Weekly Newsletter, Sunday 3rd March

Dear friends,

I hope you are having a great week so far.

Great is Thy Faithfulness, a beloved hymn among Christians, serves as a poignant reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and goodness. The lyrics speak of God's constancy, mercy, and love that never fail, even in the midst of life's trials and uncertainties. This hymn has been a source of comfort and strength for generations of believers, grounding them in the assurance that God remains faithful through all circumstances. For Christians, Great is Thy Faithfulness reminds us that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances or feelings but is an intrinsic part of His character. In a world marked by change and unpredictability, this hymn points to the unchanging nature of God and His promises.

As Christians navigate the ups and downs of life, they can hold on to the truth encapsulated in this hymn: that God is faithful, His mercies are new every morning, and His love endures forever.

Love,

Revd Grant

services This weekend

Featured
Breakfast Church @ Aldworth
May 19
Breakfast Church @ Aldworth

St Mary's

Food for body, mind and soul ! Join us at 9:30 am for breakfast followed by a short, informal, family friendly service. A great opportunity to meet friends and share a breakfast of bacon rolls, fresh brewed coffee or tea, fresh fruit, croissants; then worship together.

10am Communion with Sunday Club @ Basildon
May 19
10am Communion with Sunday Club @ Basildon

St Stephen’s

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.

6pm Evensong @ Ashampstead
May 19
6pm Evensong @ Ashampstead

St Clement’s

Using the wonderful and powerful words of traditional Evensong, we gather to sing favourite hymns, psalms and hear short scriptures and a talk. This is evensong with all the trimmings! If you’re looking for peaceful way to end the weekend - this is for you!

Lent Group 2024

Rosemary and Jonathan invite you to a new small group at their house on Thursday evenings (more or less fortnightly).

We will be looking at Acts, reflecting on growing as a church, discovering some principles for following the Spirit’s call to put out into deep water.

Each session starts with a short video, then we will read and discuss the passage and pray together.

Where Sakura Upper Basildon RG8 8LU    

Start time 7:30pm

14th March Session 4 Acts 20:17-38 Being more like Christ

Antiques RoadShow

Simon Jones FRICS, Managing Director of Jones and Jacob of Watlington, who have been in business since 1802, will conduct his one-man Antiques Road show. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

9th March 2024, 7-10pm

Tickets: £15 for one item to be valued,

additional items £5 each, subject to demand.

ENTRY ONLY £10 per person.

For advance purchase and more information, contact Clive Williams

Tel: 01491 67631 Mobile: 07974 314929

Confirmation Service - 28th April 2024

Click on the photo to find out more about confirmations.

We are thrilled to announce an upcoming service of confirmation on the 28th of April at St. Stephen’s Church which will be for the whole benefice. This joyous occasion marks a significant milestone in the spiritual journey of people in our community. This marvellous service will be taken by Bishop Tim Wambunya, an Oxford Diocese Assistant Bishop.

If you or someone you know is exploring confirmation at this time, please get in touch with Revd Grant so we can discuss the service, preparation and arrangements.

Can you help?

At the upcoming annual meeting, Mrs Jo Eley is intending to step down as Churchwarden for St. Stephen’s Upper Basildon. Jo has served the church and village magnificently during her tenure in this important role but now is time we seek her successor. If you or somebody you know would be interested in taking up this wonderful opportunity and would value a conversation with Jo or Rev Grant please do get in contact with us.

What’s on this week..

Upcoming Events around the villages
Post Office @ St Stephens
May 17
Basildon
Post Office @ St Stephens
Basildon

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

Basildon
Post Office @ St. Stephen's
May 20
Post Office @ St. Stephen's

Post Office operates each Monday 10am - 12noon.

Café St. Stephen's
May 20
upcoming, cafe, Basildon
Café St. Stephen's
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

Services next week

Latest episode of our sermon podcasts:
February 18th - Rev Jen Green

Listen to our latest sermon given by Rev Jen Green.

Read More →
February 11th - Richard Hudson

Listen to our latest sermon given by Richard Hudson

Read More →
January 14th - Rosemary Sandbach

Listen to our latest sermon given by Rosemary on this weeks readings!

Read More →