Monday 30th January 2023

As we often say, prayer is the foundation of all that we do.  On Tuesday (7th) at 8pm we have our monthly informal Prayer Gathering when we focus our prayer on the work of this church and its ministry.  Can you come and join this week?
 
On Friday evening we were able to play our part as hosts for the Ealing Churches Winter Night Shelter and welcome 8 homeless people to stay in the warmth of our church building.  They each received good food, a comfortable bed, care and attention.  Thank you to all who helped make that possible.  We continue each Friday in February and it’s not too late to offer to help but please contact Sue Charlton sacharlton@btinternet.com as soon as possible.
 
Also, this weekend a team from St Stephen’s staffed the Ealing Soup Kitchen on both Saturday and Sunday.  Thank you for your hard work and commitment to this vital ministry.  If you would like to join the team on an occasional basis contact Naomi Rattrey nrattrey@hotmail.co.uk.
 
Yesterday we continued our sermon series looking at some of the promises found in the Bible.  We explored Genesis 45:1-11 and thought how Joseph’s experience demonstrates how God is working through all the circumstances of our lives to bring about his good purposes.  Whether you are in a good place at the moment or struggling in a valley of despair, know that in the words of the old hymn ‘God is working his purpose out as year succeeds to year’.    Next week we will be thinking about God’s promise to answer prayer.
 
Lent begins soon and Caroline Newbold will be running a Lent group on for 6 weeks for anyone not in a Connect Group.  Contact Caroline if you would like to know more or to sign up, caroline@ststephens-ealing.org
 
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.
 
This week we are re-advertising the vacant post of Worship Pastor.  Please pray that this time we will get a good response and be able to make an appointment.
 
Next Sunday (12th February) we have our usual services at 9am and 10.30am both with Holy Communion and with children and youth work at 10.30am.
 
Have a good week.

Steve