Monday 7th October 2024

Harvest
Thank you so much to all of you who gave so generously at our Harvest services yesterday. I am sure the Foodbank will be thrilled with your contributions. If you didn't get a chance to donate but would still like to, you can give here. It was also great to have Stephen leading his first All Age service since becoming our Youth Pastor and see our young people leading alongside him.

I had a fabulous time at the Harvest lunch and it was wonderful to see so many of us together, enjoying food and friendship. I sat with a couple of new families who have been coming along in the last few weeks and they talked about the lovely sense of community at St. Stephen's. I was very proud of us continuing to build such a welcoming community in this time of vacancy and grateful to God for his faithfulness in this season.

A big shout out to Jane and the team who helped organise, set up and clear/wash up as well as all those who provided such delicious food! 

This Sunday
We are joined by my great friend Ruth Roff this weekend. Ruth is a gifted preacher and is also Commissioning Editor for Hodder Faith Young Explorers - a new list at Hodder Faith publishers especially for children. She is responsible for many great titles including the award-winning 'How to Pray, A Guide for Young Explorers' by Pete Grieg. Ruth will be continuing our Challenging Lifestyles series, speaking on 'How to Live with Integrity' at both services. I am sure you will give her a warm St. Stephen's welcome!

Dates for your Diary

• Sunday 13th October - People & Planet Gathering
  People & Planet are hosting a bring and share lunch on from 12.30pm and a meeting with our MPs from 2pm. This will mark 100 days since the new Government took office, and we will be discussing their progress on the issues we are concerned with. Likely topics will be on the Climate and Nature Bill (CAN), fighting Poverty, and increasing Green Energy. Please invite friends and family and let Sue Charlton or Enid Barron know if you'd like to join them for lunch, or wish to table a question. 
   
• Tearfund Quiz Night - 16th November. Join us for this very popular St. Stephen's event. Invite friends to make a team or come along and join one on the night. 
   
• Christmas Fair - 30th November. The Christmas Fair is always really well attended by people from our local community and is a lot of fun as well as a great fundraiser for the Ealing CAP Centre (Christians Against Poverty).

As always, do keep St. Stephen's in your prayers as we await the appointment of our new vicar. Our community is precious and there has been a real season of ill health lately. I know those who are struggling would love your prayers for healing and protection. Even if you don't know who you are praying for - God does!

'Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you ill? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up....The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.' James 5:13-16

On that note, I do have anointing oil and would be happy to come and literally anoint people so do email me if you would like me to come round and pray.

God bless and have a great week!