion service will be at St. Mary’s, Aldworth at 10am. Please do come along if you can - it is wonderful when we gather as a big family of God.

Finally, at 6pm on Sunday 30th at St. Stephen’s we are holding a special service called ‘Kept in our hearts’. This is a particularly special service where we can give thanks, remember and continue to mourn those whom we miss in our lives. Whether you have been grieving a while or your loss is more recent, the pain of losing someone is a difficult weight to carry. We’ll gather for a service of prayer, thanksgiving and reflection where we can remember our loved ones before God and light a candle in their memory. If you know of somebody experiencing grief, please do invite them to come along with you.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Love,

Grant

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EVENTS & UPCOMING

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEXT WEEK’S SERVICES

Weekly Newsletter 13th October

“God calls each and every star by name. It’s not likely He has forgotten yours.”
― Louie Giglio

Dear Friends,

This week I came across the above quote by Louis Giglio which reminds us how precious we are to God. With the trials and challenges of life we can often feel distant from God and perhaps like He has abandoned us. We’re reminded through the scriptures that God placed each and every star in its place and called it by name - he cherishes them, and carefully places them. The same is true for us, God has called us into being, he has placed us within our own situations, and is with us and cherishes us - even more than the stars. It’s a wonderful reminder that He has not forgotten you, in fact he delights in and loves you, he deeply cares and contends for you no matter how well you know Him, or how ‘good’ we have been. The whole point of Christmas and the Cross is that Jesus, God’s Son, came for you and for me. It’s not likely He has forgotten you!

Do join in with any of the services this weekend and events coming up - we’d love to see you.

God bless,

Grant

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EVENTS & UPCOMING

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS