Monday 30th January 2023

On Sunday we continued our sermon series looking at some of the promises found in the Bible.  Mark Tate explored Exodus 33:12-17 and looked at how we can be assured of God’s presence with us through his Holy Spirit.  If you missed out, you can catch up here.  Next week we will be thinking about God’s promise to work for good.
 
Last week the Big Quiz Night raised over £500 for Tearfund.  It was a great evening and lots of fun - thank you to the organisers and everyone who came and supported the evening.
 
New Wine (week A) runs from Wednesday 26th – Sunday 30th July and a number of us will be going.  If you book by the end of tomorrow you can get the biggest discount on your tickets.  More details are here or speak to Ruth Robinson direct.
 
Some sad news is that Dr Huiru Gao died yesterday after a short illness.  Huiru found faith in Jesus at St Stephen’s and was baptised here in February 2013.  She was an active member of our church until 2021 when she moved to Goring on Sea to marry Gerry Connolly.  She ran her own Chinese medical practice in Northfields Avenue for many years and was well known in the community, sometimes recommending to her patients that they come to St Stephen's!  Huiru will be remembered by many of us for her bright and friendly personality, her beautiful singing voice and her medical knowledge. Please pray for her husband, her daughter and her friends at St Stephen's and elsewhere, who will miss her very much.
 
Looking ahead we are planning a service of (full immersion) baptism and confirmation for later in the year.  If you haven’t been baptised and/or confirmed and would like to make this commitment or just would like to find out more, please speak to me, Caroline or Ruth as soon as possible.
 
Next Sunday (5th February) we have our usual services at 9am and 10.30am.  The 10.30am service is our monthly All Age Worship and all are welcome.
 
With my love

Steve