Weekly Newsletter 1st February

Happy Wednesday, friends!

I hope your week is going well so far.

It was C. S. Lewis who said, “The Church exists for nothing else, but to draw people to Christ”. And whilst I think the Church has lots of roles to play within the community and in the wider world, this certainly has to remain its primary vocation. With Lent coming up in a few weeks time I wanted to share with you a new lent group Naomi and I’ll be running on Wednesday evenings through March (video trailer below) which is designed to equip us to be drawn nearer to Christ. After the difficulties of the past couple of years, and the political and financial volatility of the current times, this short five week journey enables us to hear God’s voice through praying the scriptures. We will read, meditate, pray and contemplate together. You are most welcome to join us as we journey together - drop me an email to let me know you’re interested and I can get the necessary resources ready.

As always, if there is anything that we can do or pray for to support you or your loved ones then please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

God Bless,

Grant

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SERVICES THIS WEEKEND

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Family News

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Events & Upcoming

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Services Next Week

Weekly Newsletter 26th January

Dear Friends,

I came across a new song during my time off a couple of weeks ago called ‘Hallelujah, even here’. Hallelujah means ‘God be Praised!’. It is such a beautiful song about choosing to worship God even in the face of the battles we face . It’s about choosing still to say ‘Hallelujah’ when we don’t feel like it, when we’re worried, when we’re fearful - ‘Hallelujah, even when I’m down’. I know that I have found this a powerful reminder. Praising God in the hard times doesn’t minimize or deny heaviness of heart. Instead, it redirects our focus on who God is. He never changes. He promised never to leave or abandon his children, so we can count on his presence, even when our emotions can’t confirm it. He is near to the brokenhearted.

Hallelujah, when the storm is relentless
Hallelujah, when the battle is endless
In the middle of the in between
In the middle of the questioning
Over every worry, every fear
Hallelujah, even here

There are many of us who are facing trials in our lives at the moment. Perhaps this song and these words may encourage us all to continue trusting in God. Of course, if there is anything either myself or the churches can do to help or support you, then we’re here for you as well.

Love,

Grant

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SERVICES THIS WEEKEND

A reminder that there is just one joint service this weekend at St. Clement’s Ashampstead:

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EVENTS & UPCOMING

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Services Next Week

Weekly Newsletter 18th January

Dear Friends,

I trust you had a good Christmas and New Year celebrations. On a personal level, it is really lovely to be back after a restful break, so my heartfelt thanks go to the wonderful ministry team who took on extra duties to enable that to happen.

Our weekly services and activities all continue so do please have a flick through the website and details below, we’d love to see and welcome you to any of our services and events this term.

As the publication of a certain Royal’s new auto-biographical book has been making headlines, it struck me that there is a great reminder of the hope the God offers us and it really is quite simple and something for us all to ponder:

Those who are in Christ are never the SPARE and always the HEIR.

If our identity is found in Christ, we are in line to inherit the Kingdom of God. How marvellous a thought!

With joyful blessings for the year ahead!

Love,

Grant

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SERVICES THIS WEEKEND

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EVENTS & UPCOMING

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Services Next Week

Weekly Newsletter 21st December

Dear Friends,

O come let us adore him! Christ the Lord!

Well, it has been a wonderful action packed few weeks as we have prepared for Christmas. Nativity services, Christingles, Christmas Dinners, Carol services, Messy Church, and lots lots more.

When I was a trainee vicar, I remember somebody saying to me during the Christmas celebrations “Keep the main thing, the main thing!”. It’s so easy to get distracted with work, or wrapping, or cooking or shopping, or delivering presents especially as we try and fit all the final remaining things into fewer days and hours. In the midst of this busyness and in the last few days before Christmas Day itself, let’s keep our eyes focussed on God. Let’s open our hearts to receive the love which came down to earth in our Lord Jesus. Let’s keep the main thing, the main thing. Come, let’s adore him together.

Do join us for any of our Nativity and Crib services this year - all the details below.

I will be taking some time off after Christmas until 15th January. If you need a minister in my absence please do contact Revd Katy Weston: katy@thebenefice.uk or by phone.

Let me take this opportunity to wish you and all those you love and pray for a very happy Christmas!

As ever, love and blessings,

Grant

More snapshots of our recent events below

Action Packed Christmas - Revd Grant sharing chocolate & good news!

Beautiful Christingle at Aldworth Breakfast Church

Great work being done by CCA - delivering Christmas items to families

Lots of Christmas deliveries to make - CCA

Singing Carols outside The Bell, Aldworth

Revd Grant distributing (more) sweets at The Bell

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CHRISTMAS EVE:

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CHRISTMAS DAY:

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JOIN US FOR CAROLS

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SERVICES AFTER CHRISTMAS

After the joyous celebrations of Advent and Christmas we take the opportunity to worship together as a whole group of churches as one big family of God. There will be a communion service held at Basildon on the 1st January at 10am. Normal Pattern of services then resumes from the 8th January.

Weekly Newsletter 15th December

Dear Friends,

The temperatures have chilled right down, but the celebrations are ramping up!

I hope you’re keeping warm in these icy conditions. We are in the midst of our Christmas celebrations in our beautiful villages. So far, we have had some stunning carol services and christingles and there’s plenty more to come over the next couple of weekends.

I’ve included below a few snapshots taken at some of our events thus far, including our launch of Messy Christmas and Carols at the chip van. Have a click through and enjoy!

There are plenty more opportunities to join us to sing carols and hear of the wonderful hope to be found in Jesus. Apart from the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services listed below, we’ll also be hosting Carols at The Bell in Aldworth this Saturday afternoon at 4pm and carols at the farm shop in Ashampstead on Thursday 22nd at 10am. Do join us if you’re able.

O come let us adore him!

Love and blessings,

Grant

Basildon Christingle with Primary School

Carols around the chip van

Carols around the chip van 2

Christingle

St. Mary's Aldworth looking beautiful!

Messy Church Team!

Our first messy church was a huge success

Lots of food at Messy Church!

Tiddlers Christmas Party

Fun and Games at Tiddlers

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SERVICES THIS WEEKEND

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EVENTS & UPCOMING

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Services Next Week

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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EVENTS & UPCOMING

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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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SERVICES THIS WEEKEND

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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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SERVICES THIS WEEKEND

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EVENTS & UPCOMING

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEXT WEEK’S SERVICES