Monday 4th March

Yesterday we continued our Lent series on Spiritual Pathways and thought about contemplation.  As is usual we didn’t record our All Age Service but if you weren’t able to be at church yesterday and would like a copy of my sermon notes from 9am, please ask.

This is an important time to pray together and our monthly Prayer Gathering is tomorrow, (Tuesday 5th) at 8pm.  As usual, we have a time of sung worship and prayer for St Stephen’s and this month will also be taking some time to pray for Caroline and me as we prepare to leave the St Stephen’s family.

If you were in Church yesterday, you will have heard the sad news of the death of our dear friend John Jackson.  John had been ill for some time but died peacefully in his own home surrounded by members of his family.  It was a privilege to have ministered to John over the past few months and I was struck by the strength of his faith through such difficult days.  May he rest in peace.

Next Sunday (10th) is Mothering Sunday and as usual there will be a small gift of flowers for all mothers. Most of you will also be aware that it will be our last Sunday at St Stephen’s. Our services will be as usual – 9am and 10.30am but there will be no children or youth groups – instead all ages will join for an informal Communion service at 10.30am.  We do hope that you will be present as we celebrate all that God has done here over the past 15 years.

With regard to Sunday, I am told that the organisation of a special lunch is well in hand!  All Caroline and I know is that you/we are asked to arrive for 12.30 and we will probably start eating at about 12.45.  If you have not already signed up to come or have any other queries about it, please email jane@ststephens-ealing.org, or message her on 07711 450213. (Unfortunately, this is not one of those lunches where we encourage you to bring neighbours and friends as it is going to be pretty full anyway).

Finally, I attach an invitation to my Licensing Service in Bucklebury on Wednesday 10th April at 7pm.  If you would like to come, please let Ann Toley (ann@ststephens-ealing.org) know by Palm Sunday 24th March.  Ann will attempt to coordinate lifts and let the team in Bucklebury know roughly how many from Ealing will be attending.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday but in the meantime, have a good week.

Steve